GACS Today Magazine

GACSTODAY S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE

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DR. KENT BRANTLY

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PATH FORWARD

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ALUMNI NEWS

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THE SPARTAN STORE store.greateratlantachristian.org Photos by John Shin

YOUR YEAR-ROUND SHOPPING RESOURCE: More than 4,000 name brand items Add money to your child’s account online Convenient shopping on your mobile device or tablet

contents

VOLUME 15 SUMMER 2015 NUMBER 2

12 4 38 26 3

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

4 INSPIRING EXCELLENCE 12 FAITH IN THE FACE OF EBOLA 14 LEADING EDGE LEARNING 20 GRADUATION 34 THE PATH FORWARD 36 PLANNED GIVING 38 ALUMNI NEWS

FRONT COVER The Lady Spartans soccer team celebrates their State AA Championship title.

(PHOTO: Gwinnett Daily Post) EDITOR Jamie Dalton CONTRIBUTORS Jamie Dalton, Dr. David Fincher, Dr. Mike Giuliano, Gary Martin Hays, Tammy Hughes, Heni Jordan, Becky Martin, Dr. Caleb Panter, Ben & Bonnie Sloan, Ronnalee Strickland, Katie Vickery, Katherine White GRAPHIC DESIGN Danny Flanagan and Fritz Miller for Fritz Miller Studios, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHERS Robby Ackerley, Belize Study Abroad team, Mary Helen Bryant, Emily Christian, Jamie Dalton, Angela Grant, Gwinnett Daily Post, Nancy Herbert, Mario Lozano, Glenn Martin, Jason Mundie, Carolyn Shaffer, Kristy Shelton, John Shin, The Olympian Yearbook staff PRINTING Data Supplies, Inc. 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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PROGRESS

TESTING

FACULTY

ALUMNI

ACADEMICS

COMMUNITY

MISSIONS SCHOLARSHIPS

ATHLETICS

FACILITIES

PROGRAMS

GIVING

ALUMNI

GRADUATES

EXCELLENCE

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CREATIVITY

VISION

"EXCELLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. IT IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF HIGH INTENTION, SINCERE EFFORT, AND INTELLIGENT EXECUTION… " — ARISTOTLE

STUDENTS

MORE THAN A

WORD

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t’s funny how certain words can become so popular that they cross the line to being overused and what was once a vibrant term loses its impact.

Want an example?

Think about the word “awesome.” Awesome once meant “a show of force or majesty.” Now someone walks in a room with a pizza, and everyone exclaims “Awesome!” Somehow, that just doesn’t match up to the wonder of the Grand Canyon.

This issue of GACS Today is about another word that we are reclaiming: “Excellence.”

Every marketer selling items from soap to shoeboxes, and every organization from grand ones to ones that are weak-as-water now claim to be excellent. So what does it really mean any more?

Today, we declare that “excellence” has deep meaning and can’t be sold on the cheap.

Christian education, especially Greater Atlanta Christian School, has a special obligation to live out all that is superb, absolutely the best, masterful —never just adequate. With Jesus as the model toward whom GAC strives every day, in every action, and in every plan, we are being more intentional than

photographed by Mario Lozano

ever about how we can be excellent as a school and as a community — all for our students and families.

Each year, scores of Christian schools and private school leaders from around the nation visit GAC to learn and borrow stellar programs and ideas to take home for their students.

We are glad to share, not out of any claim of perfection, but in our unwavering quest for the absolute best experience…and outcomes for a child and family.

So what is happening in GACS Today as we strive for excellence? This issue will give you just a glimpse of how GAC lives out that grand word, that masterful word, that Jesus word, today. Christian education should be and can be filled with excellence. Come and see.

DR. DAVID FINCHER, PRESIDENT

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EXCELLENCE

Y

ou can see marks of excellence everywhere at GAC. Students, faculty, and staff help make our school better through their character, drive, loyalty, and determination.

Members of our community have been building a legacy of excellence for almost 50 years. They excel in the classroom, on athletic fields, through servant leadership, mentoring others, and by consistently being innovative in their field. Enjoy meeting a few excellent members of the GAC community.

JOHN SHIN

Rising senior at GAC

Everyone on campus knows John. Most people are familiar with his signature glasses and the camera he usually has around his neck. John enjoys capturing campus life and sharing it with those around him and has big plans for life after graduation.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My dad wanted us to share a hobby. He bought me a camera and supplies, and I’ve been taking photos ever since. I have met so many people on campus by taking photos.

I always have my camera with me.

Most people think that I want to be a photographer when I graduate, but I really want to be a physicist.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GAC? I have hopes of attending MIT after graduating from Greater Atlanta Christian and then moving to Switzerland to work for CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. They operate the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GAC? I just finished my 5th year at GAC GRADUATION YEAR? 2016 Follow John on Instagram @might_be_crazy_john_shin

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photographed by Mario Lozano and John Shin

WHAT WAS YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR LIKE?

It’s been full of relationships. You don’t find relationships like those I’ve made at GAC just anywhere. 2D Art wouldn’t have been as enjoyable without Garrison Ferrell’s sense of humor and clever personality. John Shin constantly blew the curve on every Beasley math test (who gets a 100% on every test?). And, when dissecting a pig fetus with Kendall Robinson and Kendall Parrot, we could barely control our nausea (and laughter). My friends at GAC make learning and coming to school every day exciting.

KATIE LOWENSTEIN

Recently conquered her first year of high school

Katie is a servant leader. From starting a morning fitness program for Elementary kids to giving away free ice cream to Atlanta-area Boys & Girls Clubs, Katie is always thinking of "what's next."

WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?

WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

It’s all about volleyball and hanging out with my church youth group. This is my third year playing club volleyball at Atlanta Extreme, and I compete in tournaments all over the Southeast. Summers mean lots of sand volleyball at Georgia State. Even though I don’t have much free time, I never miss a Wednesday night at church with my youth group.

I’m a scaredy cat. I don’t like to fly, yet I’m going to China on a mission trip. I’m terrified of roller coasters, and I avoid Six Flags like the plague. I’m always the one in the boat when we go waterskiing, and I’m just as happy drinking hot chocolate in the lodge when everyone else is tackling the black diamonds.

WHY IS SERVING OTHERS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I’ve been doing service projects as long as I can remember. It’s important to serve others because everyone needs help. Sometimes help might be as simple as an invitation to the kid sitting by himself in the lunchroom to join our table, and other times it might be as big as raising money to provide a summer camp scholarship to a child living in a drug-ridden neighborhood with incarcerated parents. My favorite service project is our annual “Boys & Girls Club Ice Cream Truck” project. I raise money to buy 1,500 ice cream bars and deliver them to the kids for free in five separate ice cream trucks to all the Boys and Girls Clubs in Atlanta (11 total). Last year we had 25 friends, neighbors, and teachers involved. We ride in ice cream trucks and play traditional ice cream truck music, and kids flock to us! They love it. We love it.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

I find the Teach for America program inspiring. They train recent college grads to be teachers and place them in some of the most needy neighborhoods in the U.S. I really enjoy working with children, especially disadvantaged, inner-city youth. One of my current favorite projects is tutoring Algebra 2 with Corners Outreach. It would be the opportunity of a lifetime to make a significant impact on the life of someone who really needs me.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GAC? 10 years. I started at GAC in K5.

GRADUATION YEAR? 2018

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JAMES LEE EXCELLENCE

Elementary Environmental Learning Teacher

James is a favorite teacher of GAC Elementary students. His learning is interactive, he allows students to get their hands dirty, and he encourages them to ask questions and learn about God's creation in the Environmental Center.

HOW DID YOUR BACKGROUND PREPARE YOU TO LEAD THE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER? I’ve worked on many different farms — some in the U.S. (Maine, Athens, Florida) and others around the world (Uganda, Tanzania, Thailand, Mexico).

It’s only been a few months since I was in Tanzania working with farmers, promoting God’s way of innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

I’ve had a great mix of growing plants, learning about environments, and teaching. God has prepared me to lead my students at GAC and help them learn about His creation.

WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’ve traveled to and lived in many different places in the developing world. I’ve been to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Thailand and Oaxaca Mexico. I am conversational in Korean, Swahili, and Spanish.

WHY ELEMENTARY? This is the best age to introduce new, out-of-the-box ideas.

These kids are eager to learn how God has created this awesome world for us. They are curious to learn where food comes from and how we impact the world. I’m fortunate to be able to have at least a small impact on their worldview.

