GACS Today Winter 2017

GACSTODAY WINTER 2017

BE GREATER

DREAMING WITH GOD

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OUT AND ABOUT

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A NEW WAY OF LEARNING 22

ALUMNI NEWS

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VIBRANT, THRIVING, IMPROVING —

THAT’S GAC 2017

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eriodically, I pause…and am surprised again by where GAC is today.

I’ve been blessed to see many years – let’s say it again, MANY years – of GAC’s history. My sister was in the second graduating class, and my father was an early Bible teacher who guided many in their faith walk. And me? I came to help this fledgling Christian school “just for a year,” fresh out of college with plans to move on rapidly to higher ed. But God woke me up that year.

While I was teaching, leading class trips, chapels, coaching debate (they wouldn’t trust me with a sport, for good reasons), He showed me that if you want to build men and women of character, you shape them as children and teens. It’s in their youth that they find the roots of their work ethic, discernment, thinking skills, and their faith outlook for their future. I was hooked for life.

His plan, not mine.

Now I look at GAC of 2017 and see the beauty of a dynamic, gifted community, almost unlike any other Christian school.

Today’s GAC holds a rare combination of high caliber learning plus deep faith and ethics linked together. It’s an outlook of high expectations and challenge, yet still time for family, reflection…and joy. The GAC world includes some of the finest and most caring Christian teachers in the nation, award winners from other schools who’ve joined us, college teachers and coaches who’ve found us (or we found them), experts in fields of scholarship, missions, and ministry, plus

incredibly capable staff – all joined together in a common cause for GAC children and families.

And purposefully engaged? Oh, yes. That too is GAC today. The pages of this issue of GACS Today highlights just some of the amazing and enriching recent experiences of students and families in the GAC community.

Immersed in vigorous activity, yet always down paths that match our mission – do you remember those four pillars? Wisdom; Stature; Favor with God; Favor with Man. Life changing, we believe.

Finally, notice I mentioned “community,” and that’s not because it’s just a trendy word.

Almost daily, parents and friends describe GAC as their family “home,” as their spiritual center, as their place to belong. Yes, there’s more than “school” underway here, every day. I’m thankful for that.

That young GAC of my first year of teaching has changed much for the better. But some things will never change. Jesus is still King here in 2017. It’s a world that still guides kids to dream big; a place where faith and intellect both belong. A world that loves and embraces the latest and best in learning’s future. Together, let’s see to it that all that remains the heart of GAC in 2027 as well.

DR. DAVID FINCHER, PRESIDENT

contents

2 2

22 DREAMING WITH GOD

6 OUT & ABOUT 12 LEARNING ON THE LAKE 18 COMMUNITY PHOTOS 22 A NEW WAY OF LEARNING 26 SPARTAN ATHLETICS 32 ANNUAL REPORT 58 ALUMNI NEWS

WINTER 2017

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FRONT COVER Experiential learning happens at GAC every day in settings like the Environmental Learning Center.

Students don't simply learn about a subject, they experience it.

(PHOTO: Gregory Miller) EDITOR Jamie Dalton CONTRIBUTORS Donna Braswell, Kristi Buce, Dr. David Fincher, Scott Harsh, Dr. Brad Schultz, Josh Thomason, Katherine White GRAPHIC DESIGN Danny Flanagan and Fritz Miller for Fritz Miller Studios, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHERS Mario Lozano, Glenn Martin, Mark Mason, Gregory Miller PRINTING Smart Source, LLC The Communications Office at Greater Atlanta Christian School publishes GACS Today semi-annually in winter and summer.

MAILING ADDRESS Greater Atlanta Christian School 1575 Indian Trail Road Norcross, Georgia 30093-2614 WEBSITE www.greateratlantachristian.org Greater Atlanta Christian School practices a non-discriminatory policy of admissions.

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GAC: Dreaming with

by Dr. David Fincher, GAC President “Strategic Planning”... For many in organizations, schools, and churches, that stale phrase is the forbearer of dreary meetings, mind-numbing reports, and uninspired plans that are soon shelved, forgotten until “next time.” Yet, for the GAC community, our history... and future...tell a different story about strategic planning.

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quick look at just the last 20 years makes it clear that GAC takes those 5 and 10 year looks ahead seriously, with giant dreams and serious stewardship joined as one. And, every dream has a mission-centric focus – for students to grow into the excellence and purpose of Jesus.

But has planning really made any noteworthy difference? Let’s take a quick 20-year tour: Back in 1999, the needs of GAC students were many, but there were equally as many questions: What priorities should be first? There wasn’t a master campus plan, nor clarity about what we needed to tackle most in the coming decade. Caring friends helped GAC stay steady and on-mission, but funding for new projects or dreams was hard to come by.

Into that vacuum came prayer, God’s hand, and mindexpanding visions. Parents were consulted, faculty spoke up, the Board of Trustees weighed in and took on their responsibilities – and thus came GAC’s Master Plan 2010, a 10-year vision for the learning and faith

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needs of students, faculty and our entire community.

