Summer 2019
magazine
Inside:
Commencement 2019
Who is an FPD Teacher?
Robotics at World Championships
FPD Magazine First Presbyterian Day School 5671 Calvin Drive Macon, Georgia 31210 Phone: (478) 477-6505 www.fpdmacon.org Administration Joe McDaniel, Interim Headmaster Dr. Barry Shealy, Associate Headmaster Matt Kitchell, High School Principal Molly Pearson ’87, Middle School Principal Wade Putnal, Lower School Principal David Bass, Technology Director Beth Burnsed ‘00, Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management Chris Childers, Facilities & Associate Advancement Director Greg Moore ’84, Athletic & Associate Advancement Director Charlie Parrish, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Andrew Strickland, Fine Arts Director Brad Thompson, Director of College Counseling 2018-2019 Board of Trustees Dr. Brian Cardis Mr. Jason Churchwell Mrs. Ashley Copelan Mr. Rob Danner Mr. Bill Ennis Mr. Hal Foshee (Vice Chair) Dr. Hayes Fyke Dr. Cameron Garvin Mr. Jonathan Martin Rev. Joe McDaniel (Ex Officio) Rev. Chip Miller (Ex Officio) Mr. John David Miller Mr. Steven Rumford Mr. Danny Smith (Chair) Mrs. Rhonda Sutton Writing: Beth Burnsed, Barry Shealy, Brad Thompson, Jason Godbee Photography: Jordan Marshall, Andrew Brooks, Beth Burnsed Printer: Panaprint FPD Magazine is published by the First Presbyterian Day School Communications Office. Contents may be re-printed with permission of the school. For questions or comments, e-mail beth.burnsed@fpdmacon.org.
In this edition: Graduation 2
2019 Senior Class
4 Senior Spotlights 8
College Choices
10
Commencement Address
12
Salutatory Address & Valedictory Address
14
Viking Family Legacies
18
Honor Graduates
Features 20
FPD Robotics Goes to the World Championships
22
Who is an FPD Teacher?
24
Middle School Service Day
Around Campus
26
Thompson Upper School Dedication
26
Retirement of FPD Legacy Tee George
27
Student Awards & Teacher of the Year
Athletics 28
Winter & Spring Sports Recaps
30
FPD Named Top Athletic Program
Fine Arts 32
Inaugural Viking Jazz Night
Alumni
34 Alumni Notes 38
Alumni Spotlights
40
After the First Year - Class of 2018 Alumni
Quick Look 44
Q & A with Joe Mac
FPD Magazine online: Visit www.fpdmacon.org/magazine for the online edition with interactive links to more information and videos.
/fpdmacon, /fpdalumni, /fpdathletics, /fpdfinearts @fpdmacon @FPDSMacon and @FPDVikingSports
educating and equipping students to change the world for God’s glory
Graduation
2019 Class ofof
To the class of 2019 - Our mission was to educate and equip you to change the world for God’s glory. We send you off to places like Baton Rouge, Milledgeville, Augusta, Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Atlanta, Washington, Birmingham, Tallahassee, Athens, Columbia, and Hong Kong, to name a few. We challenge you to change your dorm, your freshman English class, your sorority, your campus ministry, your intramural team, and maybe even some of your professors for God’s glory. Be strong in your faith, trust in the Lord, and no matter how far away you go, please don’t forget how much those of us at 5671 Calvin Drive care about you!
The Class of 2019 is the 45th graduating class of First Presbyterian Day School. On May 18, 2019, 91 members of the class walked across the stage. FPD is now the school home of over 3,000 alumni. Academically, the class included 38 AP Scholars, 49 Honor Graduates, and 49 members of the National Honor Society. In the community and around the world, they excelled in service to others. They contributed over 15,000 hours of volunteer service to over 100 different agencies and churches during the previous four years. That equates to an average of 165 hours per student, when only 120 hours was the amount required. The Class of 2019 also excelled athletically. Due to their athleticism, for the second year in a row FPD was ranked the Top Private School Athletic Department in Middle Georgia by the Regions Bank Directors Cup. Student-athletes in the Class of 2019 have been part of numerous region, area, and state champion teams. While the class was in high school, FPD was crowned state champs in softball, golf, girls soccer, and three times in clay target shooting, along with several individual awards. The class was also superior in the arts. FPD has been blessed by the visual artwork of our senior art students. In band, members of the Class of 2019 consistently placed high in region competitions and were part of the inaugural Viking Jazz Night. Likewise, audiences were mesmerized by 20182019 theatrical performances of Starlight Express, The Tempest, and 9 Dragons, as well as performances of our dance teams and chorus. Now the Class of 2019 is off to college. After sending 327 college applications to 90 colleges in 25 states, they have selected 30 different college homes in ten different states and one other country for the next part of their journey.
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Graduation Each year FPD selects several members of the senior class to feature in this special graduation edition of the FPD Magazine. Here are their favorite FPD memories and plans for the future.
Senior Spotlights
Evan Floyd
College Choice: Mercer University Planned Major: Biology
How do you feel FPD instilled in you a foundation of faith? God is in each and everything that we learn about at FPD. One teacher in particular who instilled the biggest foundation of faith is Mr. Hopper. He used Latin to show some of the deeper meanings in the Bible, which added to my understanding to the scriptures exponentially. How do you feel your experience at FPD has prepared you for college? Coming from a public high school to FPD my sophomore year, I feel there is a very noticeable difference in quality of college readiness instilled in students at FPD. Teachers are enthusiastic about what they teach and push students to do their absolute best. Holding myself accountable for work and having experience in my own time management has greatly prepared me for college. Is there a particular teacher who made an impact? Over my years at FPD, the teacher who made the biggest impact on me is Jonathan Baker. As a member of the marching, concert, jazz, and orchestra bands, I spent a lot of time with Mr. Baker. He instilled a sense of leadership and determination to work hard that will stay with me forever. He showed me how leadership can be best used for the benefit of a group and for God’s glory, even asking me to put together a Bible study during our marching band camp and leading the whole band through it. Any advice for underclassmen? Something that I would tell underclassmen is to be sure to not just show up to class and be a body in a seat and wait until it’s time to go home. Plug into a group. Find something that you love and stick to it. School is your life for a long time, and it is far better among friends and in a place that you love.
Hannah Ferguson College Choice: University of Georgia Planned Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders
How do you feel FPD instilled in you a foundation of faith? Throughout the coursework, no matter the class, each teacher regularly integrates biblical principles and how the subject can relate to life outside of the classroom. The faculty at FPD helped me to understand how important of a role God has in my life through helping me understand His importance in what seems like the smallest of things. How do you feel your experience at FPD has prepared you for college? FPD prepared me for college both academically and spiritually. I had many challenging classes in which I was pushed to better my studying habits and to think outside of the box. Because of this, I believe that in college I will be prepared to deal with the coursework given to me. Why is FPD a wonderful and special place to be? FPD is a great school because there are so many different opportunities. Through these opportunities, students have multiple chances to grow and become ready to face college life and the real world. The greatest thing about FPD is the foundation of faith it lays for its students. FPD recognizes that we have to keep God the main thing in our lives.
Christy Wang College Choice: Ohio State University Planned Major: Psychology
Christy is an FPD International Student from Shanxi Taiyuan in China. She started FPD in tenth grade. How do you feel FPD instilled in you a foundation of faith? All the teachers that I had in past three years have been good Christian examples for me. They care about students’ feelings and are always willing to help. Is there a particular teacher who made an impact? Mrs. Bowker is our English Language Learner and Instructional Support teacher. She has a passion to help all the international students. When we need her, she is always there to give us advice. What has been your favorite part about the International Student experience at FPD? My favorite part is being able to study here with all the lovely people and learning a different culture. Why is FPD a wonderful and special place to be? FPD teaches students how to be more like Jesus, and all the faculty illustrate it to all the students.
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Emily Turner
College Choice: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Planned Major: Mechanical Engineering How do you feel your experience at FPD has prepared you for college? I feel that the workload I had attending FPD helped me be prepared for the amount of work, dedication, and determination that I will need in college. It helped me improve my time management skills to maintain my grades and still perform well in my extracurricular activities. Why is FPD a wonderful and special place to be? It’s a wonderful school because of the opportunities that students are offered here while also incorporating faith in everything. It is beneficial to be taught things from a biblical perspective because it helps prepare you to naturally integrate God in your life, so that when you go off to college and start your own life you will already be predisposed to keeping God present in your mind and life all the time. Any advice for underclassmen? Don’t stop challenging yourself when you reach senior year, but don’t overwork yourself either. Try to find a balance. It is also important to try things related to whatever you think you want to study in college while you’re not yet looking for a college. This will help you decide early what you want to study.
Marshall Danner
College Choice: University of Georgia Planned Major: Business
How do you feel your experience at FPD has prepared you for college? I believe that the rigor of FPD’s classes has helped me to prepare for college. I learned how much work I need to put in to succeed at what I’m doing. I also experienced the joy of the hard work paying off. I will definitely take this experience and feeling with me to college, where I will continue to strive to do my best to succeed in everything I do. Why is FPD a wonderful and special place to be? FPD is a great school because of the community it provides. I’ve been attending this school for 14 years, and as a result, I have friendships developed just recently as well as friendships I have maintained since PreK. The faculty and staff at FPD have helped immensely in making FPD feel like such a great community. I can go to any of my teachers or coaches for any help I may need, no matter when I may need it. I have never felt alone at FPD. I have always felt that the school had such a major part in my life and who I am today. Any advice for underclassmen? My advice for the underclassmen is to not take these moments with your friends for granted. Do not take your high school experience for granted. High school goes by much quicker than you think, so you should enjoy these moments while you have them. You should also take advantage of the great faculty and curriculum that FPD provides. Most importantly, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” (Colossians 3:23).
Will Ware
College Choice: Georgia Southern University Planned Major: Construction Management
How do you feel your experience at FPD has prepared you for college? I believe that if I had gone to any other school I would not have been as prepared for college. FPD has taught me how to study in a way that helps me learn and understand what I am studying. Also, it has improved my ability to manage my time wisely. Is there a particular teacher or coach who made an impact? One coach who had the biggest impact on my life would have to be Coach Turley, without a doubt. He has been my football and my lacrosse coach for the past three years; he has also been my teacher. He is an awesome teacher, an amazing coach, and an even better person. He has always been there for me through the ups and downs of high school. Why is FPD a wonderful and special place to be? FPD became like a second home for me. I spent most of my life there. This place taught me more than just vocabulary words and equations. It taught me how to be kind and respectful to others.
