GACS Today 2019 Magazine

GACSTODAY

FUELING EACH

Student’s Purpose 2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1

PRESIDENT Dr. Scott Harsh

EDITORS Elisa Restea Christina Salter

CONTRIBUTORS Bill Burton Karen Cherry Autumn Clark Dr. David Fincher Nicole Fordree Parker Hallock Dr. Scott Harsh Kaleigh Hartley Emma Pitts Elisa Restea Simone Roberts Christina Salter Katherine White Raven Wilson

DESIGN Gokoro Design

PHOTOGRAPHY Trey Dixon Mark Mason Gregory Miller Mary Robinson Christina Salter Raven Wilson

PRINTING SmartSource

Our hope is that you would be enriched by the vignettes of campus life and be inspired by the many great feats of our students, teachers, and alumni. We are excited about the future these individuals will help to shape, and are thrilled to share their stories with you.

Contents 4 PRESIDENT'S LETTER

6 BIG IDEAS

14 ACADEMICS

38 ARTS

54 ATHLETICS

76 SPIRITUAL LIFE

90 SPARTAN STORIES

100 ALUMNI

130 ANNUAL REPORT 2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 3

Letter from the President

INTENTIONAL INVESTMENT IN OUR STUDENTS

T

eacher, counselor, coach, tutor, trainer.

What do these titles have in common?

Of course, they are all positions in schools, but what else? While they all describe a job function, I'd like you to think deeper. Think relationships. A teacher requires students, coaches need athletes, and tutors are only as successful as the one being tutored. In fact, each of these words are synonyms of the word mentor. But not every teacher, coach, or counselor is a gifted mentor. So, what makes a mentor, and why are mentors important?

You’ll find a common thread woven throughout this issue of GACS Today: the importance of mentoring, relationships, and how it helps our students develop strong character. We are intentionally creating opportunities for our gifted faculty and staff to mentor students; we’re also constructing pathways for older students to mentor younger peers.

Think back to your studies of ancient Greece.

Remember Homer’s epic The Odyssey? While Odysseus was away from home for 20 years, it was Mentor, a trusted friend, who raised his son, Telemachus. Prior to the current schooling model, children often were entrusted to a mentor for on-the-job training. Apprenticeships were the norm. While schooling has changed and will continue to do so at an increasingly rapid pace, mentors are just as critical today.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide."

Similarly, the Cambridge definition for mentor reads “an experienced and trusted person who gives another person advice and help."

Mentoring provides our students with an expanded perspective, added motivation, and helpful accountability. The job of the mentor is not to create protégés, but rather to help the mentee fully develop his or her

unique skills and talents. A familiar scripture, Proverbs 22:6, offers the following instruction: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” While there are commonalities to the moral path that we hope our kids will choose, it is also true that the training required for a student to know the way he or she “should go” is about equipping the student to be wise in his or her own decisions. That type of training requires a relationship.

While a mentor by nature is someone who is usually older, more experienced, and more knowledgeable, mentors are not elevated to a higher status. Instead, the very best mentors take on the attributes of a servant. In his book, The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently, Tony Dungy writes, “Remember that mentor leadership is all about serving. Jesus said, ‘For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45).” This is the type of mentoring we’re working to create at GAC. I hope you’ll read with interest the many different ways our teachers, staff, parents, and students are engaging in meaningful relationships. In fact, on the next few pages you will see that one of our "Big Ideas" is "relationships at the center." These ideas are value statements that we believe are woven into the GAC experience. With all of it, we’re committed to an investment in our students, developing exceptional and faithful leaders who will mentor the next generations.

Scott Harsh, EdD GAC PRESIDENT

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Dr. Harsh has served as a mentor to Head Prefect Johnny Meshramkar over the course of this school year.

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Big Ideas

Big Ideas CHOICE IS POWERFUL . It can be paralyzing or life-giving because the choices we make shape the direction that our lives take. On a small, everyday scale, we face choices everywhere — research shows that adults make approximately 35,000 ‘remotely conscious’ choices each day (226.7 on food alone). Significantly more meaningful are the choices we make for our children, particularly related to their education. We have unprecedented numbers of educational choices: private, public, charter, home, online, hybrid — and more (for private schools alone, there are 631 in Georgia.) With these myriad options, you have the opportunity to choose a school for your children that is just right for them — one that will shape their strongest possible future.

One that will shape their strongest possible future.

Based on years of survey data, we found that the primary reason parents choose GAC is because their values align closely with those of the school.

For our families, GAC represents a place of growth, where together, as partners, we are raising a generation of bright, inspired, and generous leaders. It is a community where high academic rigor is matched by active faith and a deep commitment to care for one another.

We hope that for you, the decision to choose GAC will have to do with our Big Ideas. These tenets are helping to guide GAC into the future while drawing from the legacy we have built over the last 52 years.

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Big Ideas

Forward-Thinking Innovation Innovation at GAC hinges on provocative, horizon pushing research. In large and small ways, from classroom design to school start times, our decisions actively reflect care and consideration for ways to advance learning faster. How GAC works to enhance the teaching and learning process is apparent in many ways, such as: • DATA-INFORMED DECISION MAKING. Our Lower and Middle Schools have moved to a new standardized testing tool in the fall that will provide rich data teachers will use to personalize instruction to meet individual student needs. Moving this test to the fall is intentional, as it enables us to use the results of each child’s assessments to inform and improve the current educational opportunities throughout the remainder of the year.

• REDESIGNED LEARNING SPACES. Our recently renovated Middle and High School facilities create environments that promote collaboration and reflect the workplaces of tomorrow. The design concept and furnishings selected through beta testing with teachers and students provide complete flexibility for their learning environment.

• PARTNERSHIPS WITH HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS. GAC partners with Dr. Mariale Hardiman and the Neuroeducation Initiative of the Johns Hopkins University School of Education

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to enhance our pedagogy with the latest in neuroscience research. We will also serve as a lab school, assisting with their research studies.

• DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP. We equip our teachers to understand the best ways technology can enhance learning; how it plays into the development of the brain; and how to use the newest and most appropriate technology to maximize learning. We also are adapting the curriculum to new technology.

• FLEXIBLE LEARNING MODALITIES. Along with Zero Hour and Blended classes, our innovative online platform Ethos School provides students with even more flexibility and choice in the modalities they use to learn. With this platform integrated into our college preparatory academic environment, our students have more space to pursue their passions, whether academic, athletic, or artistic. In addition, higher education is rapidly moving toward online learning, and our students are being prepared for their futures.

Personalized Academic Preparedness Rigorous, intentional academic opportunities and experiences are designed and implemented with distinct purpose for each student. At GAC, this is not a cookiecutter approach. This allows our students to benefit from: • A BROAD VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. One of the key advantages for families that choose GAC is that whatever their child’s interest, there is a strong program in place to grow and nurture that interest to a competitive level. Elite tennis players can take advantage of our Tennis Academy.