What happened next? The campus exploded with activity and change. Facilities were birthed, new faculty joined, new programs initiated, and families sought out this Christian school that dreamed of incredible learning and vital character building in one. By 2010, the campus, curriculum, athletics, arts, chapels, and missions had all transformed dramatically.

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ast forward to 2010: The GAC Board of Trustees, faculty, parents, and students did it all again. This time – with many more tools and dreams at their disposal, but with the same full commitment to God’s will. After prayer, focus groups, surveys, dreamings, and prayer (did we mention prayer already?), came the Remarkable Steps Ahead Plan 2017, with 10 key planks the GAC community would relentlessly pursue. And pursue them we did!

With God’s good hand, every plank has come to pass, from programs to people to facilities, shaping GAC as a leading Christian school in the nation. Every day, GAC students of today are blessed by those prayers and

decisions of 2010. The GAC program has reached higher ground than ever in our history...due to God-centered planning.

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oday in 2017, planning is again underway, shaping GAC 2022. It’s already getting exciting, hearing your and Atlanta’s ideas of what we should be ahead. Yet the world has changed. Times are different than in 1999 or even 2010.

There are new discoveries in learning research, and new skills needed for excellent teaching. Faith is in flux in America, and some suggest we already live in a “postChristian culture.” Skills needed for college and careers are shifting, so much that a great 1999 or 2010 education won’t suffice. The result? Our planning for 2022 can’t be a photocopy of the past. It must embrace the best of 2022, along with the Good News of Jesus that is “the same, yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 Led by the Board of Trustees and GAC administration, we began the process of strategic planning by gaining feedback about GAC today (strengths and weaknesses) through various quantitative and qualitative ways. We sought input by our faculty and staff through surveys

and focus groups. Fall 2016 began with a survey of all parents. Using that initial feedback, we began to seek input from the Board, faculty and staff, and parent groups about opportunities for the future of GAC. Again, in early winter 2017, all parents, faculty, and Board members were surveyed a second time with more specific concepts and visions, to test the thinking of the larger GAC family. And there's great news there – far more have participated in the surveys – a growth of nearly 50%. I like to think the GAC community knows we mean it, when we ask for their views...because we do. The end result – all these resources of thought, feedback, and vision-casting will soon come together.

And together, we will be on our way to phenomenal progress for GAC 2022.

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our views are wanted and welcome. Write, call, or email me with your best ideas on the future of GAC in five years. Ask God to pour His wisdom over every vision, and every decision. And in the months ahead, watch for that GAC 2022 Strategic Plan, that will galvanize our vision, and guide our steps ahead.

The plans of the diligent lead to advantage, as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

GAC Strategic Plan 2010-2017 A Look Back at Developing Vision for

Plank 1: We will expand GAC’s spiritual impact upon her students, in Christian education nationally, and globally.

photographed by Gregory Miller

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Plank 3:

Completed

Plank 2: GAC will produce 21st century leaders who will think critically, globally, and missionally in Christ.

Plank 4: The school will further its commitment to discovering students’ strengths and accommodating learning to the nature of the learner.

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The school will fully and fervently incorporate the designed 21st century learning initiative: incorporating collaborative learning, creativity, principles of whole-mind learning, and technological one-to-one mandate (notebook adoption) for grades 6-12

Plank 5: The school will build within our students the outlook and skills to work within a global economy, and collaborate across borders with peers of diverse backgrounds and heritages, both during students’ school years and throughout their lives. photographed by Gregory Miller

Plank 6: The school will demonstrate by her actions the value of collaboration and partnerships across disciplines and fields with other schools and universities.

Plank 8: Already a Georgia leader in diversity advancement, and in recognition that students thrive in diverse environments, GAC will continue its substantive learning and leadership practices in such a manner as to invite students, parents, staff, and administration to foster a thoroughly diverse Christian community within a biblical context, as a model for diversity among Christian and independent schools.

Plank 7: We will deliver a unique and expanded arts experience, in concert with the importance of creativity in the 21st century.

Plank 9: We will make essential and programenhancing improvements to the 75-acre campus of GAC in keeping with the focus on excellence that is inherent within the GAC outlook.

Plank 10: The school will adopt the best sustainability practices with inclusion of faculty, staff, students, and parents in the education and action plans to foster a green outlook and action plan.

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Out&

Deal to the Board of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for a three-year term. Dr. Hill will now have a voice in helping shape the educational and professional requirement standards for the state of Georgia.

About kudos and other pursuits by members of our community

Angelique Allen (math teacher) was selected to teach Game Theory, Advanced Problem Solving, and Non-Euclidean Geometry for the summer Governors Honors Program.

Ellie Fair, 7th grader, has published five books about Ellie the Elephant and her adventures. Titles include: Ellie Makes a New Friend; Ellie’s First Plane Ride; Ellie Goes Back to School; Elli’s Best Beach Vacation Ever; Ellie’s Fun Day on the Farm.