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College Choices
Bryce Ball Sydney Bishop Mary Jayne Bonfim Bella BossĂŠ-Joseph Payton Bullington Phillip Carlton Chase Clay Chan Copelan Paris Copeland Ben Corbin Austin Cox Chasity Cummings Rob Cunningham Marshall Danner Naijul Day Abigail Dean Chloe DeZoort Colton Dixon Deldra Draper Anna Leigh Durham Jazlyn Faison Hannah Ferguson Mia Ferro Sadonna Fleming Bryce Floyd Evan Floyd Erin Fortson Cam Foster William Frank Halen Fulk Eliot Gammons Chase Garrison Mac Garvin Carson Green Collier Griffin Haley Harden Meg Hardin Karsten Herron Avery Hobbs Anna Katherine Honeycutt Mandy Huang Jordan Jackson Caroline Jia Blake Jones Grey Jones Nic Kerr
Louisiana State University Georgia College Auburn University Augusta University University of Georgia University of Alabama Georgia Southern University Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Auburn University Central Georgia Technical College Georgia Southern University Columbus State University University of Mississippi University of Georgia Kennesaw State University Florida State University Kennesaw State University Middle Georgia State University Middle Georgia State University Auburn University Kennesaw State University University of Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology Howard University Mercer University Mercer University United States Army Samford University Young Harris College Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Middle Georgia State University Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Gordon State University University of Georgia Georgia Institute of Technology University of Kentucky Georgia College Georgia College Kennesaw State University Auburn University Kennesaw State University Pennsylvania State University Samford University Emmanuel College University of Georgia
Molly Lee Harrison Martin Bethany Martinez Jackson McCart Maddie McClure Jacob Miller Connor Moore Zoe Neisler Karsen Ochs Loren Oliver Tess Park Andrei Parrish Nicole Parrish Lily Peavy Nathanael Peterson Josh Raines Moe Register Gracie Rehberg Emma Robinson Benjamin Ryle Jansyn Samples Sarah Beth Scarborough Roy Shen Gray Simmons Charles Smith Nathan Smith Jay Spivey Chet Thompson John Coleman Tidwell Christian Tinkey Christalyn Tobler Ty Turley Emily Turner Christy Wang Will Ware Caroline Watson Lindsey Watson Will Watson Katie White Kirsten Williams Anna Mercer Willingham Wesley Wilson Klein Woods Jordan Wooten Ann Wu
University of Georgia Georgia College Mercer University Georgia Southern University Florida State University Young Harris College Georgia College Kennesaw State University University of South Carolina Kennesaw State University University of Georgia Georgia Southern University Middle Georgia State University University of Georgia Kennesaw State University of North Georgia South Georgia Technical College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia College Kennesaw State University Georgia Institute of Technology Berry College Open University of Hong Kong Georgia Institute of Technology Kennesaw State Georgia Institute of Technology Mercer University Georgia Southern University Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Auburn University Jacksonville University Georgia Southern University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ohio State University Georgia Southern University Kennesaw State University University of North Georgia Georgia Southern University Auburn University Mercer University University of Georgia Georgia Southern University North Greenville University University of Alabama Ohio State University
Class of
91
2019 by the numbers
Graduates
80 38 49 49 %
Eligible for the HOPE Scholarship
AP Scholars
attending
30
different colleges in 10 different states & 1 other country • 327 college applications • Applications to 90 different schools in 25 states
6
athletes planning to play sports in college
Members of the National Honor Society
1 2 3
Honor Grads
• Dooley Award State Winner • Exchange Club Youth of the Month
• Golden Eagle Winners • Graduating with Diploma Endorsements in Fine Arts • Georgia Scholars • Graduating with Diploma Endorsements in Service
15,100
hours of Community Service in four years of high school fpdmacon.org // 09
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: Lieutenant General (Ret.) William B. Caldwell, IV I know this is a time, Class of 2019, that people are giving you lots of advice.
he wanted me to help him stay in the Army. Even more, he wanted me to
Your grandparents are telling you what you might want to think about.
keep him in the 82nd Airborne Division. Now, if you are assigned to the
Maybe mom and dad said one or two things. Perhaps fellow graduates
82nd Airborne Division, it is a physically challenging unit, even for a very
wrote something in your yearbook. Well I’m going to add a little more
healthy person. There is also a requirement that says you must jump out
wisdom to that collection of things you are pulling together at this point.
of a perfectly good airplane every 90 days. That’s where the “Airborne” in
Something that I believe will absolutely change your life. There are many
the 82nd comes from. But amputees don’t jump out of airplanes, much less
things that are helpful overall, but I really do believe that there is one secret
serve in the Army.
key ingredient to life. I listened to him and promised to visit him again. I needed to encourage To do that, I would like to share with you all a story about an American
him, but I didn’t want to give him any false hope. But every time I saw him
soldier. Some of you are probably thinking that I want to talk about Patton,
at the medical center, he was always so positive despite his pain and his
or Eisenhower, or McArthur. But I don’t. What I want to talk about is
agony. His passion to want to continue serving and his “can do” attitude
Sergeant Dan Metzdorf. There is nothing about Metzdorf that would cause
were contagious. Instead of complaining about life’s situation, instead of
you to expect greatness. He did not have a college education. He was a
demanding all of the rights and benefits that are awarded to those who are
young man, not very experienced. He had not attained much rank in the
amputees, he was ready to change the system in order to continue to serve.
United States Military. He was like many who enlist in the Army - not sure what their future holds, not sure what they are going to do with their life, so
Eventually, we did succeed in his quest. He became the first amputee in the
the Army sounds like a great place to start.
United States Army to be able to remain in there post-9/11 and the first to return to the 82nd. If that was not good enough, almost two years later,
The first time I heard of Dan is when he reached out to me. I had just been
to everybody’s amazement, he jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. A
announced to assume command of the 82nd Airforce Division. Dan was a
few years after that, he was picked out and selected to serve in the world-
paratrooper from that unit who was recovering from wounds at an Army
renowned U.S. Army Golden Knights Competition Parachute Team at Fort
medical center. He wanted to talk to me because he had lost his leg in Iraq
Bragg, North Carolina.
in January 2004, just ten days after arriving in that country, and he was on a long road to recovery.
Dan’s spirit fought against that overwhelming urge to become bitter and depressed about his lost limb. In doing so, he became an inspiration, not
He wanted desperately to continue serving in the Army, but amputees,
just to me but to every member of the entire 82nd Airborne Division,
at that time, were separated from the Army. He didn’t want to be. When
18,000 paratroopers.
I first met with him, I saw the extent of his injuries. His leg was literally removed all the way up to the hip. I thought he needed to accept reality and
Each of them knew of this amputee. They all knew he was serving beside
understand that what he was asking was absolutely impossible. In fact, he
them. His courage and his determination were motivation for every single
would be lucky to even walk again.
paratrooper. Sergeant Metzdorf would become the person everyone would use to encourage others through difficult times, reminding them “look what
Dan knew that, but he also knew that I would be his next Commander, and
Metzdorf has done against overwhelming odds.”
Every person in this audience will face a painful circumstance in your life that you cannot control. If there is one thing I have learned in life, it is this: Pain is inevitable. Misery, however, is optional. There are many things you can’t control in this world, but the one thing you have absolute control over is your attitude – how you choose to see your personal situation. You can either choose to become bitter when life throws you a curveball or you can choose to become better. Dan Metzdorf was an ordinary person, but he chose to live his life with extraordinary integrity, unwavering passion, personal commitment, and uncommon courage. I strive to be just like him in my everyday life. Apostle Paul told us in Philippians 4:11-13, “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned that the secret to being content in any situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Learning how to be content with your situation, no matter how much you have or how much is taken away, really is the secret to a bitter-free life. There was an airplane pilot who was flying over the Tennessee mountains, and he pointed out a lake below and said to his co-pilot, “When I was a little boy, I used to sit in a row boat down there and fish. Every time a plane would fly overhead, I would look up and wish I was flying in that plane. Now, I wish I was in that rowboat.” Wanting what we don’t have is always an elusive pursuit. On the flip side, true contentment is the ability to be thankful for what you do have. If I can share with you one secret to a joyful life, as you leave high school and begin to go to college, it’s this – you can choose to face whatever comes your way, like Metzdorf did, with true grit, with an attitude of gratitude for what you do have, while you resist that urge to complain about how life has not treated you fairly or that you are not getting what you deserve. I rose to the rank of being a three-star general, and still today one of my greatest heroes I’ve always admired is a young enlisted soldier who taught
me that life with the right attitude and determined spirit could lead you to a bitter-free life. Thank you, all, for allowing me to be here this special day. Thanks for what this great institution does for these children, the families, and this community. FPD is an absolutely wonderful school. Those of us who look and see it all the time, admire what you do as a mission and the fact that the Christian values are so well upheld amongst all the students. May God bless you all, the class of 2019, your families. As you take off and go from here, may the Lord look over you and keep you safe. God bless you.
Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV became the 21st president of Georgia Military College (GMC) in 2013. Under his leadership, GMC now has fourteen campuses, plus an online campus. Lieutenant General Caldwell was commissioned as an officer from the United States Military Academy, Westpoint in 1976. He earned additional advanced degrees from the Naval Post Graduate School and the Army. He has served at the highest levels of the United States Army and has received numerous awards and recognitions during his thirty-seven years of distinguished service in the military and in foreign relations. He and his wife, Rev. Stephanie Caldwell, are originally from Columbus, Georgia. Two of their children are students at GMC Prep School. Their daughter will be attending the Air Force Academy this summer. Their older son attends the United States Military Academy at Westpoint.
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SALUTATORY ADDRESS: Hannah Ferguson
Good afternoon faculty, family, and friends, and welcome! Thank each and every one of you for being here today to support us as we commence a new phase of life. To the faculty I want to express how much your perseverance has impacted our class. Even when we would slack off a bit and complain about whatever assignment was given, you responded with compassion and pushed us to be the best we could be. You took the time to get to know us, not just academically, but spiritually. Without you, our lives would be completely different. It is because of your constant pursuit, that we are now equipped to become godly young men and women. To all of the family members: parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, the love that you demonstrate to each of us reflects in our work. Growing up, you provided us with an example of how we are to interact with others and stay motivated despite whatever hardships we face. Thank you for picking us up from school, practices and rehearsals, chaperoning on field trips, organizing parties, and your overall support in every phase of life. In thinking of ways to describe our graduating class, only one word came to mind: determination. There was never a time when I heard someone set a goal and doubted that they would be able to accomplish it. These goals were typically pretty small, such as completing an assignment on time or doing extra credit projects to make up for the assignments that were not turned in on time. Not only were we determined to accomplish the smaller, mundane goals, but also those that included countless hours of hard work to accomplish. Within our class there are two Golden Eagle Award recipients, members of the golf, soccer, softball, and other teams that won state championships, members of the marching band who placed first in multiple 1A competitions, as well as many other notable young men and women. One of my favorite memories from senior year just so happens to completely capture how our class transforms our determination
attending the University of Georgia
into unity. This year, the members of our class decided that uniforms just were not going to cut it on Halloween. We had to go bigger. The teachers thought that we were bluffing when we said we would wear costumes to school; they should not have doubted us. That day we arrived dressed as various types of food, fictional characters, athletes, and superheroes. A couple even went as far as dressing up as some of the FPD faculty. Though this decision may have been ill advised, the fact that we were able to come together over something we were all passionate about, and actually execute it, speaks volumes about who we are. We are a class full of artists, athletes, musicians, and so much more. I am so thankful and proud to have spent all these years working with all of you, determined, to get to this day. Thank you!