Skilled dancers flourish in our School of Ballet. Musicians are cultivated in our School of Music. Scholars thrive in our 29 AP and 32 honors courses. Students who need additional support benefit from our Academic Support program. At GAC, there is something for every student.

• CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS INFUSED IN EACH COURSE. There’s more to learning

than knowing the answers on a test. Can you present your argument to the class?

Can you defend your hypothesis through a well-researched paper? Can you reach a consensus with your peers and collaborate to develop a project? These are all skills gained throughout the course of a student’s academic journey at GAC. • AN EDUCATION THAT IS ALIGNED PK-12.

By beginning with the end in mind, GAC has thoughtfully designed a curriculum that is aligned across all grade levels.

Through intentional planning and collaboration across all school levels, GAC is better able to meet student academic needs and further ensure student success. Teachers work collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities to create an aligned educational plan.

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Big Ideas

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Faith-Infused GAC is an academic community where faith is lived out in the classroom, across campus, and between peers. It is the lens through which we view, create, and implement each educational opportunity. In the design of each classroom, each lesson, each relationship, faith is the foundation of all aspects of the teaching and learning process. Present in the written curriculum, visually represented in each classroom, and incorporated into the design of each lesson, our faith is vibrant and guiding all aspects of our pedagogy. We value the pursuit of academic excellence in the framework of faith for those on our campus and in our digital environments and global partnerships through Ethos School.

• Students, staff, and faculty are a light in the local metroAtlanta community and globally through genuine service and philanthropy.

• A call to leadership is evident at each school level and, especially, within the High School Prefect System.

• Committed board members, teachers, staff, and administrators live out their faith on campus and in churches throughout the metro area.

• Faith is shared with students and families in Bible studies, prayer groups, prayer walks, spiritual retreats, and parent programs.

Fuel Each Student’s Purpose GAC is a learning environment designed for each student to explore and find his or her passion, identify their strengths and gifts, and prepare for the future. As a school, we empower each student individually, valuing his or her distinct background, abilities, passions, and ability to contribute to peers, the school, the community, and the world. Our students experience GAC having: • Received not only a well-rounded experience within the graduation requirements but also having been encouraged to explore electives in everything from robotics to musical theater.

• GAINED GLOBAL COMPETENCY. Learning is extended beyond the classroom with learning excursions, mission trips, and study abroad trips. Students learn the value and responsibility of being a global citizen.

• DEVELOPED COMMUNICATION, PRESENTATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS WHICH ARE BUILT INTO EACH CONTENT AREA. From as early

as Lower School, students are equipped with the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to become future leaders and contributors.

• DEVELOPED A GROWTH MINDSET AND A DESIRE FOR LIFE-LONG LEARNING. Firmly embedded in

everyday instruction is the idea that each of us, at any point, has the ability to change and grow.

Through extensive professional development, teachers are prepared to lead students in an active development of the mindset required to become a successful adult. Starting from the earliest ages, academic programs are intentionally designed to cultivate a desire for personal improvement and development.

• LEARNED TO BE RESOURCEFUL. Through the encouragement of trusted teachers, students discover that they are capable and ingenious, especially when confronted with challenging situations. Learning to make good decisions and advocate for themselves is emphasized as much as learning academic concepts.

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Big Ideas Relationships at the Center Relationships between students, teachers, and parents make GAC a real and vibrant place where academic and emotional intellect are built in community with one another. Relationships are also a priority in the teaching and learning process. This leads to enhanced student engagement and ownership. As a result, students experience GAC having: • BENEFITED FROM CARING, RESPONSIVE TEACHING. Teachers are trained in academic, social emotional, spiritual, and cultural responsiveness through extensive professional development each year. Students are connected to many caring, educational experts, from teachers to counselors to administrators, who are invested in their growth and development.

• LEARNED EMPATHY. From serving in the local community to lending a hand overseas, GAC students discover and model what it means to respond to the needs of others.

Students serve alongside their teachers, building bonds that will last a lifetime.

• THE ABILITY TO TAKE INTELLECTUAL RISKS. As adults, we are the guardians of the learning space.

By making room for students to explore in a safe, nurturing learning environment, we create opportunities for them to thrive and develop into caring and thoughtful adults.

• GAINED RESILIENCE. Students gain the ability to bounce back after something difficult has happened.

Our goal is to raise children of character who are resilient in the face of challenges and can be pushed to be the best version of themselves.

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For the Whole Family The GAC community is comprised of families partnering to Be Greater together.

• By providing rigor, challenge, and support, GAC meets the needs of a wide spectrum of students through the educational choices it offers and the unique pathways it provides for students to pursue their interests, whether academic, athletic, or artistic.

• Opportunities to volunteer, serve, and worship together, whether through the weekly Moms and Dads Bible Studies, the GAC Parent Association, monthly Prayer Walks, and special assemblies, help form the bonds which make up the fabric of our strong community.

• The yearly Parent Speaker Series provides families with the resources they need to raise resilient children who will go on to make a contribution to the world.

• Parents are able to participate in adult tennis, swimming, choral and dance classes at GAC furthering their own interests.

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Academics 1 4 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Gracie Stephens ’20 working with Mason Bruning ’21 on challenging math concepts while taking advantage of GAC’s collaborative learning spaces.

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Academics

FO R M ATH E M ATI CA L

Rigor and Fun

Y

You won’t find rows of desks.

Not here.

Middle School math classrooms on the GAC campus look and feel differently than most classrooms around metro Atlanta. Instead of “sit and get” instruction, worksheets, and silent practice at their desks, GAC students are fortunate to have a completely different experience.

You’ll see students huddled together around Promethean ActivBoards, searching and tapping and strategizing while playing math games. Scooting around the classroom on wheeled chairs. Writing on tables. Basketball and golf games, creative writing, and journal decorating.

This is what a math classroom looks like here at GAC.

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Meet Us in the Middle

There are scavenger hunts around the classroom to find the right answers. And escape room games where only the right answers will allow your group to escape. Large dice rolling across the carpeted floor for lessons in probability.

Colorful geometric shapes molded out of Play-Doh for geometry lessons. Buzzers for heated rounds of math Jeopardy.

The goal is to meet these students where they are developmentally, and that means ensuring that these tweens and young teenagers are up and out of their seats often.

Academic Dean Lauren Hollier says she has two goals for Middle School math: elevating the program and ensuring that curriculum is fun and meaningful enough that all kids look forward to coming to math each day.

them turning around and facing a different direction re-sets their attention and signals them to pay attention. I give consistent signals… some that indicate it's time to work, and others that indicate it's time to listen.” she said.

Ironically, Ms. Lang, 8th grade math teacher, gets her best math teaching ideas from reading education training she received for dyslexia in the Orton-Gillingham method.