Dr. David Fincher was honored as a Public Service Award Winner at the Gwinnett Chamber 69th Annual Dinner. Dr. Fincher was nominated by the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. Recipients were selected based on services and benefits rendered to other people, the community as a whole, over and beyond excellence in one’s own profession, business, service or enterprise.

Lana Garner (Spanish teacher) earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia in Learning, Design and Technology with a focus on Instructional Design and Development.

Dr. Isiah Hill (science teacher) was appointed by Governor Nathan

Tim Baker (visual arts teacher) earned his Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from Liberty University and was promoted by the U.S. Army/ Georgia Army National Guard to Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.

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Jen Hoskin, senior, received the Accelerator Award at the TAG Education Collaborative Horizons Awards ceremony along with a $500 award to the college or university of her choice. Jen received this honor for her internship work at Georgia Tech’s Materials Analysis Center.

Her internship projects involved metallurgy and corrosion, MATLAB graphics, water jet cutting, and heat treating and quality testing many types of metals. This opportunity has helped Jen narrow down her college focus to metallurgical or corrosion engineering.

For the second year in a row, GAC has received the 5-Star Energy Award from Camfil, the largest manufacturer of filters in the world.

GAC hosted guests from the Georgia Agriculture Department, the Norcross Mayor's office, Future Farmers of America, Georgia Common Market, and Georgia local suppliers with special activities highlighting Feed My School.

GAC is the first private school to participate in this program.

Brandon Johnson (math teacher) earned his Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University.

Nathan Deal. Kendall’s non-profit organization encourages citizens to donate time, talent, money, and other resources to assist the homeless community and others in need.

Fourth grader, Bella Medina, designed the GAC Christmas card this year. She used pencil, acrylic paint, and Sharpie markers to create this beautiful Nativity scene.

Dr. Katherine Kahn of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visited students in the Elementary Environmental Learning Center and several of our AP classes focused on the sciences. She works with farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and uses her knowledge about molecular genetics and virus resistance to help make advancements and improvements possible for their livelihood.

Students heard personal stories about the importance of education, the tools and resources Dr. Kahn uses daily to do her job well, and the potential impact they could eventually have on the world.

Dusty Rush and Derek Wilson (SH Bible teachers) were featured speakers at the Pepperdine University Lectureships. Their topic was “The Cross and the Generation Gap: 5 Ways to Build Bridges Between Generations.”

Kristy Shelton (Elementary PE teacher) has written her third book Restitution. Her first two books, Blinders and Blind Hope, were both Christian historical fiction. Shelton's new book is a thriller set in the future.

Kendall Robinson was named Runner Up in the 20 Under 20

by Reporter Newspaper and Atlanta INTown for her Love Rolls campaign. She also received a Commendation from Governor

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BUILDING TO Greater Atlanta Christian School

is taking the next step in extending students’ learning experience beyond traditional classroom

INSPIRE

spaces. By enhancing learning and collaborative opportunities, students are better prepared for their exciting futures.

Junior High & Senior High Buildings 8

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photographed by Name Here

DIRTT Environmental Solutions, one of the leading high-tech, high-sustainability interior manufacturers in North America, has named the redesign of GAC’s Junior High & Senior High buildings as The Best Education Project of 2016.

Junior High Building

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Fields Science Hall

Campus Church Auditorium

architectural rendering

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Campus Church Auditorium

The redesign of the Campus Church Auditorium will be a new 1,000-seat, classically-styled venue. The full array of performing arts programs including the GAC School of Ballet, GAC School of Music, Chapel Practicum, Orchestra, Band, and Choirs will all perform in the new Hall.

Coming Soon - Performance Hall

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LEARNING ON THE LAKE

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ow would it change the way you learn if you could get out of the typical classroom, ride on a boat with your friends, wade in the water, search for cool creatures, take water samples, explore islands, and more? It would drastically affect the way you learn.

Different groups of Elementary students are traveling to Lake Lanier each week and learning on GAC’s two brand new Floating Science Labs. Led by Elementary Principal, Dr. Brad Schultz, and Teaching Assistant, Lisa Chase, students get their hands wet and experience real-life STEAM concepts like lake ecology, lake wildlife, water quality, hydroelectricity, water wars, and the formation of lakes. This is unique learning at its best.

"WE GET TO EXPLORE ISLANDS, LOOK FOR CLUES ABOUT WHAT ANIMALS MIGHT LIVE THERE. WE DO ALL KINDS OF WATER EXPERIMENTS AND LEARN ABOUT DAMS AND HOW THEY WORK. IT'S SO MUCH FUN!" – 3RD GRADE STUDENT 12

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photographed photographedby byBrad Name Schultz Here

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he Varsity Math Team competed in the 32nd Annual Mercer University High School Mathematics Competition and earned 2nd place in the A-AAAAA division among 19 other schools. The event included individual testing rounds and speed rounds. This is GAC’s highest placement at this tournament. Congratulations to sponsor, Angelique Allen, and her team: Kay Zhou Vivian Zuo, Nina Da, David Lin, Alex Li, Calvin Dong, and Bill Ma.