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS: Haley Harden Friends and family, thank you for being here today to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2019. Teachers and faculty, thank you for helping us to be the Class of 2019. We could not have done it without the patience, support, and love from everyone in this room. I’m speaking right now because I’m the Valedictorian, but I would not be up here for that reason without you, the Class of 2019. I don’t know about other schools, but Georgia Tech made me put down my major when I was applying. I didn’t know how to choose. Your major determines what job you’ll get, how much money you’ll make which determines where you’ll live and what kind of house you can buy. And what if I end up in a job I hate? What if I don’t choose correctly? I think we’re all guilty of thinking this way, being overly consumed with how big and scary the choices we’re facing right now may seem—or it might just be me. But if God has shown me one thing over my nine years at FPD, it’s that we can have our perfect future planned out, but it’s never going to be as wonderful as the plan God has already laid out for us. And, yes, we’ve been taught this since we were little, but the truth of it really pierced my heart as I was looking back at my time with you, Class of 2019. In Exodus, after God led the Israelites out of Egypt, they still had a lot of wandering in the desert to do. By day, they followed God’s pillar of smoke, and by night they followed His pillar of fire. They woke up every morning making the decision to follow God again that day and trust He knew where He was going, because they surely didn’t. This model of waking up every day choosing to trust God and give Him our best, well, I saw it in our class. I mean, look at Spirit Week! I can assure you we did not have a giant game plan, but we all came together, worked hard, and we had fun. We ended up winning the Spirit Cup, and worry didn’t eat us up along the way. Look at the teams and clubs we’re a part of. We’ve won multiple state championships in things like soccer, softball, shooting, and golf, and gone to the World Championship level for robotics. We dominated Powderpuff every year. Those in the musical conquered rolling through the audience and down ramps on shoes with wheels while singing. Those on the yearbook staff created a three-hundredpage masterpiece that took hours of dedication to complete. To the international students we have graduating with us, you guys are truly inspirational for working so hard in a country and with a language you may not have been comfortable with beforehand. We’ve accomplished each of these things by showing up every day and committing to work for God, not ourselves. Because of
attending the Georgia Institute of Technology
leading and learning from you, my Class of 2019, when I don’t have everything planned “to a T,” it doesn’t freak me out like it did in middle school when I did not understand the grading scale in Algebra 1. No, my lack of perfect plans actually gives me peace and excitement because of what I’ve seen us accomplish with an everyday commitment to work for the Lord. Now, look how far He’s taken us, and we’re only just graduating high school. Before moving to Macon and coming to FPD nine years ago, I never would have chosen to leave my comfortable life I had planned out, but, oh, how I “tasted and saw” how much more amazing God’s vision for me was. I got to grow up with all of you, Class of 2019. Now I know, there is a way for us to choose the right major, to get the right job, to live the right life. As believers, that pillar of fire that the Israelites followed, it lives in us. Because of this, we don’t have to live our lives in fear of the future, because we are confident in God’s future. That’s how each and every one of us made it through high school, why we’re sitting right here. And that’s why we can have peace and excitement for this uncertain future before us. As I finish, I want to remind us of what we thought our first eighteen years were going to look like, and then what they actually ended up being. All the friendships, teachers, Spirit Week victories, state championships, tests we’ve passed, classes we’ve conquered, and anything I didn’t have time to mention in my designated five minutes. I’m so excited to see how God unfolds the rest of His plan for every single one of our lives. It’s going to be amazing. Those college campuses better watch out.
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Graduation
Legacies VIKING FAMILY
CLASS OF 2019 GRADUATES & FAMILY ALUMNI
Samuel ‘16 & Syndey Bishop
Alan ‘17, Phillip, Sumner ‘15 Carlton
Chase Clay & Leigh Thomas Robinson ‘93
Robby ‘88 & Marshall Danner
Miller ‘16, Anna Leigh, Michael ‘16 Durham
Hannah & Andy ‘15 Ferguson
Daniell Ferro Patterson ‘13, Mia Ferro, Sam Ferro ‘16
William & Kim Brown ‘81 Frank
Jim ‘86 & Megan Hardin
Kendall ‘16 & Karsten Herron
Nancy Anderson Honeycutt ‘88 & Anna Katherine Honeycutt
Anna Grace ‘16, Michael, Sam ‘15 Jones
Conner ‘13, Blake, Barron ‘15 Jones
Leah Benton Lee ‘88, Molly Lee, Savannah Lee ‘17
Brenley ‘14 & Bethany Martinez
Darin ‘84 & Maddie McClure
Jake ‘14, Lily, Emily ‘11 Peavy
Jonathan ‘15 & Josh Raines
Emma Robinson, Leigh Thomas Robinson ‘93, Chase Clay
Casey Whalen ‘06, Stacey Ryle ‘07 Whalen, Benjamin Ryle, Jessica Ryle Sellers ‘03
Maisyn ‘15 & Jansyn Samples
Matthew ‘03, John Mark ‘08, Nathan, Judd ‘78, Andrew ‘10 Smith
Mark Spivey ‘78, Jackson Spivey ‘17, Scott Spivey ‘85, Rick Frame ‘85, Sadie Frame ‘18, Jacki Frame Spivey ‘86, James Spivey, Cheri Gunnells Frame ‘89
John Coleman Tidwell ‘88, John Coleman Tidwell, Lee Tidwell Barrow ‘86, Dan Tidwell ‘91
David ‘81, Christian, Faith ‘15 Tinkey
EJ ‘17 & Christalyn Tobler
Kevin ‘88, James, Scarlett Rives ‘88 Watson
Melissa Crook White ‘87 & Katie White
Mac ‘17, Anna Mercer, Summer ‘13 Willingham
Breanna ‘18, Kirsten, Ray ‘87 Williams
Martin ‘14, Wesley, Martin ‘83 Wilson
SENIOR RECOGNITION
ACADEMIC Valedictorian - Haley Harden Salutatorian - Hannah Ferguson Class President - Haley Harden Senior Superlatives - Marshall Danner, Haley Harden, Harrison Martin, Jansyn Samples, Gray Simmons, Anna Mercer Willingham Star Student & Teacher - Jansyn Samples and Chelsea Latimer Georgia Scholar - Haley Harden, Payton Bullington, Gray Simmons
Best Citizen Award: Payton Bullington and Gray Simmons
Star Student & Teacher: Jansyn Samples and Chelsea Latimer
Golden Eagle Award Winners - Haley Harden, Art; Gray Simmons, Technology Honor Council Moderator - Haley Harden SERVICE Exchange Club Youth of the Month Karsen Ochs Most Community Service Hours Sadonna Fleming Prudential Spirit Award - Molly Lee, Harrison Martin, Karsen Ochs, Gray Simmons FPD Best Citizen Award - Payton Bullington, Gray Simmons
Senior Male & Female Athletes of the Year: Josh Raines & Erin Fortson
Most Community Service Hours: Sadonna Fleming
FINE ARTS Director’s Award, Theatre - Hannah Ferguson Mentor Award, Theatre - Abigail Dean John Philip Sousa Award, Band - Evan Floyd ATHLETICS Male Outstanding Athlete - Josh Raines Female Outstanding Athlete - Erin Fortson Dooley Award Nominees - Marshall Danner, Karsen Ochs (winner)
Prudential Spirit Award: Molly Lee, Harrison Martin, Karsen Ochs, Gray Simmons
Georgia Scholars: Haley Harden, Payton Bullington, Gray Simmons
Macon Sports Hall of Fame Scholar Athletes Austin Cox and Molly Lee
Congratulations to all members of FPD’s Class of 2019. fpdmacon.org // 17
Class of 2019
Honor Graduates Sydney Bishop
Bella Bosse-Joseph
Payton Bullington*
Paris Copeland
Austin Cox
Chasity Cummings
Marshall Danner*
Abigail Dean*
Chloe DeZoort
Anna Leigh Durham
Jazlyn Faison*
Hannah Ferguson*
Mia Ferro*
Sadonna Fleming
Bryce Floyd
Evan Floyd*
Eliot Gammons
Mac Garvin
Collier Griffin*
Haley Harden*
*With Distinction
Karsten Herron
Avery Hobbs
Mandy Huang
Nicholas Kerr
Molly Lee*
Harrison Martin
Bethany Martinez*
Maddie McClure*
Connor Moore*
Karsen Ochs*
Tess Park*
Lily Peavy
Nathanael Petterson*
Gracie Rehberg*
Benjamin Ryle*
Jansyn Samples*
Sarah Beth Scarborough
Gray Simmons*
Nathan Smith*
Jay Spivey*
Emily Turner
Christy Wang
Will Ware
Caroline Watson
Lindsey Watson*
Katie White*
Kirsten Williams*
Anna Mercer Willingham*
Ann Wu*
*With Distinction
Feature
FPD Robotics takes on the
WORLD In February 2019, the First Presbyterian Day School robotics team, Smida Syndicate, accomplished something never before seen by the FPD robotics team - they qualified for the First Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship in Houston, Texas. Competing at the world level was a wonderful conclusion to an exciting season. At the state level, Smida Syndicate competed with the best 42 teams from the state, culled from over 150 total FTC teams in Georgia. In addition to qualifying for the World Championship, the team took home second place in the “Inspire Awards,” which includes components of community education, robotic performance and design, and the Engineering Notebook. It is akin to the “most well-rounded award” in the world of robotics. At the World Competition, FPD competed with and against 1,400 teams from over 70 different countries. The experience in itself was incredible as they met students from all over the world. In the end, the team came home as a Design Award Finalist.