Ms. Hollier has deployed a strong “Multi-sensory learning is the whole team of dynamic math educators, and together they are transforming purpose of Orton-Gillingham.

Getting kids moving and doing. I the way a math classroom think I have taken that and used it in teaching math.

Kids like competitions, and I’m a coach in addition to Our goal is to provide the being a teacher. So I bring my highest quality instruction and coaching into my teaching.

Kids like to win, and I’m the the tools needed to meet the most competitive person, so I needs of every middle school understand!” she said.

student. We want our students to maximize their fullest mathematical potential and feel confident about doing it. That’s a GAC differentiator. Our goal is to build a strong foundation.

LAUREN HOLLIER

operates: Mr. Robert Maloney, Ms. Tyler Hill, Ms. Emily Houston, and Dr. Laura Markert.

“Kids remember a dynamic environment. We know that when students are moving, their brains are moving,” said Dr. Markert, Middle School math teacher. In her classroom, kids face in different directions each time she switches the instruction. “Something about

Ms. Lang also knows that that repetition is necessary for math retention, but it's the repetition of math problems that becomes tiresome to students. So she disguises the repeating math problems as engaging games she has created like Math Chutes and Ladders, classroom putt putt golf, and scavenger hunts.

While this all seems like a lot of fun, the truth is, students are learning more in math class than ever before. Challenge is really the unspoken name of the game.

The Middle School teaching team values persistence and grit above all. “We have teachers who are passionate about math and their teaching specialty. They are engaging and well-educated.

At GAC we have the freedom to

incorporate different and higher standards. We have the ability to push our kids beyond what’s common,” Ms. Hollier reports.

And surprisingly, communication and creativity, things you’d typically look for in an English class, are top priorities.

Dr. Markert believes that “writing to learn” within Middle School math instruction can be powerful. In her class, students chronicle what they’ve learned in math all year long, creating artful pages of their individual math journeys. At the end of the year, the book is bound and students share their math books with younger Spartans in 5th grade.

“I try to mold the instruction in a way so that the knowledge they’ve acquired becomes their knowledge.

It’s not just me passing it down to them. They’ve got to own it. It’s theirs,” she said.

This dedicated and passionate team of teachers has a strong conviction: There are many ways to solve math problems, and it’s important to show students a variety of ways to be successful in their problem solving.

Communication with students is important to them. “I want to hear your way. How do you solve a problem? Communicating about math enables students to get a deeper understanding,” says Dr. Markert.

Ms. Hollier’s ultimate wish: “Our goal is to provide the highest quality instruction and the tools needed to meet the needs of every Middle School student. We want our students to maximize their fullest mathematical potential and feel confident about doing it. That’s a GAC differentiator. Our goal is to build a strong foundation.“

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Academics

E V E RY DAY STE A M

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R E S U LTS

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Academics

D

Do you remember the wonder you felt as a child? When a cardboard box held endless possibilities, and each star in the sky fired your imagination?

We often associate wonder with childhood because it is a feeling of looking at something for the first time. Humans were created for wonder, and our teachers in our Village and Elementary School want students to experience it every day, particularly with their STEAM curriculum.

Says STEAM Director Tom Meeker: “There is no expectation of a ‘right answer’ or grade attached to exploration [at this age]. It is an incredible opportunity for students to observe the natural world and be surprised by its magical, mystical nature. This wonder is the groundwork for science in the middle and high school years, where we push students not only to uncover the reasons and explanations behind these phenomena, but also work

to inspire them to recapture the wonder that they saw in those early years.”

Mr. Meeker worked closely with Lower School Principal Ms. Rhonda Helms and Assistant Principal Ms. Jill Baker this past year to refine and align science standards taught in upper elementary. This has included a renewed effort to maximize the use of learning spaces, connecting student

We discover things that will help to make people’s lives better.

MILANA KORPITA '27

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experiences and learning across the Nasmyth Environmental Center (NEC), SPARK (a learning lab), and grade-level classrooms. New spaces have been established, and students in both the Village and Elementary School visit STEM laboratories each week where they participate in hands-on activities and collaborative learning.

Ms. Lisa Chase is the lead teacher in the NEC, an optimal space for integrated learning. She observes, “Some GAC learning standards are better suited for lessons in the NEC, where they can come alive. In our greenhouse, we can touch on all aspects, from raising food to eating it. We raise the fish, but then they also learn how to gut and clean them. Students learn to think about the future of agriculture through our work with aquaponics. We talk about how chickens are raised and how they get to the store. For some students, this is an epiphany.”

The study of chickens is a perfect example of how STEAM learning happens. In one lesson, the students gain understanding about anatomy and engineering, art and writing fluency. “It’s important to interweave all aspects”, says Ms. Chase. “Students learn to recognize body parts but then they take a day to observe the chickens in the hen house and draw what they see. It’s one of my favorite days as I watch them take it all in and uncover knowledge in real life. They also write a story where they are required to name all body parts.” (Another fun activity? Chickstagram: students try to imagine what a chicken would say on Instagram and write and illustrate their posts.)

Children learn best by doing – by rolling up their sleeves and creating. Brain research supports this type of learning. When students are working with their hands, they are interacting with the lesson material, which strengthens neural pathways, enriching their reasoning and critical thinking skills. Because students are applying knowledge through hands-on activities, experiential learning is the very best way to ensure skill acquisition and retention.

ANSLEY KEISER, 5TH GRADE TEACHER

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Academics

Science class lets me learn new things and then I can go home and invent similar or new things that I learned.

ADDISON ROMACK '27

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When Lower School students are not at the NEC or in their classrooms, they might be found at SPARK in the Henderson Media Center. There they have countless opportunities to explore and engage in STEAM in new ways, all with the goal of enhancing their technical, engineering, and communication skills. Students learn media creation in the form of films, websites, presentation tools, blogs, animation, and digital storytelling. They are taught how

to become responsible digital citizens along with learning to navigate the enormous amounts of information they have access to. They are challenged to think critically and design solutions through the use of different coding programs, 3D printing designs, strategies for research, and various hands-on tools.

Emphasis is placed on teamwork, collaboration, and communication throughout the different learning units. Learning is not just a

one-way street. Students have opportunities throughout the year to share their ideas with peers and faculty, further enhancing the learning process.

Connected learning across spaces and subject areas solidifies knowledge and results in more academically rich experiences for our Lower School students. The results are well worth the effort.

“You’ll see a deep thinker coming home,” says Ms. Helms.

STEAM: A Teacher's Perspective.

BY K AREN CHERRY, 4TH GRADE TEACHER

Our 4th grade STEAM activities require students to apply their knowledge along with creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration to solve a problem. For example, at the end of the electricity unit, students are tasked with planning, designing, and then engineering an object that lights up without any wires. I call this the ‘Junk Drawer Circuit’ task since they have to search their drawers for lightweight items that act as conductors of electricity. The only thing I supply them with is a light pulled from a Christmas tree light string.