I can't wait to see how they change the world.

DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a Certificate in organic agriculture from the University of Georgia.

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photographed by Mario Lozano

Julie is excited about moving to the Assistant Principal role in Junior High in 2015. Her Junior High students love spending time in her classroom and Julie enjoys getting to know them better.

Times like these allow Julie to glimpse into the ins and outs of their world beyond academics.

She always has an open door policy with anyone who wants to come and share.

HOW DID YOUR BACKGROUND PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AT GAC? I went to Harding University for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I loved the environment it provided to students and the spiritual community it shared with people on and off campus. I decided to become a teacher my first year in college because of one of my professors. Because the class sizes are smaller, I got to know my teachers on a deeper level than most would at a big state school. They not only helped me to become an effective teacher, but also became my spiritual advisors. I am very grateful for my education, but I honestly don’t think any type of school can prepare you for what really happens when you have your own classroom. I taught two years in Texas and one year in Cobb County before I came to GAC.

JULIE VARNEY Language Arts teacher, Junior High Softball Coach, and soon-to-be Junior High Assistant Principal

Those years taught me everything school could not: patience, flexibility, communication with parents and colleagues, and countless other lessons. Each of these experiences taught me that God is in control and that I need to lean on him for understanding. All of these things have prepared me for teaching at GAC, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. Being able to teach here is a true blessing. Each child I have taught has challenged me to be a better teacher, colleague, friend, wife, and Christian.

WHY JUNIOR HIGH? I love the spirit of Junior High kids. They get excited about the smallest things and are still not too old to be goofy. They are in a transitional time in their life, don’t understand half of the things that they are going through, and have a deep loyalty to their friends and justice. I love the deep thinking middle schoolers are capable of. Their perspective on the world is highly influenced by those around them, but they are also at a stage where they listen and are moved by acts of kindness and cruelty against others. I learn just as much from them through the questions they ask and the thoughts they discuss. Junior High students love life and remind me every day to live my life with love and laughter.

WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I never match my socks, I love cookies from Great American Cookie Company, I have always wanted to go on a backpacking trip around Europe, and I love going to the movies.

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MARIO LOZANO

opportunities to work in graphic design and coach soccer at the school that poured so much into my life.

God has opened many doors in my life.

GAC Graphic Designer & Varsity Girls Soccer Assistant Coach

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY THIS SCHOOL YEAR? There is no question. It was at the opening football game when the girls soccer team and coaching staff were presented with our State Soccer Championship rings. Many hours of hard work and teamwork paid off.

Mario has a long history with the GAC community.

Growing up in the City of Children orphanage in Mexico, Mario developed deep friendships with the many GAC mission teams that visited the orphanage.

When you walk across the campus with Mario, you immediately discover that everyone knows his name.

His willing spirit and selfless attitude make GAC better each day.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK? I was the recipient of love and kindness from many mission teams as a kid. Now I love to go on mission trips back home to City of Children and to City of Angels. Teaching these young kids about God is one of my greatest passions. I am called to serve others and it reminds me where I came from. When I'm not on a mission trip, I'm usually playing soccer.

HOW DID YOUR BACKGROUND PREPARE YOU TO BE AT GAC? I grew up in the City of Children orphanage in Mexico.

The people there helped me develop many life skills and a deep love of God. I was being prepared all along for my future at GAC, but I had never planned or dreamed about coming to America to work and live. Over the years, my friends at GAC told me about

ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Most people don’t know that I can beat box and love to draw.

WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN? When I was young I knew that I wanted to use my creativity to come up with new ideas and designs.

There's nothing like using my skills to create something for GAC and see it have an impact on others. Whether it is a printed piece for Admissions, a brochure about a new school program, or a mission trip T-shirt, my job allows me to share Jesus Christ with others.

That's the most important thing in the world.

“EXCELLENCE IS NOT AN EXCEPTION, IT IS A PREVAILING ATTITUDE.”

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– Colin Powell

CHAD DYBDAHL Head Spartan Athletic Trainer

Chad is always at the ready to help our athletic program excel. From helping monitor the overall health and safety of our athletes to working alongside the coaching staff, Chad is one of the biggest Spartan fans around.

WHY ATHLETICS? Since I am a complete sports nut (Sports Center is a nightly ritual), being around athletes daily is in my DNA. I have been a certified athletic trainer for 17 years and have worked in physical therapy clinic settings and with other school athletic programs. As part of the Spartan Athletics program, I get to witness our young men and women as they learn about character, integrity, perseverance, respect, leadership, and hard work. I get to be involved with the spiritual, physical, and emotional development of our athletes. GAC has the best coaches in the state, amazing facilities, and athletes that are respectful and try hard to do things "the right way." Working with these kids is an honor.

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I'm a member of the Georgia Mineral Society; I really enjoy learning about rocks and minerals. Adding to my personal collection on rockhounding field trips is how I love to spend my time. And I created a natural bird sanctuary in my backyard.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY THIS YEAR? Hands down it was the final quarter of the state football semifinal game at Fitzgerald. Our Spartan crowd was so loud and supportive. The thrilling ending when Will Kenworthy kicked a field goal as time ran out to win the game left many of us running around hugging players, coaches, and parents.

EXCELLENCE

DEGREE: Master’s degree in athletic training, Life University; NATA Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C./L) and Georgia licensed since 1998 FAMILY: Married to Chrissy; children Nathan (rising 7th grade) and Jaina (rising 6th grader); pets include 2 firebellied toads, 1 Betta fish, and backyard birds

photographed by Robby Ackerley & Mario Lozano

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Band

Symphonic Band and Concert Band each earned Superior Ratings at the GMEA State Band Festival Georgia All-State Band: Tylor Lee (11th) Jazz Band 1 earned Superior Ratings at the GMEA Jazz Festival GMEA District 13 Honor Band: Nataly Beacham (8th) Will Brooks (10th) Ella Bugg (6th) Katy Davis (12th) Tucker Denton (7th) Aldain Dorsey (8th) Pragya Ghanate (7th) Alexandra Hines (10th) Victoria Huynh (8th)

Junior High Orchestra earned a Gold Standard rating at the Southern Star Music Festival

Tyler Jhin (7th)Â Tylor Lee (11th) Steven Martinello (11th) Ben McCarty (7th) Campbell Melson (8th) Zach Musser (10th) William Pleasant (7th) Megan Ruder (8th) Caroline Stiles (12th) Rachel Stiles (9th)

5th Grade GMEA District Honor Band: Khariss Bender Kate Cole Julia Davidson Hayden Downs Alex Hermosillo Kerry Herndon-Brown Beckham Jacquet Ivy Lee MacKenzie Williams Kendall Young

Orchestra

Senior High Orchestra earned a Gold Standard rating at the Southern Star Music Festival.

They received the Sweepstakes Trophy for receiving the top score in the competition. They also received the Grand Champion Trophy for being the highest scoring group for the competition.

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photographed by Name Here

School of Music Black & White Gala Piano Competition Winners: Katelyn Choe (8th) Zach Musser (10th) Michael Xu (12th) – overall winner

Drama

"The Nerd" One Act Play cast members were named as All-Star Cast – Sam Casey (12th) & Griffin Hornyak (12th).

Katy Davis (12th) received the Technical Theatre Award for her stage-managing as the best technical student in the Southeast.

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

FINE ARTS

Choir Dance Georgia High School Dance Championship

Showbiz

1st place in Performing Arts division with “Oceans”

1st overall, High Gold for Red & Gold Teams with “Pardon My Southern Accent”

Kennesaw Flight Squad Invitational 1st place in Middle School Jazz with “You’ve Got My Attention” photographed by Mario Lozano, Glenn Martin, and Carolyn Shaffer

Madelyn Shaffer (7th) and Lacey Shaffer (9th) earned spots in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Choir. Each of them completed a rigorous 3-month audition process and competed against hundreds of other singers from across the state. This is Lacey’s second consecutive All-State honor. gacs today | summer 2015

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Fai h in the face of

EBOLA

Everyone knows him as an Ebola survivor. He says he is a child of God. Jamie Dalton, Editor

D

r. Kent Brantly has become a household name. Living a life devoted to missions, Brantly unexpectedly contracted Ebola, a rare and deadly disease, while serving as a medical missionary with his family in Liberia—and the trajectory of his life dramatically changed. Earlier this year, Brantly was the featured speaker at a Junior High and Senior High chapel, giving GAC students the opportunity to meet someone who is passionate about his life calling and has remained faithful in the face of uncertainty and a life-threatening illness.