“It feels amazing,” said Gray Simmons, captain of the robotics team. “The past few years we’ve gotten to state and last year we made it to Super Regionals. This is the first time we’ve made to the Worlds, so we are really proud of that.” In addition to going to the World Championship, the team continues to be active in the community. “Part of the success of the FPD team, I believe,” says Robotics Team Adviser Tami Tesch-Jerles, “is the work ethic of our students, not only in fulfilling the needs of our own team’s competition, but our work in Central Georgia.” One of the team’s chief outreach projects is partnering with Campus Clubs to teach robotics to the kids in their after school and summer programs. The FPD team started tutoring the Campus Club kids in robotics about eight years ago. They teach the young programmers how to design, build, and program their own robots. Smida Syndicate encouraged the Campus Club team to embark on their own competition as an FLL (FIRST LEGO
League) team three years ago. This year the Campus Clubs team also exceeded their own expectations – qualifying for the FLL State Tournament for the first time! “What is cool about this group of students,” says Tesch-Jerles, “is how they’re growing the generation behind them, based on the generosity and support they have gained themselves from our community. This is a cycle indicative of a healthy future for us all!” The FPD robotics team wants to recognize the support they receive from the Central Georgia community through supplies, mentoring, and volunteers from Mercer University, MERC in Warner Robins, and Techwood Precision Enterprises.
FPD Robotics Team Back row: Maddie Bass, Gray Simmons, Chandler Daniely, Owen Huggins, Daniel Cardis, Nathan Smith. Middle Row: Kevin Wang, Lea Qi, Justin Chang, Carter Mitchell, Will Jewel, Nathanael Peterson, Mason Kelley. Front Row: Maggie Gao, Merit Huggins, Jack Neisler, Ryann Perkins, Tyler Perkins, Emily Turner, Tess Park. Not pictured: Nick Xiao
Countries represented at the World Competition
Where does “Smida Syndicate” come from: Smida is a Norse word meaning “forged of metal,” based on the school’s Viking mascot and the material used to build the robots. Syndicate was chosen to symbolize a unit or team working for one goal.
FPD robotics team members with Campus Club kids
fpdmacon.org // 21
Feature
“Everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher”
Who is an FPD Teacher? Luke 6:40b
Dr. Barry Shealy, FPD Associate Headmaster
Recently, I presented the William Harris Bragg Teacher of the Year Award to math teacher Cynthia Huggins. Cynthia’s students and peers praised her for supporting students personally, academically, and spiritually. They mentioned her hard work, availability, skill in the classroom, and love for FPD. As one student said, “She works with us personally and will always do everything she can to help us succeed, while keeping the class challenging enough that we have to try our hardest.”
Teachers over the past 20 years. We have also had as many as 20 teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year in a single year. It is no surprise that parents consistently mention our teachers as a primary strength of the school. One parent wrote during accreditation last year, “The teachers and staff members go above and beyond to get to know our students on a personal level, supporting their strengths and giving them wings.” So, who are these 90+ people we entrust our students with for 1200 hours a year (plus many hours of after-school activities)?
Earlier this spring, our STAR Student, Jansyn Samples, selected English and psychology teacher Chelsea Latimer as her STAR Teacher. For this award, the school’s top SAT scorer selects the teacher who had the greatest impact on his or her scholastic development.
The FPD Profile of a Christian Educator defines four characteristics we seek in teachers.
In many schools, the same one or two teachers are recognized year after year. At FPD, however, students have selected 18 different STAR
Mature and Growing Christian The Apostle Paul encouraged his readers to, “Be imitators of me, as I imitate Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1). FPD calls teachers who are worthy of emulating. They all have different personalities, gifts, styles, interests, and abilities but all share the quality of mature and growing Christians and credible professions of faith. All teachers are involved in a local church and many teach and serve in leadership capacities in those churches. They participate in biblical studies as part of their professional learning and their annual professional growth plans include plans for spiritual growth. They regularly pray for each other and worship together at least monthly. During accreditation, one teacher praised “the community among the faculty which overflows to the families of our students. The teachers truly care about each other and the hearts of their students.”
Qualified and Growing Professional All FPD faculty members have a degree and certification or its equivalent in their teaching field. Over 70% of teachers have an advanced degree (as compared to 44% of Georgia teachers). FPD
teachers average 18 years of experience with over 80% teaching for 10 or more years. One noted educator said, “If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow.” Our teachers understand this concept well and participate regularly in educational, subject area, and biblical studies. We have a strong Professional Learning Community culture with teachers learning with and from each other in ways that connect their learning directly to their classrooms. We annually have a whole-school learning emphasis. This year the faculty and staff participated in small group studies of Paul David Tripp’s “Your Christian School – A Culture of Grace.” Individuals and groups of teachers also traveled to workshops on writing, technology, literature, mathematics (at the University of Chicago), environmental education, and physics among others. Recently, a group of teachers shared their experience at a Diversity in Christian Education conference with the entire faculty. A visiting college administrator was so impressed with our professional learning he said he hoped to take aspects of our model back to his university. In our graduate profile, we want all our students to be Lifelong Learners, and our teachers are great models for them.
Competent Christian Educator FPD teachers’ instructional skills are evaluated in seven areas including demonstrating understanding of the nature of the learner, the content area and how it is arranged to facilitate learning, and the assessment of student achievement. Part of the teacher’s content knowledge is demonstrating a Biblical foundation for the subject area. For example, in teaching about the “first Christian king of the Franks,”
Rennie Atkinson is able to raise the issue of what it means to be a “Christian” ruler. In my Calculus class, I emphasize that we are developing ways of modeling our world to identify and solve problems we face, and thus fulfill our God-given responsibility for redemptive action in the world. English teachers use literature to help students understand and respond to different world views they may face in life. A mentor of mine said the best teaching method is the redeemed personality of the teacher. Students experience a wide variety of innovative instructional methods, both across classes and within an individual class. We especially value hands-on and integrated learning opportunities. These can be widely seen in Lower School science as students are involved in our instructional gardens, nature trails, and with the lab and STEAM carts. The Middle School teachers have implemented integrated, interactive units and incorporated service learning aspects as well. Our teachers have presented their work at regional teacher conferences. Our teachers also use technology to enhance learning and to help students understand and become proficient in the appropriate use of today’s tools.
Trustworthy and Loyal Employee
administrative tasks including documenting student performance, managing curriculum standards, implementing school policy, and communicating with parents. It is an encouragement to see teachers attending plays, concerts, sporting events, and other activities to support students outside of the classroom. The mission of FPD addresses many aspects of student growth (see the Profile of a Graduate, pg. 42). Our teachers understand that mission and the full development of our students.
Conclusion In surveys and accreditation reports, FPD is regularly praised for its sense of community, strength of the academic program, and focus on spiritual formation. Along with these, the most consistent area of praise is for the faculty and staff. Our last accreditation visiting team said they found a mission-driven school with a well-deserved, solid reputation, unique in the community. The foundation for this evaluation is the mission-unified faculty and staff that God has called and assembled. James says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). We have a group of men and women who are, by God’s grace and guidance, up for the challenge.
Our teachers are accountable for many
fpdmacon.org // 23
Feature
Middle School Service Day April 17, 2019
FPD’s sixth, seventh, and eighth graders along with several faculty members and administrators spread out across the Macon community on Wednesday, April 17, to share God’s love, and serve others. Community Service at FPD is an important part of our school’s culture. Following the example of Jesus Himself, our students serve in communities at home and afar to share the love of Christ. FPD’s program is distinctive in that it focuses on distressed populations through mission/service trips, direct service, and indirect support of ministry agencies. “Our Community Service program is unique,” said FPD Community Service Director, Holly Scott. “Our program is student-led, student-motivated, and studentgenerated. We encourage students to discover their gifts and passions and to use them to serve others.” FPD’s Middle School Service Day is one part
of the encompassing program that fosters a heart for serving others. The goal of FPD’s Middle School Service Day is to highlight some of the many opportunities students have to give back and serve in the Macon community. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade partnered with FPD seniors to assist at various ministries including United in Pink, the Backpack Ministry, Methodist Children’s Home, Salvation Army, Fuller Center for Housing, Oaks at Peake Rehabilitation Center, Macon Rescue Mission, Macon Outreach, and various elementary schools. They stocked food pantries, cleaned and repaired homes, assisted staff, spent time with elderly residents at rehabilitation centers, and led young elementary students in art projects. When asked why he thought it was important to serve others, eighth grader Akoi Fumbah
responded, “I think that it is important because there are a lot of people out there who need help. When a whole middle school gets out into the community and helps, it makes Macon a better place and makes other people, and yourself, happy.” Fellow eighth grader, Laura Chan agreed, “Community service shows that we need to be thankful for everything we have and that we can’t take anything at our school or anywhere else for granted. I would encourage others to serve because it not only affects the lives of the people you are serving, but it affects the way you feel as well.” FPD’s Middle School Service Day reminds students of the hands-on ways they can serve others. They see the difference their efforts make and the ways they can glorify God and share His love. This motivation continues into high school, college, and later in their careers.
fpdmacon.org // 25
On Campus
Dedication of the Thompson Upper School On April 7, 2019, the FPD Upper School building officially became the Thompson Upper School, commemorating the 22-year legacy of Mr. Gregg Thompson. Friends and family members gathered in the lobby of FPD’s Clark Fine Arts Center to honor Gregg and Beverly Thompson and recognize the multiple blessings the Lord bestowed upon FPD during Mr. Thompson’s tenure as headmaster. Over the past two decades, FPD experienced significant growth – adding hundreds of students, impacting the lives of thousands for God’s glory, launching the 1-to-1 initiative, celebrating three National Blue Ribbons for Exemplary Performance, incorporating new art and athletic opportunities, and adding multiple facilities on campus.
Throughout these changes, the heart of FPD remained the same under Mr. Thompson’s leadership. Love for the Lord and love for students are constants. A community of Christian men and women who seek to glorify God through their roles as teachers and mentors is still the defining hallmark of FPD. The mission remains to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. At the dedication, Mr. Thompson’s brother Eric remarked, “To see what he’s been able to accomplish there through the school is amazing, and you’re going to miss him. And he’s going to go on and accomplish great things for the Lord.”
33 years of sweet smiles & hugs! Mrs. Tee George, lovingly called “Ms. Tee,” retired from FPD after 33 years of service at the end of the 2018 – 2019 academic year. Tee influenced the lives for hundreds of FPD students since she started as a pre-kindergarten aide in 1986. Now serving as a 3K aide, her love for teaching and her students is evident. Students bounce into her classroom every morning to be greeted by her warm smile and loving hugs. “It has been such an honor to have Tee as part of our faculty for so many years,” said Wade Putnal, FPD Lower School Principal. “She brings so much love and joy to our littlest students.” Tee says her favorite part about being a teacher is interacting with the children and watching them grow up. When asked what she hopes for her students, she quickly responds, “to know the Lord and to have
No truer words could have been said. We pray God’s blessings on Mr. Thompson and his family as he follows God’s calling.
success and happiness!” Tee says her plans for retirement include “traveling, reading, and enjoying sleeping past 6:00 a.m.!” We have been blessed to have Tee as part of the FPD family for the past three decades and know she’ll continue to be a familiar face around campus.