At first, the task seems easy enough, but then students find themselves going through many trials and errors before their circuits will work. Emotions run high: excitement, confusion, frustration are common. But when students figure out the solution to their problem, they are excited again. This is one of my favorite activities because it develops grit and tenacity in my students. I see the light bulbs go off (no pun intended) on their faces when they figure out the solution to their problem and then beam — or should I say jump up and down with excitement when they realize they’ve figured everything out on their own.

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Academics

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

The class of 2019 received acceptances to the following colleges and universities: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Brenau University

University of California, Riverside

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Butler University

University of California, San Diego

The University of Alabama

California College of the Arts,

University of California, Santa Barbara

Arizona State University The University of Arizona University of Arkansas

San Francisco California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

University of California, Santa Cruz University of Central Florida College of Charleston

Auburn University

California State University, Fullerton

University of Cincinnati

Augusta University

California State University, Long Beach

Clark Atlanta University

Baylor University

California State University, Los Angeles

Clemson University

Belmont University

University of California, Berkeley

College of Coastal Georgia

Berklee College of Music

University of California, Davis

University of Colorado, Boulder

Berry College

University of California, Irvine

Colorado College

Boston College

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Connecticut

Boston University

University of California, Merced

Cornell University

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University of Dayton University of Denver Drexel University Eastern Kentucky University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Emory University Emory University (Oxford College) Fisk University Flagler College Florida International University Florida State University University of Florida Fordham University Furman University Gardner-Webb University George Mason University The George Washington University

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Academics Georgetown University Georgia College Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University University of Georgia Hampton University Harding University Harvey Mudd College High Point University Howard University Hult International Business School, London Hult International Business School, Boston University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University at Bloomington Jacksonville University James Madison University Kennesaw State University University of Kentucky Lee University Lenoir-Rhyne University Liberty University Lipscomb University Long Island University, Post Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans University of Maryland, College Park Mercer University University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University University of Mississippi University of Missouri Columbia University of Missouri Kansas City Molloy College Montclair State University University of New Haven New York University North Carolina A&T State University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte North Carolina State University

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University of North Georgia

The University of Tampa

Virginia Tech

Northeastern University

Temple University

Virginia Wesleyan University

Northwestern University

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Virginia

University of Notre Dame

Texas A&M University

Wake Forest University

Nova Southeastern University

Texas Christian University

Washington and Lee University

Oglethorpe University

Texas Tech University

Washington University, St. Louis

Ohio University

The American Musical and

University of Washington

Oklahoma State University

Dramatic Academy

The University of West Georgia

University of Oregon

The New School - All Divisions

Wheaton College

Pace University, New York City

The Ohio State University

Whittier College

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Trevecca Nazarene University

Williams College

Pennsylvania State University

Trinity University

Winston-Salem State University

Pepperdine University

Tulane University

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Piedmont College

Tyler Junior College

Wofford College

University of Pittsburgh

United States Naval Academy

The College of Wooster

Pitzer College

University of Utah

University of Wyoming

Point Park University

Valdosta State University

Xavier University

Pratt Institute

Vanderbilt University

Xavier University of Louisiana

Presbyterian College Providence College University of Puget Sound Purdue University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rider University Rutgers University, New Brunswick Salisbury University Samford University San Diego State University University of San Francisco Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts Sewanee: The University of the South University of South Alabama University of South Carolina Upstate University of South Carolina University of South Florida, Tampa University of Southern California Southern Methodist University Southern Union State Community College Spelman College Stanford University Stetson University SUNY Albany Syracuse University

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Academics

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H

ere is the charge I have for you, Class of 2019. Live your lives in a way that in everything you do, you strive to bring glory to God. Be excellent, not so that you will receive recognition, but so that others will see Christ in you. It has been our great honor to have had the opportunity to help you grow into the young men and women that you have become. You have made us proud, and we send you out with great confidence that you will change the world.

PRESIDENT DR. SCOTT HARSH, SPEAKING AT THE 2019 GRADUATION CEREMONY

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE: CLASS OF 2019

171

AP pass rate of

86.5% I N 2 9 CO U R S E S

Number of graduates

67% Percentage who were honors graduates

21 Sports signees

AP scholars (including 5 National Scholars)

SIXTY-FIVE Top 20% of class

4.33

30 1354

AV E R AG E G PA

AC T

SAT

$19.1 6

National Merit Commended and Finalist

MILLION Scholarship offers received

710 COLLEGE OFFERS TO 190 INSTITUTIONS (average 6 per student)

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Academics

Summertime TI M E WE LL S P E NT

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Fellowships

s

How much further would you be in your career if you had discovered what you wanted to do earlier in life? How would it have impacted your time in college?

For GAC, these questions have led to the development of a unique opportunity, the Summer Fellowship Program, which provides students with real-world experience in an industry of their choice.

The fellowship Students gain valuable was an amazing insight into careers under the guidance of mentors experience, and it was who are invested in great to learn what a real their development. Led

by GAC Director of workplace environment is like.

Community Relations My fellowship with Suwanee Margie Asef and GAC Counselor Donna Magazine did a lot to make me Pate, the program interested in pursuing a has resulted in fruitful experiences for our career in journalism. students. Some have NICOLE FORDREE '20 affirmed their choice of career, while others have found that what they thought was a good match was actually not. The value of having such an opportunity is priceless, helping students build their resume before they even leave school. Ms. Asef is thrilled with the possibilities that await these students who leave GAC with formative career experience under their belts and better preparation for the road ahead.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INTERN AT SUWANEE MAGAZINE

By Nicole Fordree '20

Nicole Fordree with her mentors Ms. Alicia Carter and Ms. Lizzy Kidney from Suwanee Magazine

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Every day, work begins at 9:00 a.m. with people coming in through the entrance at the front on Main Street in Downtown Buford, or in the back entrance through Tannery Row restaurant. Every morning I come in, set my bag down, open my laptop and get to work right away. I was fortunate enough to be interning with Suwanee Magazine right as they are getting ready to publish their July/August issue.

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Academics A day in the office for me includes researching various events happening in the Suwanee and Gwinnett area, writing a few different City Buzz articles, transcribing interviews, and much more.

City Buzz is a section of the magazine in every issue that highlights upcoming events or big news in the area. Today I compiled one about the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Award, which two local students won for facing adversity with perseverance.

I also researched the book Arteries in Harmony, written by a local author to be highlighted in the upcoming issue of the magazine. One day, I researched some fun facts about donuts for an article highlighting Simply Donuts in downtown Duluth, as well as doing some research on upcoming Father’s Day events.

Learning about events is one of my favorite parts of being an intern here. I love learning about my community and all of the different things people can get involved with. At around 6:00 p.m., employees wrap up and head out for the night.