Growing up in a Christian family, Brantly visited cousins living in the Atlanta area when he was young and attended

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basketball camp every summer at GAC. He attended Abilene Christian University and was surrounded by mentors who guided him toward mission work. He didn’t decide to attend medical school until he was about to graduate from ACU with a degree in Bible. He shared the reason for his decision: “I felt God calling me to live a life of service and to use my skills to serve others.”

After he contracted the Ebola virus, news coverage of the expanding epidemic was extensive. Completely unaware of the international attention his illness was receiving, Brantly was evacuated to Atlanta to receive treatment that ultimately healed him of the disease. He credits God and his doctors for saving his life, but he humbly talks about his own daily

struggles even as he encourages us: “I don’t live every day thinking about what God has done in my life and I wish I did. We need to live every day focusing on what God has done for us.”

W

hen asked by students if he would continue serving and risk his life and health again, Brantly paused and thoughtfully responded, “Risk is an interesting thing to discuss. We often place too much importance on security and safety. But if God calls you to a place of danger, then there is no safer place to be.”

Words of advice from Dr. Brantly to GAC students: “Stay involved in church; especially you seniors. In college, there will be lots of demands on your time and many distractions. Don’t let anything trump your need to be in a community of Christians.”

Make little choices every day to be faithful to God: “There are millions of people in this world who are born, live, and die and never hear the name of Jesus. You get to hear his name every day.”

Dr. Kent Brantly is one of TIME Magazine’s 2014 Persons of the Year, medical missionary, and Ebola survivor – and child of God. photographed by Jamie Dalton & Mario Lozano

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LEADING

EDGE

“Can I go again next year?” Students and trip leaders alike are declaring their experience in this year’s Study Abroad program one of their top learning experiences at GAC.

T

he spring trip to Belize exceeded any of their expectations. Tom Meeker, Senior High Science teacher and Belize trip leader says, “The time we had in Belize was eyeopening for the students. Not necessarily because of the cultural difference, but because of the reality of where they were. They had the chance to view creation and nature through a completely different lens.

Everything is intricately interrelated and their eyes were opened.”

topics such as sharks, medicinal plants, sustainable agriculture, cacao farming, caves, mangrove tree biology, coral, marine plants, and more. Once their feet were on the ground in Belize, they all served as subject-matter experts and helped teach their group.

Study Abroad students received a science elective credit for their time in Belize. Time in the field with practical application of their research gave students an incomparable experience as the world literally became their classroom.

Students in 10th-12th grade were able to join the Study Abroad trip to Belize. Outside of school hours, the team met and completed projects on

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photographed by Belize Study Abroad Team

BELIZE FAVORITES Rainforest adventures Impromptu astronomy lessons Waterfalls Cacao farming Mayan ruins Soccer games Underwater mangroves Naps in Enos Hiking Friendly debates Ziplining Medicinal botany Movie nights

LEARNING

New friends Devotionals Ethnobotany Local guides Land, sea & sky creatures Organic food Open-water snorkeling Cave snorkeling Nighttime snorkeling Paddle boarding Beach volleyball Kayaking

“Our students seemed to grasp the importance of relationships, and it was rewarding to see them value the people they met in the field. I am so thankful to the students for reminding me what it is like to wonder, to do something new that scares you, and to experience and ask questions. And thank you, Belize – You are unforgettable.” – Savannah Roberts, Senior High Bible Teacher and Belize Team Member

COMING SOON! FINE ARTS Study Abroad – Great Britain & France Spring Break 2016 LITERATURE Study Abroad – Great Britain Spring Break 2016

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Senior High Awards Atlanta Journal Cup – Parker Stevens STAR Student & Teacher – Katie Irwin & Donna Love Ray Kroc Award – Hannah Runkel Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award – Adebisi Thompson Governor’s Honors – Sam Casey & Caroline Stiles

Math Team

Bryan Collins Demonbreun Scholarship – Emily Woody

GAC Math Team wins 2nd in AA in the state at Middle Georgia State College in the GCTM Varsity State Mathematics Tournament.

National Hispanic Achievement Award – Sarah Schurr National Merit Scholarship Winner – Katie Irwin National Achievement Scholarship – Damani Bailey & Salome Gulent Boys State – Parker Bryant, Robert Jackson & Brandon Toomey Girls State – Katherine Harper & Adebisi Thompson

The team also swept top awards at a tournament for high school students throughout Georgia hosted by the Department of Mathematics at Georgia Southwestern.

1st place – Team – Division AA Math Team Individual Winners:

Scholar Athlete Award – Katie Irwin & Landon Keller

1st place AA – Rebecca Buechler (top 5 A-AAAAAA)

Prudential Spirit of Community Award – Katie Lowenstein & Preston Oakes

3rd place AA – Owen Meng

Stellar Spartans – Rory Alston, Laura Fey, Trent Fowler, Ripley Fricano, Claire Holcomb, Abby Kettle, Miller Kettle, Jamie Lu, Caroline Mainous, Stephanie Reynolds, Hannah Runkel, Harrison Sloan, Erik O. Smith, Kathryn Wilson Citizenship Award – Sam Casey, Reilly Corkran, Alex Hines & Nicole Smartt Scholarship Award – Rebecca Buechler, AnnaBelle Hellinger & Abby Kettle AP Scholars – Reagan Cink, Hunter Dye, Stephen Gilbert, Griffin Hornyak, Dylan Kearney, James Li, Lora Li, Knox Martin, Owen Meng, Emeritus Morris, Isaac Na, Annie Pham, Megan Staebell, Caroline Stiles, Modupe Thompson, Madison Ward, George Winfrey AP Scholars with Honor – Giorgi Arnett, Natalia Brody, Katie Irwin, Landon Keller, Miller Kettle, Dasha Kyrychenko, Sarah Schurr, Gavin Sun AP Scholars with Distinction – Harry Qiu, Micahel Xu

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2nd place AA – Gavin Sun (top 5 A-AAAAAA)

SPARTAN

SPOTLIGHTS

The Academic Team finished 2nd in AA at the Georgia State Championship.

AC A D E M I C S

This year’s team: Damani Bailey (captain, 12th), Paula Cuadrado (11th), Wesley McDowell (12th), Annie Pham (captain, 12th), Michael Xu (12th) and faculty sponsor, Brad Denton.

Naya Ohuabunwa (4th) was declared the 2015 Elementary Spelling Bee Champion out of 24 contestants. Alex Hermosillo (5th) and Justin Moore (4th) were runners up.

MOCK TRIAL Team Mock Trial Team Wins Gwinnett Region Championship and Secures 2nd in District REGION RESULTS: Matthew Bowling – Best Attorney (Round 2) Kyle Briskin – Best Attorney (Championship Round) Katy Davis – Best Witness (Round 1 & Championship Round) Ben Hemby – Best Attorney (Round 1 & 2) Meredith Mahaffey – Best Witness (Round 2) Liam Sullivan – Best Witness (Round 1 & 2)

SENIOR HIGH CONSTITUTION Student Council has been an integral part of the Senior High at GAC for decades. In recent years, the Council has grown tremendously, from 8 members to 23. This year’s Senior Cabinet has brought a new sense of purpose and direction to the organization by drafting the first ever constitution. The effort, led by Sam Casey, Griffin Hornyak, and Daniel Reed, culminated in the ratification of the document by Principal Scott Harsh. photographed by Mario Lozano and Glenn Martin

Mr. & Miss GAC

Will Davies & Modupe Thompson

Mr. & Miss Spartan

Sam Collins & Victoria Griffin

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Lori Davis, Senior High Counseling Chair, was nominated

by Sam Weyen (’14) as an Outstanding Educator for the Stanford University Teacher Tribute initiative.

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Denton on earning his Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University in May 2015.

Brad currently teaches 12th grade British Literature and World Literature.

Katie Irwin Katie Irwin, Class of 2015 Valedictorian, earned the status of National Merit Scholar, accepting the $2,500 scholarship that goes with that distinction.

Katie competed with over 1.5 million students taking the October 2013 PSAT. The competition narrowed to the 50,000 high scorers recognized as Commended Scholars, Semi-Finalists, and Finalists, with only 7,600 from across the country emerging as National Merit Scholars.