MATH TEAM PLACES SECOND

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ur Robotics team qualified for the state robotics tournament with their showing of Robot 6989 at the RoboDragons Qualifier.

There were 35 robots in the competition with only eight advancing to state. Their success was the result of a collective team effort headed by Peter Chu (11th grade) who was the lead programmer and controller (driver) for Robot 6989. The team won two awards at the RoboDragons Qualifier. The Control Award was given to the robot with the best autonomous and driver operated control. And the Finalist Alliance Award was given for being part of an alliance consisting of a team of three robots. The team’s alliance ended up taking second place at the tournament.

ROBOTICS TEAM QUALIFIES FOR STATE

photographed by Gregory Name Here Miller

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NATIONAL MERIT Mason English has been named a National Merit Finalist.

His accomplishments, both academic and extra-curricular, are tremendous.

This is a well-deserved and hard-earned commendation. Mason is one of around 16,000 students nationwide who qualified as a semifinalist. He was among the highest scoring students in the state of Georgia on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY This year, National Honor Society members are partnering with several organizations for service projects including Atlanta Inner-City Mission Christmas Stocking Project, Special Olympics, Atlanta Mission Laundry Supply Drive, and Teacher Appreciation Day.

112 new members brings the total NHS membership for 2016-17 to 200!

SPARTAN

SPOTLIGHTS

AC A D E M I C S

COMMENDED STUDENTS We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication to academics these students have exhibited. They were named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship program.

Connor Castleberry, Bryn Evans, Matthew Hamil, Alexandra Hines, Miriam Tomblin, and Cienna Townson

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photographed by Glenn Martin

Drama GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ONE ACT PLAY CONTEST The cast of "Anatomy of Gray" brought home the 2nd place trophy at the GHS 7AAA Region One Act Play Contest. Parker Jennings was named Best Actress and Dorey Casey was named to the All Star Cast.

SPARTAN

SPOTLIGHTS

DRA M A

ONE ACT PLAY CAST WINS TOP TROPHY

NO. 24!

GEORGIA THEATRE CONFERENCE The cast of "Anatomy of Gray" walked away first-place winners in the GTC One Act Play Contest. This marks the twenty-fourth GTC win for director Clif Jones during his tenure at GAC. Special recognition goes to Ben Eberhart for being named Best Actor, and Dorey Casey for being added to the All-Star Cast.

The group also received the Best Set award.

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Congratulations to senior percussionist, Will Fields, on being named to the All-American Drumline.

Will prepared a piece of music and videotape of himself performing it.

He was selected to the Drumline from students all across the United States.

The Drumline is a part of Drumlines of America, an organization promoting the marching arts.

BAND

Ivy Lee, 7th grade flautist, earned a position with the Metropolitan Symphony Youth Orchestra following a rigorous audition process against high school musicians.

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The Marching Spartans performed in the Disneyland Parade in Anaheim, CA and the 85th annual Hollywood Christmas parade, a nationally televised parade airing on the CW network.

The 90-member Marching Spartans competed in their biggest competition of the year, Georgia Contest of Champions. Their halftime performance "Come Fly with Me" earned them nine welldeserved trophies.

• All Superior Ratings for their "Come Fly with Me" halftime performance • 1st place award in Class 2A for Drum Major • 1st place award in Class 2A Color Guard • 1st place award in Class 2A Percussion • 1st place award in Class 2A Overall Band • 2nd place in Silver Division (Class 1A, 2A, and 3A combined)

The Spartanettes dance teams brought home several awards from camp including two Superior Team trophy awards that qualify them to compete on a national level, two Spirit Sticks, one team Full-Out Award, 24 Blue Ribbons (the highest you can receive), and 10 of the dancers are now UDA All-American award winners.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BAND DIRECTOR Megan Williams is happy to join the GAC family as the new Band Director. A former Drum Major of UGA's Redcoat Marching Band, Megan is looking forward to growing the already-large GAC Marching Band and enhancing the band programs for 5th-12th graders.

DANCE

UDA All-American Dancers: Tori Eberhart (8th), Abby Cole (8th), Olivia Finazzo (8th), Rosemary Osbon (10th), Veronica Osbon (7th), Abagale Payne (8th), Kendall Rowland (8th), Nicole Smartt (11th), Jordan Williams (11th), Aliyah Young (9th)

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COMMUNITY When the GAC community comes together, memories are always made. Thanks to those who came out to Grandparents’ Day, and our first ever Christmas at GAC and Young Performer's Concerts.

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photographed by Glenn Martin & Mark Mason

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photographed by Name Here

Choir

Select Choir Competes in A Cappella Competition The Select Choir has advanced to the quarterfinals in the International Competition of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). This highly competitive match up of a cappella groups is the same competition featured in the popular Pitch Perfect movies. The group is extremely excited to advance to this level, especially in the first year of the group's existence.

Orchestra

Director Dr. Marcus Miller shares: "I am very proud of every one of them. They have definitely earned their spot and I fully expect them to compete well against other schools."