High School juniors are invited to apply for this highly competitive program based on their GPA and faculty recommendations. There is a rigorous application and acceptance process followed by six sessions with the Counseling Office. These sessions prepare fellowship students for the business interview and fellowship, strengthening soft skills that are so critical in a professional work environment.

Interested in hosting a fellowship student?

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BUSINESS PARTNER FOR THE SUMMER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, CONTACT MS. MARGIE ASEF AT MASEF@GREATERATLANTACHRISTIAN.ORG.

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MY SUMMER EXPERIENCE AT T-TECH INC. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

By Simone Roberts '20 During my internship, I worked with two T Tech employees on how to convert G Code into Microsoft's C# which is a programming language used to code machines. I did a lot of research about both G Code and C# in order to have a better understanding of how each entity works. I learned about specific vocabulary such as absolute positioning and relative positioning and how to get a program to scan the code for each mode so that it can alert me. I improved my problem solving skills by trial and error while working with code.

I truly enjoy the challenge coding presents.

Tinsley Martin '20 with the team at Partnership Gwinnett

Another skill I have acquired while at this fellowship is a better understanding of Visual Studios. Visual Studios is a platform I have been using to code on. I believe I want to major in Computer Science Engineering. This internship has shown me how much I enjoy coding, and I’ve learned that computer science engineers primarily write code. Thank you to GAC for this experience and for pairing me with such a great company.

2019 SUMMER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM STUDENT PLACEMENTS LILLIE CLARK

PRAGYA GHANATE

TINSLEY MARTIN

DAWN SAWYER

Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine/Satcher Health Leadership Institute Medical Research

Partnership Gwinnett International Business

Gwinnett Daily Post Journalism

JOHNNY MESHRAMKAR

ELLIE SHAFER

Sullivan Wickley Commercial Real Estate Management

Heaven & Alvarez Accounting Accounting

EMMA PITTS

SAMANTHA STREET

GAC Communications Office Communications & Marketing

Lionstar Films Film Production

TYLER CURLAND

Cornerstone Financial Partners, LLC Investments, Insurance and Finance

GARNER HARSH

The Preston Partnership Architecture & Engineering

MADISON DICKINSON

JILLIAN HUTSON

The Intersect Group Business and Recruitment

Academics Plus Education/Cognitive and Educational Therapy

BRYNEE EVANS

SIMONE ROBERTS

Connect Meetings Meeting Logistics, Marketing

TATUM LOWE

NICOLE FORDREE

MELISSA LUCHT

Suwanee Magazine Journalism

City of Peachtree Corners Government/Engineering

Alpharetta Pediatrics Medicine/Pediatrics

T-Tech Software Engineering

BROOKE WEAVER

Northside Hospital, Fulton Medicine/OB-GYN

NAVYA SARLKOND

Office of the District Attorney, Decatur Government/Law

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Academics

ACADEMIC AWARD RECIPIENTS

Valedictorian ELISE K ARINSHAK

Perfect ACT Atlanta Journal Cup Scholar Athlete Award AP Scholar with Distinction Matriculated at the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow

2019 Literary Team

ACADEMIC TEAM AWARDS Team State Runners-up: Envirothon, Varsity Math, JV Math, JV Academic Team Region Runner-up: Mock Trial, includes schools from all classifications

Salutatorian VICTORIA HUYNH

STAR Student National Merit Finalist National AP Scholar Matriculated at Emory University

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST AND COMMENDED Calvin Dong Victoria Huynh Abigail Jenkins Elise Karinshak Matthew Marino Eunice Park

Mock Trial Award Recipients: Eunice Park, Parker Hallock, Jena Vo, Vincent Huynh, Jessica Israel

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Region Champions: Literary Quartet, Literary Personal Essay Individual State Championship: Claudia Butler, Personal Essay, Literary 2 Wins on WSB-TV High-Q: Varsity Academic Team

CONNECTING STATISTICS TO THE “REAL WORLD” Help from a GAC Parent

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ow are we preparing our students for life beyond the four walls of the classroom? That’s a question GAC educators ask themselves often. It’s also the reason why experiential learning is always the goal here. But some subjects lend themselves more easily to these opportunities than others. For example, how can our teachers connect an AP statistics class to the real world?

When you have Mr. Mallom Liggon as a parent at your school, the answer becomes easier. Mr. Liggon is Director of Strategy and Insights for Turner Sports and holds an M.B.A. from Georgia Institute of Technology’s Scheller College of Business. His three sons have all attended GAC. Most importantly, he was willing to lend his time and expertise to our AP Statistics students in order to introduce them to “real world” statistical analysis.

“Put on your NBA thinking caps,” Mr. Liggon told the students during one of his visits to the class. “It’s time to consider how to apply the knowledge you’ve acquired.”

He and his team posed a big question for the class, one that Liggon himself and colleagues at Turner Sports were currently analyzing: NBA ratings are decreasing during regular season. Why is ESPN up but Turner is down in the ratings? “Don’t forget to bring your common sense to the table. And your fan passion,” Liggon coached them.

By the end of the semester, much was accomplished.

Data sets were de-constructed and analyzed. Students discussed bias. Statistical significance. Confidence intervals. “Cleaning” the data. Surveys and sampling.

HUT (homes using television) percentages. Groups of students even formally presented their findings to Turner leadership for consideration. Liggon was impressed with what our Spartans were able to produce.

“The students came up with amazing data insights about our NBA on TNT property. We used some of their analysis to help augment our existing reports. One of the most insightful recommendations that we are considering is around our game start time discussions with the NBA,” he said.

Christopher Johnson '19 said, “This project was awesome.

We had the opportunity to make an impact on a problem that an actual company is dealing with. Getting to experience this with my class was really meaningful.”

Mr. Liggon said he learned a few things himself about the school where his three children have been educated.

“I learned that GAC is willing to go the extra mile to give its students the much-needed ‘real world’ practical experience they need…I believe students must be given the chance to learn outside of the classroom in order to develop heart for a subject.”

How GAC Stacks Up

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the highest number of AP courses among Atlanta independent schools, from AP European History to AP Calculus

86.5 PERCENT

one of the highest AP pass rates among Atlanta independent schools

Source: Atlanta Magazine Independent School Guide, 2018-2019

six

most number of languages offered among Atlanta independent schools, including French, Latin, Mandarin, Spanish, Hebrew, and Greek

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Academics

2019 FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS H.A. FINCHER AWARD Each year, GAC honors an individual with the H.A. Fincher Award, the highest award given at the Celebration Dinner.

H. A. Fincher was a much-beloved Bible teacher at GAC for many years who made a significant and positive difference in the lives of students. And this year’s recipient continues that same legacy, having touched the lives of many throughout his ministry within GAC. Cliff Shelton has worked at GAC for over 30 years. He has served as a teacher, coach, grade chair, mission trip leader, associate athletic director, mentor, and friend. He has led GAC teams to 13 region championships, 20 state playoff appearances, 3 final four games, and five state runner- up finishes. He has been named coach of the year 9 times and is a member of the Athletic Halls of Fame for Gwinnett County and Georgia.