HAS IT ALL “I selected Mrs. Love as my STAR Teacher because I couldn’t have gotten the SAT score I did without what she taught me about vocabulary, grammar, and critical reading. Even though I want to go into science, I’ll still need to be able to communicate effectively through writing.” – Katie Irwin

Katie’s academic achievement shone brilliantly in the annual STAR Student recognition sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). PAGE showcases students with the highest SAT scores at their high school, who are also in the top 10% of their class. This year, due to Katie’s perfect 2400 score on the November 2013 SAT and her status as the GAC Valedictorian, she was recognized as the GAC STAR Student, then moved on to be a Region Star Student, and finally was featured as one the State’s Top STAR students.

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Katie’s stardom extended to both athletics and service. She was a member of the Lady Spartans Soccer state championship team two years in a row. Throughout high school, she has served in leadership roles with the GAC Beta Club; this year she has led as president of the 400-member service organization. As Beta Club President, Katie has been instrumental in fielding volunteers for the bi-yearly Special Olympics held on the GAC campus, for Operation Christmas Child, and for four annual Grandparents’ Days. As a deeply

admired member of her class, she was selected as a member of the Senior Homecoming Court.

KATIE WAS SELECTED AS A WINNER OF A $2,500 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP photographed by Mario Lozano

GARY MARTIN Hays GAC students take opportunities seriously. They are always looking for ways to stand out among the crowd. GAC continues to offer students surprising opportunities.

How many people can call themselves “published writers” or better yet, “bestselling authors?”

Juniors in the Life Calling class can add this moniker to their list of achievements as they begin filling out college applications. Partnering with GAC parent Gary Martin Hays, these class members have been given the opportunity of a lifetime.

A best-selling author and Atlantabased attorney, Gary worked with students on a unique project; during the spring semester each student was tasked with writing an essay entitled “If I Were in Charge.” Each essay will eventually become an individual chapter in a book and will be published by Gary and his team.

Gary has partnered with high school students in similar book-writing projects before with great success. He worked with students at Lassiter High School and, together, they published a book I Will Make a Difference: Students Aspire to Inspire, which went to #1 on Amazon. Gary believes in helping the younger generation understand the value of writing well, achieving goals, and having a strong work ethic: “Creating a book helps paint a picture for these students that the sky is the limit as long as you’re putting forth great effort.” As rising photographed by Mario Lozano

seniors, these students are beginning their transition from high school to a bright future. GAC students take opportunities seriously and they are always looking to stand out among the crowd. This book project helps them reach that goal by challenging them to think beyond their current classroom setting and toward their future.

Dr. Caleb Panter, Life Calling teacher and Senior High Student Dean, fully supports Gary’s partnership with the class: “This experience might spark a passion in one of our students that could lead to an exciting future. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and Gary’s leadership.”

Recent research on effective education suggests that what students need most is one person to believe that they can accomplish great things. Dr. Mike Giuliano, Life Calling teacher and Varsity Girls Soccer coach says Gary’s support of the students has a great

impact: “When Gary comes along and says, ‘I believe in you so much I’m going to make you a published author as a high school junior,’ they have their champion.” Not only do participating students rightly feel a huge sense of achievement, but their classwork shows great strides as well.

Giuliano shares, “Some of the best work I’ve seen all year was done by my students on these essays for the book. Gary believed in them and they responded.”

Students will create an Author Profile page on Amazon.com Five students will receive a $1,000 scholarship for college from the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. Book will be published in 2015 by We Published That, LLC

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“Live boldly and you will see that God has a plan for you.”

“You have brains, work ethic, athletic ability, and school experiences that outrun 99% of America.

Those gifts are not yours by accident, graduates. They are the gift of a loving God with a plan for your life. They are not yours to squander. Most would love to have what you have inside of you now.

Be pleased about it. Be humble about it. Put those gifts to work.”

Dr. David Fincher 2015 commencement speech

2015

Class of

MATRICULATIONS & NOTABLE ACCEPTANCES – CLASS OF 2015 Agnes Scott College AMDA – The American Musical and Dramatic Academy American University Appalachian State University Auburn University Auburn University Montgomery Baylor University Belmont University Berry College Birmingham-Southern College Boston College Boston University California State University, Long Beach Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Clark University Clemson University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Colorado School of Mines Columbus State University Cornell University Covenant College Davidson College Duke University Elon University Emerson College Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Florida Southern College Florida Southwestern State College Florida State University

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Furman University Gardner-Webb University Georgia College & State University Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Perimeter College Georgia Regents University Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Harding University Harvard University Howard University Indiana Wesleyan University Lafayette College LaGrange College Lee University Lehigh University Liberty University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Mars Hill University Maryland Institute College of Art Mercer University Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University Morehouse College New Jersey Institute of Technology New York University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina State University Northeastern University

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Northwestern University Oglethorpe University Ohio State University – College of Engineering Ohio Wesleyan University Old Dominion University Otis College of Art and Design Pace University, NYC Parsons The New School for Design Pepperdine University Pfeiffer University Piedmont College Pratt Institute Presbyterian College Purdue University Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rice University Rochester Institute of Technology Salisbury University Samford University San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta School of the Art Institute of Chicago Simpson College Southern Methodist University Southern Polytechnic State University Southern University and A&M College

Spelman College St. John’s University – Manhattan Campus Stanford University Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University Syracuse University Tennessee State University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The George Washington University The King’s College The Ohio State University The University of Akron The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of Georgia The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Texas, Austin The University of West Georgia Tufts University United States Naval Academy University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut

University of Florida University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of North Georgia University of Notre Dame University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Tennessee University of Utah University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Utah Valley University Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan College Western Carolina University Wofford College Xavier University Young Harris College photographed by Glenn Martin

700+ acceptances to

188

different colleges & universities

12.6 +

million dollars in scholarships offered

Valedictorian Katie Irwin

Heart of Service Award Sam Casey

Salutatorian Dasha Kyrychenko

Jesse C. Long Award of Excellence Landon Keller

18,892 service hours completed by the senior class

65

of our 195 seniors earned the Bible Service Honor Cord

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H.A. Fincher Bible Award Daniel Reed

Jacqulin Long Bible Award Kathryn Wilson photographed by Name Here

scholar-athletes (GAC record) gacs today | summer 2015

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CLASS OF 2015 ANNUAL FUND HONOR LIST

A

As the Class of 2015 embarks on a new chapter of their lives, we as family and friends reflect on their experiences and accomplishments. The following parents and grandparents chose to honor their 2015 graduate with a gift to the GAC Annual Fund 2014-2015.

In honor of Abbie Abrahart James and Jacqui Abrahart

In honor of Aaron Carver Harris and Anita Carver

In honor of Brooke Adams Scott and Kris Adams

In honor of Sam Casey Sean and Christine Casey

In honor of Gabby Adams Sam and Sophia Adams

In honor of Michael Chang David and Helen Morse

In honor of Ayomide Ajayi Julius and Oluseyi Ajayi

In honor of Jessica Chi Peter and Chanelle Chi

In honor of Melanie Alarcon-Cortez Gisela Cortez

In honor of Emily Christian Ben Christian

In honor of Rory Alston Chris Alston and Laura Townshend-Alston In honor of Sallie Anderson Jim and Sara Anderson In honor of Remi Andre Daniel and Laura Andre In honor of Giorgi Arnett Bruce and Elaine Arnett In honor of Ryan Arona Audrey Arona Tony and Holly Arona In honor of Michaela Bailey Jim and Therese Bailey In honor of Joshua Baker Mitchell and Jill Baker In honor of Rachael Ball Tim and Pam Ball In honor of Luke Barden Don and Lisa Barden In honor of Paige Barker Darren and Elizabeth Barker In honor of Perry Bitzer Todd and Karen Bitzer In honor of Lucas Boudreau Rick and Anne Boudreau In honor of Matthew Bowling David and Mendy Bowling In honor of Cameron Boyd Cal and Kristi Boyd In honor of Kyle Briskin Alan and Jennifer Briskin Beirne and Donna Brown In honor of Natalia Brody Robyn Brody In honor of Bailey Brown Tony and Tina Brown In honor of Wesley Bucher Kim and Connie Bucher In honor of Kylie Byrd Brian and Marjorie Byrd In honor of Elizabeth Calhoun Greg and Laura Calhoun In honor of Paul Carothers Pat and Terry Carothers

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We are grateful to have had the opportunity to watch the Class of 2015 grow during their time at Greater Atlanta Christian. We rejoice with them as they step into the next phase of life, and we send them the best wishes for success in the future.