Student Awards selection of awards given at end of year assemblies
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS Middle School Speech Bee: Aimee Comer, 1st; Emily Jones, 2nd; Laura Chan, 3rd Middle School Spelling Bee: Clayton Burnett Middle School National Geographic Bee: Harvey Roddenberry Regional Science Fair: Emily Edwards, 3rd place for Health Science division. Samantha Belote and Shelby Simmons, 2nd place for Animal Behavior division. Judy Jones Family Scholarship: Madison English Gil Cutright Memorial Award: William West Patti Fuchs Cup: Emily Edwards Short Story Award: Tate Garrison, Sophia Ives, Mary Holland Matthews, Marley Hutcheson, Macy Fuller, Callie Kate Ware, Natalie Griffin Daughters of the American Revolution, American History Award: Sophia Ives
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
Governor’s Honors Semi-finalists: Christian Crosby, Tyler Perkins, Ryann Perkins, Owen Huggins and Erica Fuller Governor’s Honors Finalist: Owen Huggins and Tyler Perkins Daughters of the American Revolution, American History Award: Charles Upshaw Daughters of the American Revolution, Citizenship Award: Harrison Bonfim Rotary Youth Leadership Award: James Ives Girls State: Anna Grace Reeves Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership: Avery Kemper, Matt Rose Ponder Family Scholarship: Christian Crosby Andy Bridges Memorial Scholarship: Anna Massey James Tate Girardeau Scholarship: Anna Lako McKay Family Scholarship: Claire Harrison Judy Jones Family Scholarship: Erica Fuller WRaP English Exam, Excellence: Megan Williams, Reagan Simmons, and Bonner Law Georgia Certificate of Merit: Anna Lako, Camden Lashley, Mackenzie Harden, Sue Yang, Caroline Rutledge, Mary Grace Yarbrough Furman Scholars: Daniel Cardis, Olivia Gardner, and Austin Murray Presbyterian College Junior Fellows Program: Mackenzie Harden, Anna Lako, Camden Lashley, Anna Massey, Kaylee Moore, Austin Murray, Anna Grace Reeves, Caroline Rutledge, Cassie Sutton, Sue Yang, and Mary Grace Yarbrough Wofford College Scholars: Mackenzie Harden, Camden Lashley, Caroline Rutledge, Sue Yang, and Mary Grace Yarbrough
Mrs. Cynthia Huggins named 2019 Teacher of the Year FPD is very honored to recognize Mrs. Cynthia Huggins as the 2019 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Huggins teaches AP Calculus, middle school math, and is chair of the High School Math Department. High School principal Matt Kitchell noted, “She is an unbelievably hard worker, meticulous in her preparation. She treats all students with grace and kindness, while holding high expectations.” Haley Harden (‘19) agreed, “[Mrs. Huggins’] heart for the Lord is extremely evident in class each and every day, and her teaching skills make an advanced class low-stress and efficient. I’d like to send her a huge thank you for her influence in my life this year.” “She always stays late and arrives early to make sure her students receive the one-on-one attention they need to learn a concept,” noted fellow faculty member Robyn Robertson. “She is always eager to help new teachers and is a great mentor to many faculty members.” The Teacher of the Year award is given in memory of Mr. William Harris Bragg. Steve and Ginger Bragg wanted to remember their dad in a way that recognizes an FPD teacher’s commitment to honor Christ and make a difference in students’ lives. The criteria for selection include: Christian character, professional excellence, concern for students, and commitment to our school.
Georgia College Leadership Book Award: Camden Lashley Sewanee Award for Excellence: Caroline Rutledge
fpdmacon.org // 27
VIKING ATHLETICS
WINTER & SPRING
BOYS BASKETBALL
SWIMMING
Coach Gavin Chapman completed his first season at
The Vikings had 63 swimmers in middle school through high school
the helm of the Vikings and laid a solid foundation for the
participate in swimming this year. Both boys and girls teams were
future. The team graduated four seniors: Bryce Ball, Chan
top finishers in every meet. Austin Murray competed and finalized in
Copelan, Ben Corbin, and Charles Smith. Their leading
the GHSA State Swimming Championship in the 200 yard freestyle
scorer Jordan Jones was named to the 7A All-Region Team
and the 500 Free. Justin Chang competed in the 50 Free. Mandy
and averaged 18 points a game. Ben Corbin was named
Huang competed and finalized in the 200 Free and the 100 Free.
to the Second Team 7A All-Region and Charles Smith
The boys swim team also took a boys relay team to the GHSA state
as honorable mention. Coach Chapman is proud of his
meet in the 200 freestyle that included Jacob Morton, Josh Lincoln,
seniors and excited about the future of Viking basketball.
Justin Chang, and Austin Murray. The team graduated nine seniors this year - William Frank, Jacob Miller, Will Ware, Haley Harden,
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Chloe Dezoort, Jansyn Samples, Mia Ferro, Anna Mercer Willingham, and Mandy Huang.
The Lady Vikings, led by Coach John Griffin, finished region play at 8-2 and qualified for the GHSA State Class-A Private Playoffs. They were led by the FPD Female Athlete of Year, Erin Fortson, who averaged over eleven points a game. Fortson, Madelyn Davis, and
WRESTLING
Molly Lee were named to the 7A All-Region Team for their success
The Vikings saw a lot of success during the 2018-2019 season, led by
on the court this season. The Lady Vikings are returning a core group
head coach Ken Garvin. With a record of 14-5, the team placed
of players next season, and Coach Griffin and the staff are eager to
second at the Bibb County Championships and third at the Area
get them back on the court to continue to build.
Traditional Tournament. The Vikings had six wrestlers compete in the GHSA Sectionals - Ty Turley, Phillip Carlton, Josh Raines, Benjamin Jones, Andrew Cohen, and Matt Rose. Two Vikings, Ty Turley and Josh Raines, advanced to state.
BASEBALL The Vikings won 18 games this season and advanced to the Sweet 16. The team graduates three seniors, Rob Cunningham, Jackson McCart, and Chet Thompson. First Team 7A All-Region members were Parker Ingram, Chet Thompson, and Harrison Aulds. Second Team 7A All-Region members were Barrett Barkley, Austin Emener, Rob Cunningham, and Jackson McCart. FPD is proud of our three seniors for leading a young baseball team and excited about the future of the program heading into next season.
GOLF Led by current Georgia Junior Champion Luke Dasher, the Vikings won the area championship this season. Highlights of the season included competing against and defeating several teams ranked in the top 50 nationally. The Vikings were invited to play in the prestigious Atlanta Athletic High School Invitational, the North-South Shoot-out in Tifton, the Georgia Shoot-out in Peachtree City, and the always challenging Carrolton Invitational. This strong schedule continues to expose the golfers to the best competition in both the state and southeast. Luke Dasher was selected All-Area and All-State for the third consecutive year. Sophomore Trey Mixon was chosen All-Area and honorable mention All-State. The Vikings graduate one senior golfer, Mercer-signee Jay Spivey.
GYMNASTICS The Lady Vikings, led by head coach Chelsea Latimer and assistant coach Kristen Duncan, had a great season. The JV girls came in first in three meets, the middle school team won their meet, and all the girls competed whole-heartedly to improve daily. There were many team and individual awards won at every meet in which they competed. The team included Kate Jones, Shelby Greene, Samantha Meeks, Maci Lefholz, Holly Hatcher, Ava Walker, Isabel Stokes, Mabry Tolbert, Maggie Pruett, and Caroline Hetes.
BOYS TENNIS
LACROSSE The Vikings wrapped up their second consecutive year of qualifying for the GHSA Playoffs under head coach Ryan Kelly. Klein Woods and Jacob Miller were named to the All-Area First Team. Ethan Wilson was named to the Second Team, and Truett Frame, Will Watson, and Graham Meyer were named to the All-Area Third Team. Klein Woods signed a scholarship to play at North Greenville University.
The Vikings had another strong season on the court in Coach Derek Lashley’s tenth year leading the program. The boys won the Middle Georgia Invitational for the third consecutive year and finished runner-up in the area. Thomas Johnson was named to the Boys Singles All-Area Team and Christian Tinkey was named to the Boys Doubles All-Area. Camden Lashley was named honorable mention.
GIRLS TENNIS
GIRLS SOCCER
The Lady Vikings reached new heights this season as they qualified for
This season the Lady Vikings were ranked by the Atlanta
Invitational for the third consecutive year and finished runner-up in the
Journal-Constitution as the number-one team in Class-A
area. Collier Griffin was named to the Girls Singles All-Area Team, and
during the regular season, and they were well represented
McKenzie Gleaton was named honorable mention.
the GHSA Final Four for the first time. The girls won the Middle Georgia
on the All-Area Team that included Claire Harrison, Mia Ferro, Maggie Davis, Karsten Herron, Jansyn Samples, and Molly Lee. Head Coach Josh Trieste has just completed his twelth year at
TRACK & FIELD
FPD, and the program continues to be among the elite in all
The Lady Vikings finished runner-up at the area track meet.
classifications in the GHSA.
FPD Female Athlete of the Year, Erin Fortson, and Claire Harrison were named to the All-Area Team. The Vikings were
BOYS SOCCER
area champions with Charles Smith, Jonathan Summerow,
Under the leadership of Coach Josh Trieste, the Vikings
being named to the All-Area Team. Together, they turned in
competed hard on the field all season as they continue to
seventeen personal best performances at the GHSA 1-A private
grow and build. The team graduates three seniors who were
school state meet and won thirteen medals. Coach Rennie
also named to the All-Area Team – Josh Raines, Austin Cox, and
Atkinson and the rest of the coaches are proud of the entire
Chase Garrison.
program.
Bowen Kramer, Matthew Hurt, Jack Hardy, and Blake Jones
For more Viking sports information visit www.fpdvikings.com. fpdmacon.org // 29
FPD Athletic Program
Ranked #1 in Middle Georgia For the second year in a row, FPD athletics was named the Top Private School Athletic Program in Middle Georgia by the Regions Bank Directors Cup. “To be named the Top Private School Athletic Program two years in a row is a tremendous honor. I am so proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication,” said Greg Moore, FPD’s Athletic Director. “The entire Viking Nation celebrates this fantastic accomplishment. What a blessing!”
each school’s eight highest-scoring sports for each gender. FPD has consistently been one of the Regions Bank Directors Cup top-10 athletic programs in boys and girls sports since joining the GHSA in 2010.