The following students passed the 1st round of All-State Orchestra auditions: Katelyn Choe (10th), viola Victoria Choe (7th), violin Calvin Dong (10th), cello Niharika Singareddy (9th), violin Bora Song (7th), violin

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A NEW WAY OF Learning

BY SCOTT HARSH, ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT Our Senior High students participated in two new exciting and unique learning experiences this year. Thanks to the creativity and diligent planning of our faculty, all of our students were able to engage in educational travel and project-based learning in new ways this year.

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his past October, students headed out on Learning Excursions to locations across the U.S. and around the world. These excursions took the place of the traditional class trips. While the old trips provided good experiences, GAC sensed that our students needed something new and fresh to match the learning needs of today. We saw an opportunity to create smaller trips that were more tailored to the learning aspirations and interests of our students. Faculty worked for almost a year to plan these new trips, pouring themselves not only into the logistics of each trip, but also planning for unique experiential learning opportunities.

Students enjoyed the more tailored experiences and opportunity to engage in exploration and study that matched their interests in science,

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history, art, journalism, medicine, conflict resolution, and more. For some students, these trips helped to solidify college and career choices and, for others, new ideas for future study and exploration were birthed.

Another benefit for students was the smaller group sizes that provided a better opportunity for students to bond with each other and with faculty.

The new format for educational travel provided unique opportunities of experiential learning and allowed students to engage the world in deeper and more meaningful ways.

In January, these same students had another unique opportunity.

They paused their regular classes as they started the second semester with a six-day seminar course involving project and problem-based learning.

The Winter Seminar idea was patterned after the model many universities have adopted with mini-semesters in January or May. Juniors and seniors chose from a wide selection of courses like Forensics, Game Theory, Public Health, Organic Chemistry, NGOs and Global Change, Film Fest, iPhone Photography, Canoe Building, CPR, First Aid, and many more. Sophomores participated in the Global Leadership Seminar focusing on learning to lead change by creating solutions to global issues. Freshmen took part in the Freshmen Leadership Seminar which focused on personal leadership including helping our

students make wise decisions in areas of purity and substance use as well as an opportunity to work in teams to develop a solution to an issue on our campus. At the end of the week, all of our students presented projects that were reviewed by peers, faculty, and outside guests. The seminars provided students an opportunity to not only dig deeper into an area of interest, but also helped students develop skills in working in teams, learn leadership traits, and to create a product or solution.

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he unique learning experiences provided through the Learning Excursions and Winter Seminar fit well with our total academic program and overarching goals to equip our students to understand the world around them, to be lifelong, engaged, and active learners, and to be future leaders in business and society.

“I learned how to communicate with all different types of people.

I also learned how to utilize different talents I didn’t know I had.”

— 5-Day Film Festival Winter Seminar Participant

Learning Excursions 2016-2017: • • • • • • • • •

American History & Literature – Boston College Tour – Boston to New York Conflict Resolution – Belfast, Northern Ireland Ecology – St. Augustine Fine Arts - Atlanta Science, History & Art – Tampa Senior Trip – Orlando Sports Science – Atlanta U.S. Government & Journalism – Washington, D.C. gacs today | winter 2017

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Becoming

GAC has been blessed for many years by the involvement of dedicated parents who form our Parent Organizations.

BY KATHERINE WHITE, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

The Ladies Association for Christian Education Luncheon celebrating 50 years of L.A.C.E. (Spring 2016)

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photographed by Name Here

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he ladies of L.A.C.E. (Ladies' Association for Christian Education) formed GAC's first parent organization and were instrumental in raising early funds to launch GAC into the school we are today. L.A.C.E. continues to raise funds for the school, most recently supporting the new Elementary Adventurescape playground, and previously the L.A.C.E. tennis courts (just to name a couple). They celebrated 50 years in the spring of 2016 with a celebratory luncheon.

Other worthy parent groups followed in their footsteps.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been instrumental in building community by helping parents make connections with one another, bringing numerous speakers and special events to campus, and most recently leading the efforts with our enhanced security on campus.

Patrons of the Arts has supported GAC’s outstanding Performing and Visual Arts programs. The Academic Booster Club has been the backbone of our student academic teams. And, finally, the Athletic Booster Club has the mission to enhance all GAC athletic teams.

In 2016, the leadership for L.A.C.E., PTO, Patrons of the Arts, and the Academic Booster Club began to meet together for synergy and to have a greater collective

effort for supporting their missions. This led the groups to the decision, approved by GAC Administration, to permanently combine. The Athletic Booster Club will continue to operate independently.

We are happy to announce that beginning with the 20172018 school year, in time for GAC’s 50th anniversary, these four parent organizations (L.A.C.E., PTO, Patrons, and the Academic Booster Club) will join together to form the new GAC Parent Association (GPA). The GAC Parent Association will continue to support the collective missions of the four parent organizations, but will be stronger through a combined effort. It will support students and teachers at each school level, act as a link to parents, raise monies for projects that may otherwise go unfunded, provide speakers on current topics that are important to the healthy growth of our families and students, and support GAC community events and service opportunities. These are just a few of the important works the GAC Parent Association will undertake. Our current parent organizations will continue doing good works for the remainder of this school year. There are many exciting speakers, events, and more to look forward to!