In honor of Rachel Chupp Jimmy Chupp In honor of Reagan Cink Stewart and Lisa Cink In honor of Ansley Coatsworth Rob and Susan Coatsworth In honor of Bailey Collinson Jim and Holli Collinson In honor of Tyler Cooksey Tom and Cindy Cooksey In honor of Carson Cox Clay and Lisa Cox In honor of Wade Cox Jim and Payge Cox

In honor of Sydney Foxworthy Jay and Rhonda Foxworthy

In honor of Hunter Hemmings Mike and Kathy Hemmings

In honor of Taylor Kim Mi Cho

In honor of Austin Cushing Jeff and Valerie Cushing

In honor of Ripley Fricano David and Ashley Fricano

In honor of Ashley Hoffman David and Debbie Hoffman

In honor of Tony Kim Yongkyun and Aelan Kim

In honor of Will Davies Seth and Ann Davies

In honor of Mackenzie Gallagher Keith and Michelle Gallagher

In honor of Katie Holtzclaw Shawn and Anne Holtzclaw

In honor of Caleb Krise J.D. and Sally Krise

In honor of Claire Davis Scott and Leslie Davis

In honor of Phoenix Gandy Wayne and Angelia Heard

In honor of Savannah Horne Tim and Marsha Horne

In honor of Dasha Kyrychenko Alex and Liliya Kyrychenko

In honor of Callie Davis Brian and Chrissy Davis

In honor of Erik Georges Jim and Connie Georges Louise Georges

In honor of Griffin Hornyak Steve Hornyak and Jolie Lee-Hornyak

In honor of Jane LaMay John and Alison LaMay

In honor of Stephen Gilbert Joel and Susan Gilbert

In honor of Halle Huff Mark and Paige Huff

In honor of Emily Gilreath Mark and Hope Gilreath

In honor of Kristopher Ippolito George and Toni Ippolito

In honor of Rachel Gilreath Mark and Hope Gilreath

In honor of Katie Irwin Jim and Janine Irwin

In honor of Abby Gipson Randy and Karen Gipson

In honor of Collin Jenkins Shawn and Tasha Jenkins

In honor of Zach Green Robert Green and Gerry Baker-Green

In honor of Patrick Jones Chris and Kathy Jones

In honor of Katy Davis Don and Lori Davis In honor of Doug DeBoer Todd and Deb DeBoer In honor of Caroline Deedy Chris and Michele Deedy In honor of Ryan Dobbs Richard and Lisa Dobbs In honor of Cosette Doctor David and Susan Doctor In honor of Jake Doiron Dave and Linda Doiron In honor of Chris Dore Jamie and Wendy Dore In honor of Becca Dusek Jennifer Lofton

In honor of Salome Gulent Daniel and Azi Gulent In honor of William Hamryka West and Helen Hamryka

In honor of Hunter Dye Mike and Tracy Dye

In honor of Lindy Harper Bart and Allison Harper Jim and Becky Combee

In honor of Kalan Ellis Ernest and Kimberly Ellis

In honor of Eric Haviland Randy Haviland

In honor of Katie Everhart Dana and Sally Everhart

In honor of Shelby Head Steve and Kris Day

In honor of Carter Flachbarth Ed and Holly Flachbarth

In honor of Ben Hemby Tom Hemby

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In honor of Arlena Joyner Michele Joyner In honor of Anna Kane Michael and Kathleen Kane In honor of Dylan Kearney Jeff and Christie Kearney In honor of Landon Keller Clay and Julie Keller In honor of Will Kenworthy Randy and Ellie Kenworthy In honor of Harrison Kerr Roby and Sandra Kerr

In honor of Lane Langston Kevin and Lisa Langston In honor of James Li Rick and Christy Barnett In honor of Lora Li Jian Jiang In honor of Madison Licata Jim and Maria Licata In honor of Thomas Lord Brad and Laura Lord In honor of Jamie Lu Kim and Samantha Lu In honor of Marlee Mariney Melvin and Einita Mariney In honor of Chase Martin Robert and Nancy Martin In honor of Knox Martin Eddie and Becky Martin In honor of Jenny Mazurkiewicz David and Lisa Mazurkiewicz In honor of Ashley McCart Tony and Alicia McCart In honor of Peyton McGuire Patrick and Sydney McGuire

photographed by Glenn Martin

In honor of Annie McIntosh Bob and Kathy McIntosh

In honor of Lauren Santana Ruben and Teresa Santana

In honor of Hunter McKernan Matt and Amy McKernan

In honor of Connor Schanen Scott and Lisa Schanen

In honor of Lucy Miller Mike and Gina Miller

In honor of Sarah Schurr Peter and Cynthia Schurr

In honor of Mitchell Milovich Mark and Lorri Milovich Mitch and Joanne Milovich

In honor of Christopher Sharp Cecil and Liz Sharp

In honor of Caroline Mimms Rob and Suzanne Mimms In honor of Maddie Mitchell Kevin and Kelly Mitchell In honor of Elizabeth Mizell Will and Julie Mizell In honor of Matthew Monte Frank and Audrey Monte In honor of Emeritus Morris Scott and Sherri Morris In honor of Chris Moss Perry and Barb Moss In honor of Keegan Musser Eric and Kara Musser In honor of Isaac Na Steve and Anne Na In honor of Adam Nakada Iku Nakada and Kerri McBride In honor of Trey Nelson Lawrence and Vanessa Nelson In honor of Quang Nguyen Duc Ngo In honor of Brian Nguyen Tom and Wendy Nguyen In honor of Gigi Nicholl Norm and Nan Nicholl In honor of Preston Oakes Merrill and Mary Oakes In honor of Annie Pham Cong Tu Pham and Hai Yen Nguyenova In honor of May Phan Lam and Mai Phan In honor of Kyle Politz Leo and Cindy Politz In honor of Joshua Powell Jean Powell In honor of Tristan Pugh Brian and Leah Pugh In honor of Harry Qiu Hanson Sun and Lena Wang In honor of Rachel Raspberry Callie Raspberry In honor of Nate Ream Gary and Eunice Ream In honor of Mackenzie Reddic Bo and Renee Reddic In honor of Daniel Reed Joel and Lori Reed In honor of Brent Reynolds Ryan and Karen Reynolds In honor of Jake Rose Jim and Mary Rose Jean Wenzel In honor of Hannah Rowe Peter and Peggy Rowe In honor of Hannah Runkel Hal and Jenny Runkel

In honor of Amanda Shepherd Mark and Della Shepherd Brad and Linda West In honor of Sarah Shepherd Mark and Della Shepherd Brad and Linda West In honor of Darius Slayton Eddie and Pamela Slayton In honor of Katie Smotherman Charles and Sharon Smotherman In honor of Megan Staebell Jim and Wanda Staebell In honor of Parker Stevens Craig and Ann Stevens In honor of Caroline Stiles Rick and Jennifer Stiles In honor of Catie Stone Steve and Michale Anne Stone In honor of Aubrey Strickling Karen Hendrix Gene Strickling In honor of Gavin Sun Hanson Sun and Lena Wang In honor of Nick Syiek Paul and Cherie Syiek In honor of Brian Syphoe Ken and Gwen Syphoe In honor of McKenna Thomas Stan and Jerell Thomas In honor of Modupe Thompson Ngozi Onyekaba In honor of Audrey Traynor Chip and Lynn Traynor In honor of Brooke Trujillo Nancy McInnis Trujillo Mario and Janet Trujillo In honor of Justin van Leeuwen Paul and Janina van Leeuwen In honor of Jared Van Vlake Jeff and Dana Van Vlake In honor of Wyatt Vaughn Bridget and Paul Torregrosa Dwight Vaughn In honor of Jenny Vo Ben Vo and Nga Nguyen

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

– Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

THESE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2015 STARTED SCHOOL AT GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD VILLAGE. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE NUMEROUS YEARS OF SERVICE, DEDICATION, AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES HAVE GIVEN TO GAC.