The purpose of the Regions Bank Directors Cup is to recognize athletic departments in all GHSA classifications that have excelled and shown superior performance. Twenty-five GHSA sports are counted in the standings, with ranks based on
20th
ANNUAL FPD GOLF TOURNAMENT
Hosted at the beautiful Idle Hour Country Club, the 20th annual FPD Golf Tournament was a wonderful day of golf and fellowship. In additional to 18-holes of golf, participants were able to bid on items in the silent auction that included an electric bike, Treager grill, Atlanta Falcons tickets, a range of gift baskets, and much more. Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and participants who made it possible.
Reserve the
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Reserved seating for the 2019 football season now available.
FPD is looking forward to another great season of Viking football and with that comes the opportunity for our families to purchase reserved seats at the George S. Johnson Memorial Stadium. Introduced prior to the 2013 season, reserved seats are limited and are tiered in price based on their position within the stands. Each purchase comes with premium parking and easy game access. “Our reserved seats are the best seats in the house,” said FPD Athletic Director, Greg Moore. “For our fans who want prime viewing of the games, these seats are the way to go. Plus, the nearby parking makes entry and exit very easy.” Seat purchases are tax deductible, minus a $25 game entry fee. Proceeds benefit the stadium renovation and continued football program improvements. To purchase seats, visit our website at www.fpdmacon.org/footballreservedseating. Seats are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE VS LOCATION Aug. 16 Rutland (Scrimmage) FPD Aug. 30 Howard FPD Sept. 6 Mount Vernon Pres. Sandy Springs, GA Sept. 13 Hancock Central Sparta, GA Sept. 20 Brookstone FPD Oct. 4 (HC) Twiggs County FPD Oct. 11 Wilkinson County Irwinton, GA Oct. 18 Stratford Macon. GA Oct. 25 (SR) Mt. de Sales FPD Nov. 1 Tattnall Square Macon, GA Nov. 8 Region Crossover Game FPD HC - Homecoming Game; SR - Senior Night
Fine Arts
ALL THAT
JAZZ
FPD’S INAUGURAL VIKING JAZZ NIGHT
On April 26, 2019, a city-scape backdrop graced one end of the Zach Gymnasium, while elegant centerpieces adorned clothcovered tables near center court. Black drapes hid bleachers and smooth tunes replaced bouncing balls. The stage was set for the inaugural Viking Jazz Night. Viking Jazz Night was a concept initiated by FPD parent Wendy King. “I was describing the 2018 FPD Jazz Night to a friend, specifically when the High School Jazz Ensemble played without Mr. Baker directing while he and his wife, Juciene, were dancing,” remembers King. “The High School musicians’ amazing talent,
coupled with the dancing, reminded me of attending Macon Pops. After floating the idea by my husband and a few friends, they encouraged me to pitch the idea to Jonathan Baker. Mr. Baker loved the suggestion, and we started working on details!” Over 160 people attended the event. Parents and students enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Sage Catering while the middle school and high school jazz ensembles impressed attendees with songs such as Don’t Stop Believin’, A Few Good Men, Fly Me To The Moon, and The Girl From Ipanema. “I was delighted with the turn-out for our first Viking Jazz Night event,” commented FPD Band Director, Jonathan Baker. “The reaction from attendees was that the night really exceeded expectations. I hope guests had a relaxing night to enjoy the sounds of their kids playing great music in a warm atmosphere with good food and great fellowship.” There is already discussion for next year’s event. The event was so well-received that Mr. Baker anticipates an even larger attendance in 2020. “We are talking about having more exposure for these wonderful jazz musicians,” said Mr. Baker. “I think the question isn’t if we do this again next year, but when we do this again next year. I want to continue to provide a great experience for the kids and the audience members.” “The priority and support given by the FPD administration to the fine arts programs of FPD are unmatched,” concludes King. “We are thrilled to be able to support such an inspirational teacher, Mr. Baker, and a program that fosters our children’s love of music.” A special thanks goes to all those who helped with Viking Jazz Night including Wendy and Bill King, Nancy Mitchell, Elizabeth Leslein, Nancy Butler, Andrew Strickland, Scott Seman, Joe Bocchino and SAGE Catering, and all of the many parents and students who support the FPD Band Program.
2018 - 2019
ART AWARDS Fine Art Golden Eagle Competition - Haley Harden, winner
Band GMEA District XI Honor Jazz Band – Bonner Law, Austin Murray GMEA District XI Clinic Band (MS) – Jamiah Tolbert, Kaitlyn Dean, Cooper Rohrbeck GMEA District XI Honor Band (HS) – Owen Huggins, Christian Crosby, Dalton Self, Austin Murray GMEA District Honor Band (MS) - Macy Fuller South Region Band – Austin Murray, Dalton Self GMEA All State Jazz Band – Austin Murray GMEA All State Band – Austin Murray John Philip Sousa Award Winner – Evan Floyd GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation, HS Wind Ensemble – Superior Rating; Symphonic I Band – Excellent Rating; Symphonic II Band – Superior Rating Stateline Showdown Marching Invitational – 1st Place Class A Competition; Superior Rating in Festival Eagles Nest Invitational Marching Competition – 1st Place Class A Competition; Superior Rating in Festival Concert Band Rookies of the Year – Zoie Burnsed, Sam Newman
Theatre Middle School Volunteer Award - Kaitlyn Dean, Luke Strickland Mentor Award - Abigail Dean Volunteer Award - Owen Huggins Serlio Award for Technical Theatre - Loren Oliver Director’s Award - Hannah Ferguson More awards can be found at www.fpdmacon.org/theatreawards.
Literary Argumentative Essay - Sydney Bishop, first Girls Solo - Lauren Casey, fourth Boys Solo - Harrison Bonfim, fourth Girls Trio - Sadonna Fleming, Caroline Neisler, Caroline Bennet, fourth Humorous Interpretation - Ryann Perkins, third Duo Interpretation - Hannah Ferguson and Abigail Dean, third
fpdmacon.org // 33
Alumni
ALUMNI NOTES 1975
1979
met in Rome recently and enjoyed traveling
Halvorsen (‘78) serve at their church with G3, a
together in Italy with their husbands, Kelly Hillis
Gospel centered recovery and support group
and Candler Ginn. They had the pleasure of
ministry led by Robin’s husband Sean. Robin
visiting Carla and Kelly’s son, Matthew Hillis,
and Sean have lived in Augusta since 2004
his wife, Mallory and their three young sons.
and have four children living across the United
Matthew has been stationed in Vicenza, Italy
States, one child serving overseas in missions,
as an Army dentist. Susan writes, “It’s always
and seven grandchildren.
Carla Windham Hillis and Susan Rankin Ginn
Robin Peterson Allen and Lauren Geddings
nice to travel with a former classmate!”
1978 Lauren Geddings Halvorsen and her husband are enjoying a lot of traveling now that they are “empty nesters.” Lauren writes, “We are loving the freedom to go, but also love times with our daughters & their husbands!”
Cindie Nobles and her husband David are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary in June. They have two daughters, Laura Burgamy and Macey Nobles, and two grandchildren, Kylee and Reed. Cindie was recently named Chief Financial Officer of Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. Cindie writes, “I’m very thankful for the educational and Christian foundation FPD provided me.”
1980
Chip Greene, owner of Greene & Associates,
Carla Kemper Morton, Jana Howells
a commercial plumbing and HVAC
Cansler, and Betsy Middlebrooks Peake
contractor, is serving this year as president
have traveled together to the beach every
of the Central Georgia Council of the Boy
spring for almost 39 years since high school
Scouts of America. He enjoys spending time
graduation. “Many friendships over the years
with his wife, Susie, in their vacation home
wither and fade, but we are so blessed to still
in Beaufort, South Carolina. His daughter,
have each other,” writes Cansler. “Through
Ashton, lives in Savannah and is the director
the storms of life, the highs and the lows,
of online marketing for the Pete the Cat book
God remains faithful to us, and it is a gift and
series. His son, Jimmy, is an Eagle Scout and
pure joy when we all get to be together. I’m
volunteers at the Boy Scout Camp in Byron,
thankful for these forever friends made at
Georgia and at the Museum of Aviation in
FPD. We love doing life together.”
Warner Robins, Georgia.
1982
Kim Mills and her daughters Alex (17) and
Leah Lee’s youngest daughter, Molly Elizabeth
Rainey (15) vacationed at Amelia Island, Florida
Lee, graduated on May 18, as a member of
Trey Futch traveled to Guatemala in the
this spring.
FPD’s class of 2019. “It’s hard to believe our
summer of 2018 with a mission team from
time as FPD parents has come to an end,”
Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church in support
writes Leah. “We are very thankful for the level
of AIR Guatemala (Alliance for International
of education, the opportunities, friendships and
Reforestation). Their team planted trees to
memories both of our daughters had while at
assist farmers with erosion prevention in the
FPD.” Molly will attend the University of Georgia
mountainous regions, built brick stoves to
in the fall. Lee’s older daughter, Savannah (‘17),
enable families to cook in a healthier and
just finished her sophomore year at Georgia
more fuel efficient manner, and enjoyed
College.
fellowship with their Guatemalan hosts. “It was so rewarding to be able to share God’s love with fellow Christians in another country,” writes Trey.
1987 Karen Owen Parker and her daughter, Lorene, enjoyed visiting Steve Penley’s studio and gallery. They were able to sit and talk with Steve and her daughter added “L” and a heart on the painted wall in Penley’s studio.
1992 Tonya Self Allen, her husband, Dusty, and their son Eli moved back to Macon in May. Their oldest son, Tristen, is moving to Wisconsin in the
1984
fall to start his first job after graduating from
Gerry Ford and his wife, Paula, moved from
daughter, Peyton, graduated third in her class
Macon, Georgia to Charlotte, North Carolina
from high school in May as well.
in 2017. He is president of DoubleRadius, a fixed wireless distributor, and is proud of his two adult children, Carrie Ellie who works in marketing in Asheville, North Carolina, and Benjamin, who is in graduate school in Maynooth, Ireland.
Georgia Tech with highest honors in May. Their
1988
Marc Whitten passed away in August 10, 2018.
Coleman Tidwell, Monique Tidwell, Anna
Marc Whitten’s class wrote a tribute to him
Katherine McRae Harper, Amelia Jones Smith,
that can be found online at
Steve Smith (not pictured), Scarlett Reeves
www.fpdmacon.org/marcwhittentribute.
Watson, Kevin Watson, Lyn Matthews Rehn, Steve Rehn(not pictured), and Ell Hall (not pictured), got together for a “somewhat” annual trip to Hilton Head Island in January.
1998 Amy Menefee Payne and her husband David
Lyn writes, “We had a great time enjoying the
welcomed baby Sean in November. He joins
company of good friends.”
big sister, Anna (2), and big brother, Brendan (4).
2002
2005
Spencer, reside in Smyrna, Georgia with
Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary
their three children Hattie (5), Philip (2), and
in Atlanta in May and is seeking his first
Sam (1).
pastoral call.