From GAC President, Dr. Scott Harsh: “More than that, he inspires excellence, demonstrates professionalism, and cares about the hearts of our students and works to foster a growing faith.

Cliff lives out our mission to be Christlike in all he does. He is a true Spartan.”

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Tom Meeker H IG H SCHOOL

Science Chair: Environmental Science, Biology; K-12 STEAM Director From High School Principal, Shane Woodward: “Tom is a walking dichotomy of care and tough love; academic and athlete; scientist and trivia enthusiast. Beyond all of these things, Tom is a pro. He works hard at his craft, but does not lose his heart and vision for his students.”

TJ Dixon M IDDLE SCHOOL

Current MS Academic Dean of Students, taught Social Studies From Middle School Principal, Charles Edwards: “TJ Dixon is one of a kind. He sets the bar high for his students and players and more often than not, they rise to the challenge.

He is a peacekeeper and makes quite an impact often without others being aware.”

Cheryl Bishop LOWE R SCHOOL

Fourth-grade teacher From Lower School Principal, Rhonda Helms: “Cheryl Bishop has a deep love for her students that goes well beyond the classroom walls...In her care, students grow, develop, and mature as they understand their individual importance to God while being graciously held accountable for their actions.”

Sandra Braziel STAFF M E M B E R OF TH E YE AR

Young Learners teacher (12-18 months) Cliff Shelton H . A . FINCH E R AWARD

Assistant Athletic Director, Bible Teacher 30+ Years at GAC

From Vice President of Finance, Josh Thomason: “Sandra Braziel goes above and beyond what is expected of her as she lovingly and whole-heartedly teaches GAC’s junior toddlers (12-18 months). She works tirelessly to make sure that each child is challenged and supported in every way.”

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These superheroes were nominated by their peers and recognized at Celebration Dinner.

ADVANCED DEGREES Over 79% of faculty hold an advanced degree. The following teachers and administrators have completed their degree in the last year: Sarah Grant, PhD Gerry Hill, EdD Caroline Keyes, MA Emily Krug, MA Laura Markert, PhD

JoAnna Beasley, EdS Linda Byrd, PhD Lisa Chase, MA Jessica Crawford, MA Lana Garner, EdS

Amy Shaw, EdS Josh Thomason, EdD Kristen Wright, MA

Deanna Libengood

Melanie Joseph

RETIRE E

RETIRE E

14 Years of Service at GAC

16 Years of Service at GAC

"Deanna was one of the hardest working retail associates I have ever worked with. During her tenure in the Spartan Store at GAC she was a manager of many departments and worked in them daily, from shipping, receiving, gift buying and merchandising, selling, customer service, store advertising and communications, and uniform fittings to name just a few. You could always count on her for a smile and a laugh no matter the day or what was going on. She was a joy to be around every day!" ­— Tommy Wiggs, Spartan Store Director

"As a GAC alumna herself and the parent of 3 graduates and 1 student, Melanie has always had a deep love for all things GAC. This was evident in the way she shared the mission and experience of GAC with prospective families. She poured her heart and soul into serving the GAC Admissions Office both in her work role and as a dear friend. She was a strong spiritual example to those she worked with day in and day out. She will be greatly missed!" ­— Mary Helen Bryant, Director of Admissions & Enrollment

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Arts 3 8 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

David Murphy ’19 performing as Javert in the opening scene in GAC’s 2019 production of "Les Misérables".

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Arts

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MASTERS OF THE HOUSE Drama Program Rises To Greater Heights

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AC Drama has always been a rich program with a reputation for excellence, but the bar was raised even higher last year with a robust and unprecedented performance season. Under the direction of theater director Kristy Winkes, for the first time GAC performed a Shakespearean play; two plays that tackled sensitive issues: racial integration in the 1950s and mental illness; and the epic "Les Misérables" musical production, featuring a 70-student cast with Spartans ranging in age from K-12, the largest production in school history.

GAC received 8 Shuler Award nominations for its "Les Misérables" production, a record number of nominations for our school. The Shuler Awards are a part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards – The Jimmy Awards®. Ms. Winkes ultimately won the Shuler award for Best Direction. She said, “My hope was that the audience members found a new fire in their hearts to fight for what is just and My hope was that the audience true, defend and protect those who are vulnerable, and love all those we meet, members found a new fire in their including our enemies.”

hearts to fight for what is just and true, defend and protect those who are vulnerable, and love all those we meet, including our enemies.

Even the lesser-known productions were very well-received within the Spartan community, as well as the metro Atlanta area. The "Very Grey Matter of Edward Blank" was a relatively unknown one-act play that opened the 2018KRISTY WINKES 19 season; however, word quickly spread about this tender and compelling show.

The main character only communicated through movement, and the troupe won several awards for this performance. GAC was one of only a handful of programs in the country chosen to tackle this technically difficult show.

Ms. Winkes also teaches drama elective classes, focusing on fundamentals like enunciation, movement, and comedic timing for budding and aspiring dramatic artists on campus. Last year, she created student-director roles for talented and seasoned High School drama students, tasking them with mentoring and leading middle-school students in learning the art and craft of drama as well as putting on their own smaller-scale productions.

“It’s my mission to grow talent and students in their potential,” Ms. Winkes said.

“You can’t only do that by putting on big shows. You have to provide more opportunities to students.” In creating roles for High Schoolers to serve as studentdirectors, Ms. Winkes has grown a small army of specialized student-leaders who support productions.

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Arts

ART FOR IMPACT The Memory Project

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s. Meredith Ferguson’s enrichment class took on a special project last semester. They engaged with the Memory Project, a charitable nonprofit organization that invites art teachers and their students to cultivate global kindness. GAC students used photographs of Syrian children that they had never met and turned them into art pieces full of color, personality, and character.

The children from around the world who were served by this project have faced substantial challenges, such as violence, war, extreme poverty, neglect, and loss of parents. After they were finished, Spartans sent their handmade portraits to the children, giving many what may be their first picture of themselves.

Students were able to use whatever media they liked for their creations. Ms. Ferguson said, “It is really special how much the students have connected with the children in the photographs. Their attention to detail is amazing. I noticed how hard the students worked on this project and asked them about it. They said, ‘It’s because we want our child to like it!’ That filled my heart with joy.

They feel a bond with the children just by studying their faces.

Enrichment time is something my students look forward to each week. Honestly, it is my fuel each week as well.” The portraits students created were sent to children in Syria in March.

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PRICELESS

Behind-The-Scenes Contributors

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othing is quite as enchanting as a top-notch theatrical performance, and few High School drama programs do it as well as GAC. Thanks to the generous gifts from drama families and friends listed below, our drama students will continue to thrive and astound audiences for years to come. With the donors’ help, we were able to raise the full $420,000 required to upgrade the sound and lighting equipment in the Clifton Jones Theatre. The entire GAC community has been blessed by this demonstration of love and generosity.