In honor of Madison Ward Lisa Ward David Ward In honor of Kathryn Wilson Brian and Jane Wilson In honor of George Winfrey Tim and Leslie Winfrey In honor of Emily Woody Phil and Lisa Woody In honor of Taylor Wright Jon and Kristen Wright In honor of Michael Xu Rebecca Zhang In honor of Blair Zakas Charlie and Julie Zakas

In honor of Rachel Samaras George Samaras and Kelley Croxton-Samaras

photographed by The Olympian Yearbook Staff

From left to right, starting with back row: Taylor Wright, Will Kenworthy, Rory Alston, Ryan Arona, Tyler Cooksey, Matthew Bowling, Reagan Cink, Landon Keller, Parker Stevens, Abbie Abrahart, Chris Dore, Wyatt Vaughn, Ben Hemby, Jared Van Vlake, Hunter Hemmings, Doug DeBoer, Carson Cox, Rachel Samaras, Rachel Chupp, Annie McIntosh, Charissa Davis, Maddie Ward, Shelby Head, McKenna Thomas, Kathryn Wilson, Hannah Runkel, Madison Licata, Sydney Foxworthy, Christianna Choe, Natalia Brody, Giorgi Arnett, Lindy Harper, Savannah Horne, Katy Davis.

Not pictured: Wes Bucher, Sam Casey, Collin Jenkins

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Celebration Dinner 2015

e v o L

ROOTED & GROUNDED IN On May 1, GAC faculty, staff, board members, spouses, parent volunteers, and special guests celebrated the 2014-2015 school year together. GAC is firmly established on the foundation of God’s love.

This is worth celebrating!

Ephesians 3:17-19

H.A. Fincher Spirit of Excellence Award Dr. Misty Overman • Exhibits selflessness and devotion to students • Demonstrates outstanding professional qualifications • Inspires excellence in students

• Provides many years of service to GAC • Promotes spiritual direction for students • Goes above and beyond their responsibilities

Educators of the Year: Outstanding Elementary Educator of the Year Lauren Hollier

Outstanding Junior High Educator of the Year Dana Pritchett 24

summer 2015 | gacs today

Outstanding Senior High Educator of the Year Brandon Johnson

Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Hector Felix photographed by Glenn Martin & Mario Lozano

Ministry Milestones

5

YEARS

10 YEARS

Retirees:

15 YEARS

Jill Morris (20 years)

Charles Ray (17 years)

Event Sponors: Platinum Circle Sponsors:

Gold Circle Sponsors:

20 YEARS

25 35 40

Jeremy Beauchamp Marla Boren Jami Brown Alex Bufton Tina Bullard Jamie Dalton Brian Dolinger Joe Edlhuber Charles Edwards

Angelique Allen Steven Allen Margie Asef Charles Butts Kathy Cassidy John Dobbs Matt Fincher Steffanie Garner Janine Irwin Jesse Joyner Jackie Bradley Julie Harper Lori Sams Dr. Brad Schultz Monica Schultz Kathy Sisco

Isiah Hill Mary Lou Holcomb Jessica Ly Becky Martin Katie Martin Tami Miller Tina Torrance Robert Turner Lisa Wolaver

Ellie Kenworthy Suzanne Landreth Deanna Libengood Victa McCray Deborah Pinson Joy Sullivan Jerell Thomas Jenny Tuley Kristen Wright Shelley Woodward Ronnalee Strickland Annabelle Townsend

Julie Bridges Jill Morris Mandy Richey Jackie Swann

Marsie Walton Jennifer Warren

Pam Manley Barbara Porter

YEARS

Mike Glenn

YEARS

Dr. Tim Vick

YEARS

Red Circle Sponsors:

45

Bill Burton

YEARS

photographed by Name Here

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State Champions – 4x400m Relay Team: Micah Abernathy, Miller Kettle, Huey Rowe-Anderson, Darius Slayton

BOYS' TRACK & FIELD

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHTS

SPORTS

The Boys Track & Field Team won 1st place at the State AA Track & Field Meet

GAC HAS THE MOST GHSA ATHLETIC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL-TIME FOR ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS IN GWINNETT COUNTY WITH A TOTAL OF 55.

STATE CHAMPIONS – 4x100m Relay Team: Micah Abernathy, Josh Irvin, Darius Slayton, Jaelen Venable STATE CHAMPION – Darius Slayton – 200-Meter Dash

STATE CHAMPION – Micah Abernathy – 400-Meter Dash

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS Coach Brad Kinser – 2015 Gwinnett County Coach of the Year by the Gwinnett County Track and Field Club

STATE CHAMPION – Miller Kettle – 1,600-Meter Run (new GAC record)

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summer 2015 | gacs today

photographed by Mary Helen Bryant, Angela Grant, Gwinnett Daily Post, Mario Lozano & Glenn Martin

GIRLS' TRACK & FIELD The Girls Track & Field Team won 3rd Place at the State AA Track & Field Meet State Champion – Stephanie Reynolds – 100-Meter Hurdles; 3rd place High Jump

INDIVIDUAL

State Champions – 4x100 Relay Team: Nia Brown, Jada Jones, Stephanie Reynolds, Kennedy Street

CHAMPIONS

Junior High Track & Field team brought home 1st place at the Region 6AA Junior High Track Meet.

NEW GAC RECORDS! Abby Kettle 1,600-Meter Run at 5:16 (State AA Track & Field Meet) Miller Kettle 1,600-Meter Run at 4:23.24 (State AA Track & Field Meet) Darius Slayton 200-Meter Dash at 21.6 (Gwinnett County Track Meet) Darius Slayton 100-Meter Dash at 10.53 (Gwinnett County Track Meet)

State Runner-Up – Abby Kettle – 3,200-Meter Run; 3rd place 1,600-Meter Run (new GAC record)

TENNIS

Boys Tennis Team – State AA Champions gacs today | summer 2015

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GIRLS' SOCCER

STATE AA CHAMPIONS 2nd consecutive state championship

REGION 6AA CHAMPIONS

Coach Mike Giuliano Divarsity.com 2A Girls Coach of the Year

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photographed by Gwinnett Daily Post and Mario Lozano

BOYS' SOCCER

STATE AA CHAMPIONS 2nd consecutive state championship

REGION 6AA CHAMPIONS Will Hamryka – A-AAAAA Gwinnett County Goal Club Player of the Year

Coach Thom Jacquet A-AAAAA Gwinnett County Goal Club Coach of the Year; Divarsity.com 2A Boys Coach of the Year

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BOYS' GOLF

INDIVIDUAL Boys Golf Team STATE RUNNER-UP CLASS AA

CHAMPION

Ben Shipp STATE CHAMPION (low medalist) 1ST IN REGION 6AA (low medalist)

The Georgia Dugout Club named the 2014 Spartan baseball team the 2015 Gwinnett County Team of the Year.

Varsity Baseball Team 1st in Region Overall record 27-6 Junior High Baseball Team won the 2015 Dunwoody Middle School League Regular Season Title and the 2015 Tournament Championship

Football Paul Carothers (12th) named Defensive Player of the Year for Region 6AA Mr. & Miss Spartan Spirit Will Davies & Megan Staebell

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WRESTLING FIRST TIME IN GAC WRESTLING HISTORY FOR A TEAM TO BRING HOME A TROPHY FROM EACH TOURNAMENT THEY ENTERED. D.J. Coker Basketball Garrett Covington (6’4” Jr.) named to AJC AA All-State Team

INDIVIDUAL

STATE RESULTS

CHAMPION

D.J. Coker (285 lbs.) – State Champion – first individual wrestling champion in GAC history Ian Politz (126 lbs.) – State Runner-Up in weight class Kyle Politz (145 lbs.) – State Runner-Up in weight class Aiden Jarrett (195 lbs.) – 3rd Place in State in weight class 2nd Place at Area 4AA Duals Tournament David Nadelhoffer Award for Top Georgia Prep Team at the Prep Slam Meet 3rd Place at State AA Duals photographed by Gwinnett Daily Post, Glenn Martin, Kristy Shelton, John Shin

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Goalie Brad Hodoval (11th) is the first boy’s lacrosse player in school history to be named both an All-State and All-American player.

The Gwinnett Lacrosse League also named Brad Goalie of the Year.

Midfielder Parker Stevens (12th) was recognized as a 2nd team All-State member and defensive player Connor Markham (11th) was named as All-State Honorable Mention.

BAND OF BROTHERS

“Never in my coaching career have I been given the opportunity to work with such a unique group of young men.

This season I had five sets of brothers playing on the junior varsity and varsity lacrosse teams. Each was set apart by their own unique qualities, yet all were completely loyal to one another. Lacrosse is a booming sport, and younger players are beginning to pick up the game from their older brothers. Coaching these guys was a complete blessing.”