GAC IS TURNING

Plans are in the works for special anniversary events.

Wow! Greater Atlanta Christian School is turning 50 years old.

We will be celebrating this amazing achievement during the 2017-2018 school year. We want everyone to be a part of celebrating this momentous occasion with us. photographed by Name Here

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Homecoming – October 6, 2017

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Performance Hall Dedication – TBD

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50th Anniversary Dinner – Spring 2018

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Celebration Dinner for Faculty & Staff – May 2018

•

And more...

If you would like to help with 50th Anniversary plans or a special reunion, please contact alumni@greateratlantachristian.org.

For ongoing information about upcoming events and special dates, visit: www.greateratlantachristian.org/50th-Anniversary

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SUPER

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ATHLETES

Davis Mills Football

ATHLETIC Signers

These student-athletes have committed to play their sport at colleges and universities across the country. Good luck, Spartans!

Brooks Buce Football University of Georgia

Conner Conkel Golf University of South Carolina Upstate

Carson Costas Football Notre Dame College

Davis Mills Football Stanford University

Lexi Mann Basketball Kennesaw State University

Davis Markham Football Mercer University

Taylor Mason Soccer University of Hawaii

Charlie O’Briant Basketball United States Air Force Academy

Devin Thomas Football Southern Mississippi University

Alex Kahn Tennis

Liz Vega Soccer Rhodes College

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS

Davis Mills, QB for the Spartans, was recognized as a 2017 U.S. Army All-American. He joined other spectacular players in the country at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl by American Family Insurance. Davis Mills was not chosen to be an All-American only because of his football skills.

He was chosen because “he excels on the football field, he is both mentally and physically agile, and is able to adapt to challenging situations, similar to U.S. Army Soldiers.”

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Davis Mills 2016 Gwinnett Daily Post Offensive Player of the Year

photographed by Mario Lozano, Glenn Martin & Mark Mason

2016 7AAA ALL-REGION AWARDS

FOOTBALL

Player of the Year – Davis Mills (QB) Special Teams Player of the Year – Brooks Buce (K/P) First Team – Harrison Sloan, Ford Roberts, Kyler McMichael, Chris Hinton, Devin Thomas, Jonathan Rose, Davis Markham, Trey Morrison

FOOTBALL AAA RUNNERS-UP The Spartans took the Georgia Dome field for the AAA state championship football game against Cedar Grove HS. The mighty Spartans made us proud!

Gwinnett Touchdown Club Awards Davis Mills: Quarterback of the Year, Gwinnett County Kyler McMichael: First Team Offense, Running Back Davis Markham: Second Team Defense, Strong Safety Brooks Buce: Second Team Defense, Punter/ Kicker Jonathan Rose: Kevin Maloof Award (team first), Outside Linebacker/Quarterback Harrison Sloan: Scholar Athlete, Receiver Nolan Hughey: Assistant Coach of the Year

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DIVING Tony Stewart placed 2nd in the state diving competition for A-AAAAA schools. He also broke his own school record on the 1 meter board.

The Atlanta Area Football Officials Association named Tim Hardy as their 2016 Coach of the Year. Coach Hardy was selected by the Association not only because of his ability to teach the game, but because he demonstrates great respect for officials who must make difficult calls on the field during play.

CHEERLEADING Greater Atlanta Christian School hosted the 2nd Annual FCC Fellowship of Christian Cheer competition for the state of Georgia. GAC's Junior High cheer team placed first in the state.

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VOLLEYBALL

The 2015-2016 Lady Spartans Volleyball team was named by the American Volleyball Coaches Association to Academic All-American status carrying a 3.64 cumulative GPA as a team. Congratulations to the volleyball team in striving for excellence on the court and in the classroom!

AREA RUNNER-UP Special congratulations goes to Cammie Caldwell and Cienna Townson for making the All-Area Team.

Congratulations to three of our Lady Spartans volleyball players for their recent recognitions from the Gwinnett County Volleyball Booster Club.

• Cienna Townson: named First Team All-County; named an All-County Scholar Athlete; set the GAC record for most assists in a career as a setter; All-State Team in AAA. As GAC’s starting setter for three years, Cienna broke the school record for most assists in a career with 2,205.

• Cammie Caldwell: named First Team All-County; All-State Team in AAA • Karis Perusek: named Second Team All-County; All-State Team in AAA

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS

The Lady Spartans softball team had four players honored on the All-Region 7-AAA Softball Team, which was selected by the league’s coaches.

Shortstop Amanda Briskin and pitcher/outfielder Amelia Veal both made the first team, while Claire Holcomb and Abby Jenkins were named to the second-team.