Meg Gamble King and her husband,
Bill Barnes graduated with his Masters of
Stephanie Neyman Griffen graduated with her masters degree in education from the University of West Alabama on May 4, 2019.
2010 Sara Kay Veal Corbitt and Jordan Corbitt welcomed their second child, Claire Kay Corbitt, on March 30, 2019.
2006
Mary Grace Rumford Bennett and her husband, Doyle Bennett, welcomed a new baby, Emi, who joins big sister, Addy (‘26).
2011 Olivia Newsome followed her passion for maternal and infant health into the nursing profession. Three years after receiving a
2004
degree in human development and family sciences from the University of Georgia,
Kris Hattaway Vaughn and her husband,
Olivia graduated from Emory University’s
Ben, welcomed their second daughter,
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.
Austin Evelyn, on April 11. Big sister Hattie is
During her studies, she advocated for
thrilled with the new addition to the family.
women’s reproductive well-being locally and
Kris is also excited to be joining the FPD staff this August as Director of Admissions.
2007 Jonathan Seale graduated from New York University in Music Production and co-created Mason Jar Music, named the sixth most-innovative music production company in the world by Fast Company magazine in 2012. Seale also co-created Nomadique, a creative collective of some of New York’s finest film makers and photographers. Seale partnered with Ryan Patch, another NYU graduate, to create The Great Gotham Challenge, a largescale puzzle played out on the streets of New York City. This spring, Seale released his first solo album, Son of Cloud. The new album can be downloaded and listened to on Spotify as well as Apple music.
abroad by volunteering with the refugee communities of Clarkston, Georgia and a non-profit organization in Cusco, Peru. She is excited to continue promoting Women’s Health through her work in labor & delivery.
Catherine Taylor and Richmond Gunter were married October 27, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church. The Gunters live in Auburn, Alabama where Catherine is a Physician Assistant for Auburn University Medical Clinic and Richmond is an attorney for the law firm of Muncie and Mattson.
2014
John Newsome is enlisted in the United States Army. He recently completed basic training at Fort Benning where he was part of the Army’s Copperhead Troop, 2nd Squadron 15th Cavalry Regiment. He currently is stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he will continue his Cavalry Scout training in the 2nd CAV Army Brigade.
Kris Hattaway Vaughn (‘04) to join FPD as Director of Admissions
2012 Kalo Oglesby was the keynote speaker at the 53rd Annual Ralph P. Malone Youth Motivation Task Force Conference at Fort Valley State University. Kalo is currently a high school teacher at Southwest Magnet High School in Macon.
2015
Mary Elizabeth Neisler graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in commerce and business administration, with a general business major.
2013
Rebekah Coon graduated from Wesleyan College in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Rebekah accepted a job on the oncology floor at the Medical Center Navicent Health and will begin this summer.
Sarah Robertson graduated with her BSN
First Presbyterian Day School is excited to announce the hiring of Kris Hattaway Vaughn (’04) as Director of Admissions. As an alumna, Kris returns to FPD with a great deal of experience in marketing and community relations in addition to a longtime relationship with the school. “We are very excited to have Kris join our team,” said Beth Burnsed, FPD’s Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management. “She has a keen understanding of marketing and community relations and a passion for FPD. She will be a great addition to our team and continue to serve our new and prospective families with welcoming hospitality.” Since August of 2015, Kris Vaughn has served as the Executive Director of GeorgiaForward, a statewide nonprofit. Under her leadership, GeorgiaForward has grown the leadership action program Young Gamechangers as well as resumed annual Forums that convene statewide thought leaders to discuss the future of Georgia.
from Georgia Southern and will be working at Navicent Health in Macon in the Emergency Department.
Prior to joining GeorgiaForward, she led economic development and community engagement efforts for the Macon Water Authority, and for over five years before that, she was the Director of Place for NewTown Macon. Kris is an active member of the Macon Rotary Club and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Macon. Kris is married to Forsyth attorney Ben Vaughn. They live in Monroe County with their daughters, Hattie and Austin. They are active members of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.
- To submit an alumni update, please email Beth Burnsed at beth.burnsed@fpdmacon.org. -
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A Letter to our FPD Family Katherine Tribble Thompson (‘95) and her family’s transplant journey. With all my heart, I am blessed to say that I am a graduate of First Presbyterian Day School. My journey began in 4K, and I graduated 14 years later with the class of 1995. Some of the most precious memories and friendships I have are those made while I was a student at FPD. To say that a place has had such a lasting impression on your life even as a 41-year-old seems impossible, so let me share a little of my own FPD journey as well as some of our family’s story from this past year. As a 6th grader at FPD, I can remember being taught the importance of what the scripture says in Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” My homeroom teacher, Mrs. Lee Smith, began each day with prayer requests made by each student. One student was assigned as the “recorder” of those requests and oversaw reading them out loud to the class so that other students could volunteer to pray for each. It was an amazing thing to me as a young child to see my peers participate in praying for my own and my classmates’ needs as well as the answers the Lord provided to those requests throughout the year. It is still such a vivid memory in my mind of the importance of bringing our needs before the Lord and spending time with Him in prayer. Additionally, the friendships that I made while at FPD, even one from as far back as 4K, are still some of the most special people in my life today. When our 12-year-old daughter, Emory, began her transplant journey almost a year ago, the FPD family was immediately there to help carry our burdens. Two of our three children are students at FPD and my husband, Brad, is the Director of College Counseling, so we were supported as parents, employee, and an alumna. The teachers and administration prayed for Brad, as Emory’s kidney donor, numerous times during faculty meetings and at high school chapel. The middle school students prayed for Emory during their own middle school chapel. Parents and students sent cards and care packages for the hospital. Our youngest was loved on extra hard by his kindergarten teachers. The Viking Store distributed “Pray for Emory” bracelets, and the texts, emails, and phone calls to check in and love on us are too numerous to count! One very special thing done for Emory was the purchase of a prayer blanket by her teachers. When Emory was out for her pre-op appointment, the students and teachers in the 6th grade class
gathered around the blanket and prayed for her. They gifted the blanket to Emory the week before surgery reminding her that as she covered herself with the blanket, she would be covered in prayer. Don’t you just love that FPD students were able to participate in such an intimate prayer time for a fellow classmate! Emory’s class also made scripture verse cards and delivered them to the house while we were gone so that her room could be decorated in God’s word when she returned home from the transplant. A “green out” (green being the color for Organ Donor Awareness) was held the day our family left for Atlanta. FPD parents and students posted their pictures on the FPD Class of 2025 Facebook page showing their support and love. So many of my own FPD friends, whether parents of Emory’s friends, teachers, or other alumni, sent verses of encouragement and messages from afar reminding me that our family was covered in prayer. One of my closest friends from FPD, a friend made in the 7th grade, traveled to Egleston Hospital and stood in the waiting room of the ICU just to tell me she loved our family and to give me a hug. What an awesome display of God’s love through so many of the FPD family! As I reflect on the last 12 months of Emory’s journey, why would it be strange for me to think that God would use my own 6th grade year at FPD to prepare me for a challenge my child would face during her 6th grade year at FPD?
A few photos from Green-Out Day for Emory
The Lord reminded me daily that I would need to give this challenge over to Him in prayer, that other believers would gather beside me to help carry my family’s burdens, and that His glory would be on display in the end. ONLY Jesus could orchestrate something as amazing as that. The Lord has shown our family over and over the importance the body of Christ plays in each other’s lives. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” The FPD family has done that for us. Thank you does not seem like enough, but thank you for living out your faith and for being the hands and feet of Jesus to us. Know that the Thompson family will stand beside you during your difficult times and promises to help carry your burdens as well.
We love to hear from our alumni. If you have any news or updates, please submit them to Eric Latimer, FPD Alumni Coordinator, at eric.latimer@fpdmacon.org. www.facebook.com/fpdalumni.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Nathan White’s family remembers their son Reagan by giving back Nathan White ’92 and his wife, Lindsay, started 2016 with joy and anticipation as they leaned Lindsay was pregnant with their second child. However, over the following few months their joy would be tried by one trial after another as Lindsay experienced a series of complications. “During the pregnancy we had quite a few scares,” remembers White. “Around eight weeks, Lindsay was diagnosed with a subchronic hematoma. This scare meant we had to tell a few people earlier than we had planned, but things like this you cannot hide.” The following months would entail several more trips to the hospital, bed rest, and numerous emotional upheavals. They kept their faith throughout and chose a special name – Reagan Michael. The name means “Little Ruler, Who is like God” and just felt fitting for this special son who had already made such an impact.
can cause. The support and services funded by the Reagan Michael White Fund help ease the burden on these parents and ensure Reagan’s memory is never forgotten. The fund supports a Mom’s Day Out Program for mothers to connect with other mothers experiencing high-risk pregnancies. It also provides gas cards for traveling parents, grocery gift cards, lodging for out-of-town parents, and assistance with memorializing a lost child. This past Christmas, the White’s also decided to sponsor a high risk OB unit family from OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital for the holidays. With the help of a social worker on the unit, the Hackworth family was selected. Through fundraisers and donations from family, friends, colleagues, and the community, the family was able to purchase gifts and provide gift cards and a financial gift for the family.
Despite all efforts to prolong the pregnancy, Reagan Michael White made his entrance into the world on June 3, 2016, weighing only one pound, three ounces. “He did not make a peep, but he was beautiful,” says White. “I cannot tell you much else that happened in those two hours that would help you understand what we were feeling, but we had him.” Reagan spent two hours on earth, and Nathan remembers them as the most beautiful two hours. Little did the Whites know at the time, but their story was having a ripple effect. Nathan was scheduled to join some colleagues the following day at a business meeting with Fathead’s Brewing Company. The company learned of his family’s story and decided they wanted to gift him with a donation. Nathan, however, realized the gift could be used for a larger purpose. He contacted the hospital and, through a series of discussions, began the Reagan Michael White Fund at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Nathan White (top row, second from right) along with his family, the Hackworth family, and medical team members from OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
The fund continues to grow with the support from other businesses and donors. Fathead’s Brewing Company continued their gifting by developing a beverage called Reagan’s Comet. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of that beverage benefit the Reagan Michael White Fund. Local events benefitting the fund are well attended, and White has hopes that a local venture capitalist will soon be investing in the fund. “Looking back at my time at FPD,” reflects White, “I believe FPD established a foundation that I didn’t even know was there. To be able to give back is big for us. I thought it was a more common thing to do. If we’ve got funds, we need to use them to help others.”
The fund supports families who do not have the resources needed to balance the emotional and financial toll that high-risk obstetrical care
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Our alumni venture out across the nation and around the world when they head off to college, but they are always part of the Viking Nation. We check in with a few members of the class of 2018 after their first year at college.