– Tim Ball, Head JV & Varsity Lacrosse Coach

L to R: Jacob Baker (D-9th), Josh Baker (FO-12th), Patrick Jones (A-12th), Nick Jones (M-9th), Jake Rose (M-12th), Jonathan Rose (M-10th), Ryan Arona (D-12th), Jordan Arona (A-10th), Knox Martin (M-12th), Riley Martin (G-10th)

LACROSSE

Congratulations to the Lightning Girls lacrosse team on winning the 2015 Gwinnett Lacrosse League Championship.

SPRING ATHLETIC Signers Remi Andre Tennis Appalachian State University

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Joshua Baker Lacrosse Berry College

summer 2015 | gacs today

Perry Bitzer Soccer Savannah College of Art and Design

Andrew Chitty Tennis Piedmont College

Jake Doiron Soccer Berry College

Ripley Fricano Track & Field Presbyterian College

photographed by Nancy Herbert & Glenn Martin

SPRING

SUPER 6 1.

Athletes 2.

SPRING ATHLETIC Signers

1. Micah Abernathy Track & Field 2. Will Hamryka Soccer 3. Brad Hodoval Lacrosse 4. Elizabeth Mizell Golf

3.

4.

5. Ben Shipp Golf

Brian Syphoe Baseball Young Harris College

George Winfrey Soccer Rhodes College

Nate Ream Soccer Mercer University

Parker Stevens Lacrosse Salisbury University

Miller Kettle Track & Field Colorado School of Mines

Wesley McDowell Fencing Stevens Institute of Technology

6. Darius Slayton Track & Field 7. Steffen Smith Golf

5.

Phoenix Gandy Tennis Tennessee State University

6.

Will Hamryka Soccer Washington and Lee University

photographed by Mario Lozano & Glenn Martin

Halle Huff Soccer Georgia Southern University

7.

Arlena Joyner Soccer Berry College

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HELP US FINISH WELL

W

hen the Path Forward campaign began in 2014, GAC set an ambitious goal to raise $29.7 million. With generous donations from friends and

family, we have made tremendous strides toward reaching that goal.

We still have funds to raise in order for the many planned initiatives to be completed.

Will you help make these PROGRAMS come to life?

It’s clear that great teachers make a crucial difference for our children. Through the Teaching Excellence Program resources will be available to help GAC attract the very best educators and to provide teaching grants allowing our faculty to further their professional development and promote exceptional classroom experiences for our students.

TEACHING EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

(not fully funded)

• Attract top quality teachers nationwide • Fund teacher grants for continued learning (awarded based on excellence in the classroom) • Promote enhanced learning in the classroom • Fund Faculty Associate Program (1 year internships)

Your donations can help make the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Lab a possibility for GAC students. This exciting program will give our students an advantage as they launch toward college.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION LAB FOR SENIOR HIGH (not fully funded) • Students will learn how to formulate a business plan • Students will create an actual product or service that addresses a world or business problem • Working in groups, they will present their ideas to a panel to ask for venture capital funding • Local business leaders will be involved as mentors to discuss with students real world issues and ideas around entrepreneurship

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS • We desire to give students real life experiences. Based on application and teacher recommendation, students will be able to complete a summer internship between their junior and senior year as part of the new leadership curriculum.

Help us make these programs and facilities come to life.

Contact the Development Office at 770-243-2208 or development@greateratlantachristian.org to find out how you can help us finish well. Please visit our website for more information www.greateratlantachristian.org/ path-forward.

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photographed by Emily Christian

Will you help make these FACILITIES come to life?

Junior High & Senior High Redesign (not fully funded)

Junior High

Senior High

Center for Performing Arts (former Campus Church auditorium) (not fully funded)

Sara D. Williams Fine Arts Expansion (not fully funded)

Ground Floor

2nd Floor (Sara D. Williams Fine Arts Expansion)

The Campaign for Greater Atlanta Christian School

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Genevieve (8th), Ben, Bianca (3rd), Bonnie, Harrison (10th)

PLANNED GIVING: THE LEGACY SOCIETY

BEN & BONNIE SLOAN A little over 8 years ago, we were looking for a Christian school that would not only provide a top notch education and well-rounded athletic and extra-curricular opportunities for our three children, but one that would truly partner with us in teaching them how to thrive in today’s culture and “do life” as Christians. When we toured GAC, the beautiful campus initially impressed us, but it was the people that we met that had a greater impact on us. They were warm, friendly, welcoming, and genuine. We believed in the mission and values of the school and wanted to be a part of it. Being accepted to GAC was the answer to prayer, and our journey has blessed our entire family in thousands of ways.

ripple effect our experience at GAC will have. We have always been aware that our family is on the receiving end of the generous financial blessing of those who have gone before us. That is why we believe it is so important for us to leave a legacy for future generations, so they will be blessed as well.

Everything about GAC demonstrates vision, excellence, love, leadership, serving others, and glorifying God. GAC is creating world changers. We can only imagine the profound

If you would like more information about making GAC part of your planned giving, please contact Heni Jordan at hjordan@greateratlantachristian.org or 770-243-2209.

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It was very simple to add GAC as a beneficiary in our will. It involved a brief phone call to our attorney, and signing and notarizing the amended document. If God places it on your heart, like He did ours, we invite you to join us in making Greater Atlanta Christian part of your planned giving.

What an extraordinary way to demonstrate our gratitude to GAC and our desire to further God’s kingdom.”

photographed by Jason Mundie

S

enior High student and recipient of the Georgia GOAL tax-credit scholarship program, Micaiah Kimble-Glover, shared stories with GAC contributors at the Annual Georgia GOAL Participant Appreciation Dinner. Supporters make experiences and opportunities such as mission trips, spiritual retreats, tennis, volleyball, drama, and more available to Micaiah and other Georgia GOAL recipients.

Georgia GOAL allows taxpayers in the state of Georgia to contribute a portion of their Georgia state income tax in exchange for scholarships to be given to the private school of their choice. Over 245 individuals chose Greater Atlanta Christian School as their school of choice in 2015.

See how many students can attend GAC because of your contributions!

2014-15 school year

67 GA GOAL recipients

2015-16 school year

89 GA GOAL recommendations (as of 5/29/15)

At the Appreciation Dinner Micaiah thanked donors for providing countless resources, “You have shaped and changed the lives of many people here on this campus, including mine.” With your continued support, other students like Micaiah will arrive on campus and proudly call GAC their new school home.

All donors who annually contribute a gift of $2,500 or more to the GAC Annual Fund are recognized at the following levels: Today, GAC is able to provide a quality educational experience to over 1,800 students in a dynamic Christian environment because of the faithfulness of generous supporters.

Tuition purposefully covers approximately 85% of the cost of educating a student. Tuition does not cover the cost of new buildings, renovations, and new program development.

The Jesse Long Society is a special circle of Annual Fund patrons named after GAC’s first President, Jesse Long.

Established in 2009, the Jesse Long Society’s purpose is to recognize individuals who support the GAC Annual Fund with leadership-level gifts setting the pace for giving.

Benefactors Circle Founders Circle Wisdom & Stature Circle

$10,000 and above $5,000-$9,999 $2,500-$4,999

*Matching gifts count as part of an individual's donation Jesse Long Society benefits are listed on the GAC website under “Giving.”

Please also consider donating your appreciated stocks as payment of your Annual Fund pledge. In this case, you do not have to pay capital gains tax when transferring (not selling) those stocks.

Join the Jesse Long Society and set an example of leadership giving for our community this fall. For more information please visit the GAC website or contact Heni Jordan at hjordan@greateratlantachristian.org or 770-243-2209. gacs today | summer 2015

37

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

Join the “Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni” Group

Follow "GACSAlumni"

TWITTER Follow @alumniGACS #gacalumni

FACEBOOK

Like the “Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni” page

SAVE THE DATE Homecoming 2015 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Join us for a cookout, campus tour, and an exciting football game. Reunions for the 1975 Spartan baseball team and GAC classes of 1985 and 1995 reunion weekends have been planned and more are in the planning stages.

All Homecoming details will be emailed this year. Make sure you update your contact information on the alumni page. www.greateratlantachristian.org/alumni

If you would like to submit an update for the alumni section of the next issue of GACS Today, please email rstrickland@greateratlantachristian.org.