SOFTBALL

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HOMECOMING COURT This year's Homecoming Court was an impressive group of students with hearts for leadership and service. Take a look at some of their credentials! Not only are these young men and women top students, but they are also extremely active in leadership positions and service initiatives.

Homecoming King & Queen: Devin Thomas and Jordan Bullard Devin Thomas is one of the captains of the varsity football team and is a member of the basketball team.

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photographed by Glenn Martin

Jordan Bullard is one of the captains of the varsity cheerleading squad. She is also a member of the chapel class and the Student Advancement Leadership Team.

Jordan also is an active member of the City of Children and Honduras mission trips.

SENIOR CLASS MEMBERS OF THE 2016 HOMECOMING COURT • Jordan Arona is a member of the lacrosse team and is a member of the Honduras mission team.

• Sophia Boudreau is president of the RedZone, is manager of the varsity swim and dive team, and is a member of the French club. She has served on four mission trips to Guatemala.

• Will Brooks is on the varsity swim team and is captain of the Marching Spartans band. He is on the Student Council for Senior High and is an officer in the Beta Club. Will is a member of the China mission team.

• Conner Conkel is a member of the varsity golf team. He is a member of the National Art Honor Society and chapel class. Conner

is a member of the China mission team.

• Bo Davies plays baseball for the Spartans and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Advancement Leadership Team. Bo has served on the Cozumel mission team.

• Molly Joseph is the swim team captain and plays on the varsity tennis team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Molly is involved in the City of Children, China, and Honduras mission trips.

• Lexi Mann is the captain of the basketball team, is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and participates on the broadcast team. Lexi has served on the Jamaica mission trip.

• Taylor Mason is a member of the varsity soccer team and two-time state championship player. She is also a member of the Beta Club.

• Jonathan Rose is one of the captains of the varsity football team and the lacrosse team. He is a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Student Advancement Leadership Team. Jonathan has served on the Honduras mission team.

• Isabel Stetcher is involved in dance and is a member of the National Dance Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

She has served on a mission trip to Guatemala.

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A L U M N I

NEWS The 2017-2018 school year will be one to remember as we celebrate GAC’s 50th anniversary. All of our alumni are important to us and the school’s great history. Several special events will be held throughout the year to connect with friends and teachers, remember the past, and celebrate God’s blessings for a bright future.

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You are always a Spartan!

CONNECT

Send us your updates at alumni@greateratlantachristian.org and connect with us online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Twitter:

LinkedIn:

FOLLOW@AlumniGACS

Facebook:

JOIN Greater Atlanta Christian School Professional Networking Group

∞

LIKE Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni

FOLLOW GACSAlumni

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2015

Kaylann Boyd was named SEC Freshman of Week in October 2016 for scoring the game-winning goal for Vanderbilt University’s women’s soccer team in the 102nd minute in a 3-2 double overtime win against rival, Tennessee.

Micah Abernathy, a safety for the University of Tennessee, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week in September 2016, and set a UT single-game record by recovering three fumbles in one game.

Class of 2016 Valedictorian Rebecca Buechler was selected as one of 17 Foundation Fellowship recipients at University of Georgia. Rebecca is attending the University of Georgia Honors Program and plans to specialize in mathematics.

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Instagram:

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Parker Stevens helped the Salisbury Seagulls win the National Championship in Lacrosse against Tufts University. The team played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia with 29,000 people in attendance. Parker plays Defensive Midfield for the Seagulls.

CLASS OF 2013 Rachel Garcia was named Ivy League Women’s Soccer Player of the Week in November 2016. Rachel scored the goal to take Harvard University's Women’s Soccer to win the Ivy League Crown.

Malcolm Brogdon

CLASS OF 2011 Malcolm Brogdon was selected as the 36th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the NBA Draft.

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Scotty Smith was named a 2016 Nuclear Energy University Program Fellow by the U.S. Department of Energy. He is one of 33 recipients from across the country. Scotty graduated from the University of Georgia and is now studying at Georgia Tech at the School of Material Sciences.

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CLASS OF 2010 McKenzie Merrick and Witt Cunningham were married in June 2016 at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek. Witt is a 2014 graduate of Georgia Southern University and is a systems engineer with the Georgia Tech Research Institute. McKenzie is a 2015 graduate of Georgia Southern University and is a project manager at The Scheduling Institute. They currently live in Brookhaven.

McKenzie Merrick and Witt Cunningham

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CLASS OF 2009 Ashley Wilde-Evans

Stella Blue Schneider

Ashley Wilde-Evans graduated from King’s College, London, in January 2015 with a Masters in Military History, and was awarded a Distinction. She married Robert Evans in December 2015. They currently live in West London, and Ashley works as a Corporate Membership and Events Coordinator at Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Robert is the Senior Sales Consultant for Edward Green on Jermyn Street.

CLASS OF 2008 Tyler and Heidi (Tabor) Samuel welcomed their daughter, Kenna Tyler Samuel, in March 2016. The Samuels live in Dallas, Texas.