Titus Moore College: Samford University Major: Business Marketing
How do you feel FPD prepared you academically for college? FPD taught me how to better manage my work. In college, you can prioritize what you want. You don’t always have people reminding you to do your work. I feel like high school helped me with making sure I prioritize my academics the correct way. How do you feel FPD prepared you spiritually? Keeping a spiritual connection is definitely the most underrated key of going to college. Knowing that the Lord is with you every step, during the highs and lows, will help you more than you realize. High School helped me build the foundation with God that I now know that I really needed. Are there skills that you now use that you gained during high school? The most useful skill that I learned in high school was how to manage my time. Being a student-athlete in college is extremely time demanding. Knowing when it is the right time to do things and when it is the wrong time to do things is very important to understand. Any suggestions for the Class of 2019 as they head off to college? When you get to college there will be a lot of different things thrown at you. It’s definitely great to try new things and meet new people, but don’t forget why you’re there. It will not always be easy, but you have to keep working. Keep God first in everything you do, and it will all work out.
Vivianna Chang College: Mercer University Major: Biology
How do you feel FPD prepared you academically for college? FPD did a fantastic job academically preparing me for college. I found that many of my smaller classes are really similar to my classes at FPD, such as the style of teaching or the ways of testing. The amount of work, materials, and the rigor of some of my classes at FPD has definitely helped me with my classes in college. Looking back, what are your thoughts on your FPD experience? I had a great experience at FPD! My favorite thing about FPD is most definitely the people. I absolutely loved walking into FPD and seeing my closest friends, classmates, teammates, coaches, teachers, and everyone who makes up FPD. I loved being greeted by the teachers and coaches who would be in the high school lobby when I walked in before school. I realized that one of the best parts of FPD is the people, especially during second semester of senior year and when I started college. FPD is such a loving, caring, and wonderful family to be a part of! Any suggestions for the Class of 2019 as they head off to college? My advice to the Class of 2019 is to enjoy the time they have left with their friends, family, and classmates at FPD. As they prepare to go to college, I hope that they’ll choose somewhere that they will love socially, academically, and spiritually. While in college, I hope that they’ll find something they are passionate about and love to do. College is a big change and it’s tough, but continue to work hard and remember Him throughout these next few years!
Tucker Bryant College: University of Georgia Major: Pre-Dental
How do you feel FPD prepared you academically for college? The most important thing I took away from FPD is the note taking and writing skills that I acquired. In college, the burden of learning falls heavily on the student so good note taking is crucial. Almost every class requires some level of writing so having a strong grasp of the basics of writing is very important. How do you feel FPD prepared you spiritually? The Christian environment is very different in college. FPD gave me a great foundation of faith to carry to college. I would recommend students become very involved in a church or college ministry. Don’t just show up to the service; get involved! Any suggestions for the Class of 2019 as they head off to college? Take advantage of the time that you have now. Do the things that you won’t be able to do in college. Get involved, play sports, build relationships with your teachers, enjoy knowing everyone in your class. Teachers at FPD really care; take advantage of that while you have it.
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Caitlyn Farr College: Kentucky State University Major: International Relations How do you feel FPD prepared you spiritually? FPD taught me the skills needed to defend Christianity and know what I believe in. Because of this, I have been able to find an amazing church and community that helps me to further my walk in Christ. Are there skills that you now use that you gained during high school? Knowing how to approach professors and faculty has greatly helped me with office hours and registering for classes. Without this skill, it would be very hard to succeed or even survive in college. Any suggestions for the Class of 2019 as they head off to college? My advice to the Class of 2019 would be to get into a Christian community as soon as possible. It took me a few tries before I found a church that was the best fit for me, but I have found some of my closest friends through it who have helped me grow my relationship with Christ. It has also provided me an amazing support system and helped me get involved in KSU activities, such as joining an intramural volleyball team. (Our team name is “Serve the Lord.” Haha!) I don’t think I would love KSU nearly as much if it hadn’t been for my church and the community surrounding it. I would encourage anyone to seek this same type of experience in college.
- Profile of an FPD Graduate -
A graduate of FPD will be A LIFELONG LEARNER – academically prepared with knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to succeed in university studies, preparation for career, and as an independent lifelong learner,
SELF-AWARE AND GROWING – confidently developing academic, artistic, and/or athletic gifts and interests and using them in fulfilling and impactful ways while appreciating the gifts and interests of others,
CHALLENGED BY THE GOSPEL – grounded in the Gospel and its implications, with the tools to grow spiritually and understand and apply a Biblical worldview and ethic,
ENGAGED AND PERSUASIVE – able to winsomely participate in the public marketplace of ideas as a listener and communicator – understanding, critiquing, and challenging worldviews and their implications – working effectively with others of diverse viewpoints and backgrounds while maintaining integrity of beliefs, and
EQUIPPED FOR WELLNESS – equipped with skills, knowledge, and habits of mind and body to live a healthy and responsible lifestyle,
SENSITIVE TO OTHERS – cognizant of the needs of others and the community and challenged to participate in meeting those needs.
Reunion Organizers Schedule Friday, October 4, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Alumni Dinner. Wilson-Anderson Pavilion at the George S. Johnson Memorial Stadium.
1979 - Lisa Bryant Walker, June Lassiter, Richard Guritz jwalker@sanfordusa.com
1984 - Parker Sessions Carroll, Don Ream, Gina Graves Sibley parkersessions@yahoo.com 1989 - Jerry Becham Jb13abb@yahoo.com
6:45 p.m. – Alumni Awards at the Alumni Dinner
1994 - Tripp Matthews tripp.matthews@hotmail.com
7:30 p.m. - Kick-off at FPD Football Game
1999 - David McCain david@childersmccain.com
Saturday, October 5, 2019 Morning & Afternoon – Alumni activities
2004 - Ashley Griffin Ray lag927@gmail.com
Evening – Reunions
2009 - Adelyn Bergeron Boleman adelynb22@gmail.com 2014 - Kathryn Kostovetsky & Ali Sawyer
kathrynkostovetsky@gmail.com
Nominate recipients for the Distinguished Alumni Award & FPD Service Award at www.fpdmacon.org/homecoming
Quick Look
QA and
with Joe Mac
Reverend Joe McDaniel, lovingly known as Joe Mac around campus, joined FPD as Interim Head of School in January 2019. His passion for FPD, its students, and families is evident. He joyfully greets families at carpool, cheers on the Vikings at athletic and artistic events, and even sings and plays guitar with elementary students at chapel. We wanted to check in with Mr. McDaniel as he completes his sixth month with FPD to hear his thoughts on what it means to be a Viking and how FPD plays such an important role in the lives of students, faculty, families, and the Macon community.
What do you enjoy most about serving at FPD?
What has impressed you about FPD?
There are so many things I enjoy about FPD, it’s hard to narrow it to one. I love meeting students and parents in the morning and afternoon carpool lines for elementary and kindergarten, but I also like greeting and holding the door in the Upper School. I’ve loved our band concerts, Jazz Night, multiple theatre productions, art shows and exhibits, robotics competition, mock trial, and all of our athletic events.
Our school has an incredibly gifted, motivated faculty and staff. They are hardworking, caring, and highly competent. Our teachers are dedicated to the success of their students in every way - academically, spiritually, and in extracurricular activities. Dr. Barry Shealy, Matt Kitchell, Molly Pearson, and Wade Putnal are phenomenal educators and are the absolute best at what they do. I have been very impressed with how well our school operates.
Relationships are my strength, so being with people is what I thrive on. Basically, I just enjoy being where our students and parents are, and I didn’t even mention lunch with the 8th graders and elementary classes!
My wife Cynthia observed how positive and affirming the FPD community has been. She and I have felt welcomed by the FPD family from the very beginning.
How do you see FPD playing a vital role in the Middle Georgia community? FPD is a special place. I think it models what a Christian school should look like. Classes are taught from a biblical perspective and worldview. Our school is deeply involved in our local community through Backpack Ministry, Macon Rescue Mission, Campus Clubs, and assisting in local schools in Macon, among other ministry opportunities. Christians and Christian organizations like FPD are mandated by Jesus to serve others. He told His followers that He “didn’t come to be served, but to serve,” and that is what we do as a Christian school. FPD takes seriously the claims of Christ who told us to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
Why does FPD hold a special place in your heart? In 1999, FPD gave our son Chad his first opportunity to teach and coach. The school took a chance on our young and inexperienced, but very enthusiastic 24-year-old son, who would start a cross country program and also coach track. He was chosen by FPD’s Cam Childs to be his Star Teacher in 2003, and the class of 2002 dedicated the yearbook to Chad. Those displays of love and appreciation for our son gained a special place in mine and Cynthia’s hearts as we became Vikings. As a side note, Chad allowed me to coach FPD’s JV and elementary track and cross country teams, which was a blast! Between 1999-2008, I got to experience the mission of the school firsthand. Our mission remains “to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory.” I want my own life and ministry to mirror that same mission.
About Joe McDaniel Rev. McDaniel served as Pastor of Musella Baptist Church from 2010 - 2017. Prior to that, he was Senior Associate Pastor at Mabel White Memorial Baptist Church from 1982-2002 and again from 2005-2010. Previously he served as Director of Admissions at Mercer University. He has 10 years of teaching and coaching experience at Greene County High School, Southwest High School, and Mount de Sales Academy, and as a volunteer coach at FPD and Mount de Sales for a total of eight years. Rev. McDaniel and his wife, Cynthia, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 30. Their daughter, Krista McDaniel Dillard, is married to Judge Steve Dillard and is a Cheer Coach at Mount de Sales. Their son, Chad McDaniel, is married to FPD alumna Stephanie Mitchell. He is Director of Donor Relations at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Joe and Cynthia have six grandchildren, Jackson, Lindley, Mary Margaret, Betsy, Stafford, and Ginny Kate. In his free time, Rev. McDaniel is an avid Pickleball player. He competes in about six tournaments a year, most recently winning bronze at the US Open in Naples, Florida. Over the past few years, he has also taken up vegetable gardening and has quite a few fruit trees as well. He enjoys 60’s music and playing guitar with friends.
How do you see Christ working in the lives of students? When I observe our students being kind and Christlike to others, that’s an obvious sign that Christ is working in their lives. When they serve others, I see God using our students for His glory. We may think there’s no way for someone like us to change the world, but we can change the world that is around us; we can change our world, which is what we should be about.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time at First Presbyterian Day School? I want FPD to be as healthy as possible so the school’s mission can continue to be advanced. While I am here, I hope to bring a spirit of enthusiasm and joy to everything I do at FPD, and I want our families to know that they are loved and appreciated by those of us who are employed by the school.
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