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➻

∞

➻

CONNECT

➻

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

➻

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI CHORUS REUNION GAC alumni from 1970-2015 gathered for the Alumni Chorus Reunion in May 2015.

More than 140 former members of the chorus program joined the A Capella Choir to perform a concert under the direction of D.J. Bulls and John Clovis.

CLASS OF 2014 Justin Lewis was honored as AA Player of the Year by the Georgia Dugout Club (for his performance on the Spartan baseball team during his senior year of high school) for the 2014-15 year. Justin is a member of the University of Kentucky baseball team. »

CLASS OF 2013 Justin Mohling earned the Service Award as a member of the University of Nebraska Marching Band.

justin lewis

CLASS OF 2011

∞

Malcolm Brogdon was named a second-team All American by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and he was recognized as a John R. Wooden All-American for his contribution to the University of Virginia Cavaliers basketball team.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 2010 Casey Dykes and Chaney Means were married in September 2014 in Franklin, TN. Chaney graduated from Western Kentucky University in May 2014 where she played basketball as a Lady Topper for the past four years. The Dykes live in Bowling Green, KY where Casey is an assistant coach for the WKU baseball team.

Connor and Courtney (Parker) Castillo were married in August 2014. They currently live in Lookout Mountain, GA. Courtney is currently working as a nurse in the Neonatal ICU at Parkridge East Hospital. Connor will finish a bachelor of science degree with an environmental biology focus from Covenant College in 2015. »

courtney (parker) castillo

Taylor Martin graduated from Berry College in May 2014 with a bachelor of arts in education. Taylor was a 4-year starter as goalie for the Berry Girls’ Lacrosse team. She was on the SAA Sportsmanship Team in 2014 and was named to the SAA 2013 and 2014 StudentAthlete Academic Honor Roll. In August 2014, Taylor accepted a position as a physical education teacher and the Head of Girls’ Lacrosse at the Uppingham Boarding School located in Uppingham, Rutland County, England. »

taylor martin

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CLASS OF 2009 Chris Yancey and Madeline Baker were married in September 2014. Chris graduated in December 2013 with a masters of divinity from the Beeson School of Divinity and is a youth minister at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Madeline graduated from Samford University in December 2013 with a bachelors of arts in English and is a teacher at Cinco Christian School. «

Jessica Coan was named as the new Head Softball Coach for the Lady Spartans for the 2015-16 season. «

CLASS OF 2007 Stephanie Brown graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in May 2015. In her three years of law school, Stephanie worked for International Justice Mission in Rwanda, McCue & Partners in London and Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles. She received a scholarship from the Beverly Hills Bar Association for her public interest work and has been recognized for her work to bring access to public justice for all in the Los Angeles area. Stephanie is planning

madeline baker

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S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 2008

jessica coan

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stephanie brown

a September 2015 wedding to her fiancé, Brian Howaniec. After the wedding, they are planning to move to London where Stephanie will continue her career in international human rights and legal aid. «

CLASS OF 2006 Frank and Megan Bolling welcomed their first son, Micah Franklin, in March 2015. Frank is a preaching apprentice at Highland Church of Christ in Cordova, TN. »

CLASS OF 2004

micah franklin bolling

Josh and Ashlie (Hill) Lairsey welcomed their daughter, Parker Grace, in August 2014. Ashlie is a project coordinator at DataScan Technologies in Alpharetta, GA. The Lairseys live in Dacula, GA. »

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CLASS OF 2003

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

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Evan Landers (Class of 2000) and Nikki Heineck are married and live in Alpharetta, GA. They both have jobs they are very proud of and cannot wait for what the future holds!

parker grace lairsey

evan landers & nikki heineck

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CLASS OF 2002

THE ALUMNI CHORUS PERFORMANCE WAS RECORDED AND CDS MAY BE PURCHASED. stephanie (collins) thompson

Rev. Sara E. Robb was ordained to ministry in February 2015 by Scott Boulevard Baptist Church in Decatur, GA, where she serves as Associate Pastor. «

CLASS OF 2000 David Eaton was named as the new Head Boys’ Basketball Coach for the Spartans for the 2015-16 season.

CLASS OF 1995 Ryan Knapp and his wife, Allison, live in Charleston, SC with their children, MacKenzie (12) and Mills (8). Ryan is Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Middle Street Partners. «

CLASS OF 1982 Stephanie (Collins) Thompson was named Principal of Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. Farragut is a nationally ranked high school according to U.S. News & World Report and the 8th ranked high school in the state of Tennessee. Following a career teaching both public and private school in Ocala, FL, she has served the Knox County Schools for almost ten years. During this time, Stephanie taught business education at three of the county's high schools and then transitioned into leadership with the district, moving to Austin-East High School.

After two years, Stephanie was promoted to the Freshman Principal and led the team to some of the highest gains in Algebra I seen in the state of Tennessee and was responsible for writing, implementing, and managing the $2.3 million dollar School Improvement Grant. In 2013, she was promoted to Federal Programs Supervisor, serving 13 Title I high-needs schools and 7 private schools that received Title I funding. Stephanie and her husband of 31 years, Neil, live in Oak Ridge, TN. They have four children: David (29) and his wife Bethany, Eddie (26), Mary Katherine (18), and Matthew (15).

rev. sara e. robb

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S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

Send $15 checks made payable to GAC. GAC / Attn: Ronnalee Strickland 1575 Indian Trail Rd. Norcross, GA 30093

Brian Irizarry and his wife, Barbara, live in Aviano, Italy. Barbara is a first grade teacher for DoDDS (school system for children of parents stationed oversees at an American base) at Aviano Air Force. The Irizarrys have three sons less than three years apart: Owen (3), Ezra (2), and Samuel (8 months). Brian is certified to teach middle and high school mathematics. »

CLASS OF 19 71

ryan knapp

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Deborah (Hicks) Singletary has two grown sons and welcomed a granddaughter in 2013. She has been working for the Polk County school system since 1988, spending the last 11 years working with special education high school students. Deborah says, “It’s by far the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had except for raising my children.”

brian and barbara irizarry

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» katie bell (1981-2014) GAC Class of 1999

» edward l. "jack" bradford (1921-2015)

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 ALUMNI NEWS

IN MEMORIAM

» jim lofton (1929-2015) Head GAC football coach 1994-1998; assisted with football team 1999-2008

» trey massey (1961-2015) GAC Class of 1979; Development staff 2008-2010

GAC Board of Trustees member 1973-2000; supported the founding of GAC before the » sean poole (1987-2015) GAC Class of 2006 school opened; remained committed to the work of GAC all his life. » donald shultz (1929-2014)

» chris chitty (1983-2015) GAC Class of 2002

» paul danger (1928-2015) GAC Board of Trustees member 1973-2001; was GAC's building contractor for early school buildings, including Liles Media Center and today's Junior High building.

» carmen kinser (1936-2015) Spartan Store staff 1996-2014

GAC Board of Trustees member 1989-2004; a source of wisdom and encouragement for all GAC; Mr. Shultz served as chair of the Board Management committee.

» peggy walker (1939-2015) Spartan Store manager 1974-2007

» holly arnett worley (1966-2015) GAC Class of 1984 gacs today | summer 2015

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Introducing more convenient ways for you to stay in the loop on all things GAC. BRAND NEW SPARTAN ATHLETIC WEBSITE ARE YOU A DEDICATED SPARTAN FAN? LOOK NO FURTHER. Find everything you need to know about the Spartans including:

• • • • • • •

Up-to-date scores Team news Rosters, photos & videos Stats, standings & schedules Championships Directions Featured athletes and more!

Coming Fall of 2015

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REDESIGNED AND IMPROVED GAC APP EASY ACCESS TO: • • • • • • •

Haiku Directories Maps Calendars of interest After school programs Bus transportation Giving

• Help Desk • Social media links • Spartan Store account and more!

How do I download the app?

To download or update the app, visit your carrier’s preferred app store and search “Greater Atlanta Christian School.”

Your MyGAC portal on the go! photographed by Gwinnett Daily Post

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Norcross, GA Permit #11

1575 indian trail road norcross, georgia 30093 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Greater Atlanta Christian School Incorporated admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other administered programs.

SAVE THE DATE: SPARTAN2GETHER MONDAY, AUGUST 10

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HOMECOMING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

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LET’S LIGHT THE NIGHT WITH “YACHT ROCK REVUE” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5