Mollie Mitchell has accepted the head softball coaching position at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama. Mollie will also be teaching Health and coaching girls basketball.

Clay Oliver

CLASS OF 2007 Justin and Hope Schneider welcomed their daughter, Stella Blue, in March 2016. Justin is founder of Wolf & Shepherd, a men’s high performance dress shoe company. Justin was named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Retail & E-Commerce. The Schneiders live in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Kenna Tyler Samuel

Huston and Reagan (O’Brien) Oliver are proud to announce the birth of their son, Clay Huston Oliver, in September 2016. The Olivers live in Cumming.

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CLASS OF 2006 James “JHart” Abrahart was nominated for Grammy Awards in four categories. He received nomination nods for his work on Justin Bieber’s Purpose (Album of the Year & Best Pop Vocal Album), Kevin Urban’s Ripcord (Best Country Album), and with Kevin Gates as part of the soundtrack to the movie Suicide Squad (Best Soundtrack).

CLASS OF 2005 Jake Burton lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the founder of In This With You, a non-profit Christian organization designed to assist women in crisis pregnancies and those in post-abortive situations who are dealing with regrets. The website is inthiswithyou.org.

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Eric Schultz, the founder of film development and production company Relic Pictures, was named by Variety as one of 10 Producers to Watch in 2016. His most recent thriller, “The Strange Ones,” is scheduled for release in 2017.

CLASS OF 2004 Bri Emery is an art director and the Los Angeles-based founder and editor of designlovefest.com, a lifestyle blog with an eye for design in style, DIY, food, travel, and entertaining. With an enticing and recognizable aesthetic, Bri's styling, creative direction and design has transformed the designlovefest studio into an arthouse creating original concept campaigns for countless brands. Bri has been featured in publications such as Elle D’ecor, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Lucky Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, and The Los Angeles Times.

Eric Schultz

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Emerson Lee Thirtle

CLASS OF 2003 Foster Ned Chupp was born in April 2016 to Jeremy and Maren (O’Brien) Chupp. Foster joins siblings Macey (7), Parker (4), and Courtlyn (2). Jeremy works in sales and construction and is coaching football with his dad at Kings Ridge Christian School.

CLASS OF 2002 Zach and Janelle Tisher are proud parents of Beaumont “Beau” James. He was born in November 2015. (Next Page) Tony and Laura Thirtle welcomed their first child, Emerson Lee, in November 2016. The family lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

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The Chupp Family

CLASS OF 2001 Mollie Surratt, Senior Director of Public Relations, Social Media and Content Marketing at Mohawk, received the PR News’ PR People Award in the Digital Communications Leader of the Year category.

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CLASS OF 2000 Lindsay (Burton) Kellum was named 2016 Nurse of the Year at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Lindsay and her husband, Luke, are parents of Henry (2).

CLASS OF 1999 Brian and Merideth (Schleicher) Pool welcomed son, William Henry, in April 2016. He joins big sister Sarah Grace (4). Merideth is a self-employed consulting civil engineer serving clients in both Georgia and South Carolina.

William Henry Pool

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Beaumount James Tisher

David Enlow is in his 34th year of teaching. He is a science teacher at Northgate High School in Coweta County. David has been married to Janice Enlow for 34 years, lives in Sharpsburg, Georgia and has two grown sons, Corey and Keith.

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Nathan and Britney Burton welcomed their son, William Lynn, in October 2016. William joins older brothers Charlie (6), Grady (4), and Isaac (2). Nathan is in his third year as the defensive coordinator for the University of West Alabama football team in Livingston, Alabama.

CLASS OF 1992

Harper Marie Johnson

Chad and Jennifer Johnson welcomed their daughter, Harper Marie, in September 2016. Harper joins older siblings (9), Riley (6), and Austin (3). Chad is Regional Manager for Zebra Technologies.

The Johnsons live in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

CLASS OF 1990

CLASS OF 19 74 David Enlow is in his 34th year of teaching. He is a science teacher at Northgate High School in Coweta County. David has been married to Janice Enlow for 34 years, lives in Sharpsburg, Georgia and has two grown sons, Corey and Keith.

IN MEMORIAM Andrea Henderson (1946-2016) Former GAC faculty member The Honorable James Walbert Oxendine (1927-2016) A former member of the GAC Board of Trustees 20032009, “Judge” passed away August 21, 2016 after years of declining health. During his public service career, he served as a Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge and was appointed as a Senior Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia.

Joe Rhodes (1940-2016) Former GAC faculty member

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Austin “Matt” Jones has joined the Theatre Department of Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, as an Assistant Professor of Theatre.

Ithaca College has one of the top ten nationally recognized BFA programs in the country.

Elmer Utley (1923-2016) One of the original petitioners to the state of Georgia to incorporate Greater Atlanta Christian School in 1961 before the school opened to students. Elmer served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees from its inception, and continued to serve until 2005 when he

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transitioned to the Senior Board. Dr. David Fincher shared, “With the passing of Elmer, the original founders of GAC are now no longer with us. Thank God for what they started.”

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