Duncan and Jill Angove

Karl and Shelia Humphrey

Anonymous (3)

Bill and Deanna Jackson

Josh and Leigh Arwood

Samir and Carol Joglekar

Jim and Therese Bailey

Clif and Diane Jones

Steve and Jennifer Bragg

Bill Li and Yaqin Sun

Tyler Bragg ‘24

Robert and Christi Luskin

Conrad and Jessica Brooks

John and Wendy Martin

Drew Bulkin and

Lorna McArthur

Patricia Pena-Bulkin

Norm and Nan Nicholl

Alex and Stacy Campos

Erol and Sandra Onal

Allison Civins ‘26

Kim Osborne

Philip and Kim Civins

Bob and Camille Patrick

Blaine and Lianne Cole

RJ Pierre ‘27

Chris and Misha Collinson

Ryan Pierre ‘30

Josh and Jennifer Crisp

Joel and Lori Reed

Nick and Ashley Davis

Champ and Dee

Trip and Lori Eberhart George Emmert and Cindy Patrick

The children from around the world who were served by this project have faced substantial challenges, such as violence, war, extreme poverty, neglect, and loss of parents.

Anna Rittenhouse Cliff and Seana Simpson Todd and Jan Stewart

Jim Driscoll and Jennifer Fallon

Richard and Laurie Swope

Driscoll

Paul and Cherie Syiek

Patrick and Mary Ann Fennell

Tom and Robin Tabor

Pete and Kimberlee Finazzo

Ed and Amy Thomas

David and Beth Fincher

Josh and Ashley Thomason

Dan and Rhonda Forsman

Jack and Audrey Tolson

Brian and Lesley Gray

Bill and Amy Trocchi

Lavinia Griffin

Jeff and Dana Van Vlake

Richard and Beth Griffin

Don and Katherine White

Bart and Allison Harper

Jeronn and LaToya Williams

Scott and Teresa Harsh

Bobby and Renee Wilmath

John and Marisa Hedgcock

Beverly Wilson

Nate and Tonya Henry

Dennis and Misty Wilson

Allen and Christy Hill

James and Kristy Winkes

Harvey and Allison Hillyer

John and Alicia Wood

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Arts

A

At a K-12 school, younger students often spend their days looking up to the older students, aspiring to be like them one day. So when 5th-grade Spartans were invited to a special “meet and greet” session with GAC’s best High School visual artists, they were delighted. Together as a class, the young artists toured the Art & Design Center, the building where the most serious and talented visual artists take classes. AP art students were there to welcome them, displaying their many pieces of artwork and answering questions from wide-eyed, eager 5th graders. Even better: for the first time, 26 of those 5th graders had their art displayed next to the work of their High School role models at this year’s Black & White Fine Arts Exhibition.

One of those 5th graders, Camryn Marion, was already scheduled to dance in the performing arts portion of the evening, but stopped by the visual arts display in her dance costume beforehand to see her artwork on display. “It is good to know that I am good enough to be presented in both dancing and visual arts,” Camryn said. “Since performing last year, I pushed myself to think positively and picture myself featured in the show.”

At GAC, K-12 alignment of the arts curriculum benefits students like Camryn. “It exposes the rising sixth graders to the possibilities they have in middle and high school,” said Lower School art teacher Ms. Tammy Whitworth. As students age up, they are exposed to and led by older students who excel in their area of interest. Some performing arts classes feature studentleaders, bringing a new layer of unity to the class. Skylar White, a 9th grader, saw her own growth while learning from Josh Swope, then one of the senior student-directors in her Middle School drama class. “He helped me get over my fear of going on stage,” Skylar said. “He taught me that nothing is too scary to do.”

Student leadership roles are equally inspiring for the mentors, too. Dr. Marcus Miller brought the All-National Choir veteran Ethan McDonnell into the middle school class as a studentconductor. Ethan worked closely with the students on perfecting phrasing, part-singing, and theory. During their Winter Break tour, Ethan experienced the culminating effect of working with the group. “To watch the students grow in their musicianship in such a short period of time and to see them discover new things about music while away from the classroom setting was very interesting.”

For developing young artists, K-12 mentorship programs build not only the quality of the growing artists but also the strength of the entire school community. Students remain inspired and have the tools to keep accelerating in their craft throughout their education.

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Rais

sing AN ARTIST

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

PABLO PICASSO

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Arts

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Arts

ASK ME ABOUT MY ART Empathy for Refugees

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And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

poignant way: a body curled up in ach year, GAC students the fetal position and hemmed have the opportunity in from all sides by a wooden to go on a mission enclosure tightly wrapped trip to Greece to around the statue’s frame. There work alongside Hellenic is no room to move, perhaps Ministries, an organization even to breathe. “Where they that serves refugees in are trying to escape, the places the area. For most, this is they are trying to get into are an incredibly meaningful not letting them in,” says Katie. experience. For Katie Williams A striking feature of the statue is '19, the trips she has taken to 1 PETER 5:10 that it is faceless. “They don’t have Greece since her freshman year an identity. I think this is how people see inspired her to create an entire AP art refugees a lot of the time.” portfolio based on the experience of the refugees she met. “These trips opened my eyes to Another piece, “Leap of Faith” represents the the refugee crisis. We feel like we’re so far away from struggle of refugees to leave their homes by showing it, but it’s a part of so many lives, and it’s hard not to a statue perched precariously at the top of a tall address it. I feel that attention needs to be called to slender pole. Katie considers: “Even though it’s a that and I wanted to do that through my art.” place of war and danger, it’s still their home. It’s hard Through her art, Katie has sought to bring to life both the to step out in faith.” In refugees is also the desire to push forward and “hope against all hope”. This physical and mental struggles that refugees experience. is represented in Katie’s piece called “Hope”, which Her piece “Hiding” captures the nature of suffering in a

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features a human figure pushing against a blue hand.

The blue color is inspired by something Katie learned: Syrian refugees weave blue throughout their clothing to represent hope.

Katie hopes to be a teacher one day, aspiring to bring her future students even just one step closer to empathizing with the people around them, or even those across the world. Her deeper understanding is something that is cultivated in GAC students through trips such as the Greece mission trip. Says trip leader and teacher Ms. Mandy Richey, “Working with refugees in Greece offers GAC students a worldview of God’s kingdom. It’s often easy to get used to ‘church’ being the building where we go on Sunday and the people we worship with each week. But in Greece, we see the kingdom of God differently. We see that God’s love truly extends to all people on Earth. And these refugees become our friends. We become Facebook friends and follow each other on Instagram. We look forward to seeing them again each year. Sometimes we won’t see them again on earth, but we forge bonds that will extend into eternity.”

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Arts

Manhatt TAKING ON

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tan

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GAC’s Concert Choir had the honor of being selected to perform "Lux Aeterna" with the New England Symphonic Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in New York City earlier this year.

Students were delighted to perform on the same stage that has hosted some of the best musicians in our country’s history. Students led

by Dr. Marcus Miller put in many hours of practice to be “performance ready” for this special day. This performance marked the first time a GAC ensemble has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, and one of our Spartans, High School student Autumn Clark, journaled about the trip in order to share her experience.

BY AUTUMN CLARK '22 On our trip to NYC, I was surprised at how different the culture of NYC is when you compare it to my hometown of Atlanta. There were so many food trucks and people walking around! I was impressed with how large Central Park was; its wide-open feel contrasts with the rest of the city. The most challenging part of the trip was trying to see everything in the city while staying with my group. I often was left gaping at a cool building and had to be pulled away quickly just so we could go see another place in our short sight-seeing time block.

When we performed at Carnegie Hall, it felt so different from performing at GAC in many ways.

I was mesmerized by how massive the building was and how many seats there were. There was also a huge incline from the stage to the very last row of chairs in the back, so you could still see every seat in the house. On top of that, there were amazing acoustics, where even the quietest of pianissimos could be heard in the very back of the hall. The performance was so special to us because we worked incredibly hard to make it to this moment, and performing on the same stage where many of our idols had performed made it even more magical.

I will always remember admiring the beauty of Central Park and realizing the vastness of this great city from my airplane window while we were flying into the airport on that first day. I will also remember running through the city with my friends trying to take in all the sights while sprinting back to the hotel to make it back to practice on time.

I will never forget this amazing trip, and I am so grateful to GAC, my parents, friends, and God’s blessings to give me the opportunity of a lifetime.

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Arts

SHARING IN THE SEASON The Nutcracker Way

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ne of GAC’s closest neighbors is Meadowcreek Elementary School, and the relationship between the two schools runs deep. For years, our Middle and High School students, led by teachers Ms. Marsie Walton and Ms. Lana Garner, have traveled across the street to serve in the classroom and build relationships with the Elementary students and teachers. GAC students have

also helped with Meadowcreek’s annual International Festival and more recently, by performing an abbreviated Nutcracker ballet for 3rd-5th graders in GAC’s Artusa Hall (led by teachers Ms. Tina P. Martin and Ms. Caroline Cates).

The joy and wonder in the audience were palpable, and all were captivated as the dancing fairies and mice graced the stage.

As dancers took their final bows,

they were met with arousing applause and cheers. Former Meadowcreek Principal Laurie Gardner shared: “Several teachers and students wanted to know if we would be able to go again next year. Almost everyone wanted it to be longer. Teachers reported that they had many teachable moments after.” There wasn’t a better way to herald the season, and both GAC and Meadowcreek alike hope it will become a yearly tradition.

Meadowcreek Elementary students took a picture with GAC dance students after The Nutcracker performance.

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Several teachers and students wanted to know if we would be able to go again next year.

Almost everyone wanted it to be longer.

LAURIE GARDNER

Ms. Walton regularly led a team of Middle School students to volunteer at Meadowcreek Elementary.

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Athletics 5 4 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Girls Track team placed first in state in 2019.

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Athletics

U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL Spartans Represent!

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hris Hinton '19 became the fifth Spartan honored with a place on the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl roster.

(Since the writing of this article, his brother Myles '20 became the sixth to earn this honor.) The High School bowl game selects only

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90 out of the 1.2 million football players in the nation. His Spartan predecessors have ventured out into the full scope of possibilities, including winning the 2019 NCAA College Football National Championship title to playing professional football.

However, the Michigan-recruit was not the only Spartan on the field on the East Coast team.

Coach Tim Hardy also earned a spot on the coaching staff. With his fifth consecutive player performing at the highest level, the coaching recruits took notice of Hardy’s leadership within our elite program. For one week, the two Spartans experienced bowl games together.

“All-star coaching is different: You don’t have the relational equity with the team and you can’t build it in a matter of days, so you have to recognize that,” Coach Hardy said. “Everyone there wants to play well, but overall we [the coaches] are there to just serve the players.”

This top tier of student-athletes contains the most recruited players in the nation, meaning many of them will face each other or play together in the near future. For Chris Hinton, the game was a networking opportunity spent with his soon-to-be teammates at the University of Michigan.

During half-time, Hinton shared with Coach Hardy that this game had been his highest level of competition — and he loved it. For the players, this is a foreshadowing of what is to come.

“This kind of experience is a great segway from High School.

It’s their capstone High School football event, at the highest level,” Coach Hardy said. “We run our program college-style.

Everything our program does is to prepare them for what is to come.”

For Army Bowl and Spartan alum Kyler McMichael '18, the 2018 Army Bowl game springboarded him into a game that awaited him only a year later. McMichael took home a ring with the Clemson Tigers in the 2019 NCAA College Football National Championship. Post-fanfare and celebration, McMichael paid Coach Hardy and GAC the greatest compliment. “Coach, I was so prepared.” Just as his predecessors before him, Hinton returned to Norcross renewed with fervor to continue his pursuit of excellence at GAC and on to the University of Michigan.

These guys are selected for a number of reasons. For their athletic ability and skill, but also because they have a high level of execution and professionalism for the sport.

TIM HARDY

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Athletics

STE PPING

Up Spartan Baseball Team Steps Up to the Plate in the Dominican Republic

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S

Spartan Baseball Coach Robbie Wilson said it best: “Baseball in the Dominican Republic (D.R.) is a way of life. Many of the young men see it as their hope for reaching their dreams and providing for their families. They train for hours and hours every day in the hopes of being signed by a professional team.”

GAC Varsity Baseball players had the chance of a lifetime this winter: to play baseball with kids from the D.R., getting to know them on their home turf. The D.R. is known for a few things, but its love of baseball cannot be surpassed. Spartans brought equipment to donate to the D.R. players: bats, balls, helmets, gloves, uniforms, hats. They also visited an orphanage, distributed food to a local village, and even made it to the beach one afternoon. They played lots of baseball in between, including games with four different High School teams from the D.R.

We were blessed to see firsthand the joy they have despite their circumstances.

ROBBIE WILSON

Coach Wilson decided to take a team on this mission trip since many of the other GAC Mission trips fall in the middle of their season, so their players cannot participate.

The trip was planned to offer the players an opportunity for spiritual growth, team bonding, and service within a community that shares the same love for the game.

“A highlight of the trip was seeing our boys interact with the kids from local villages. I think our players gained a greater appreciation for all the blessings they have. I know the simple love and attention that our players poured into the kids was appreciated. Many of the families we visited had very little. We were blessed to see firsthand the joy they have despite their circumstances,” Coach Wilson said.

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Athletics

A HOME RUN EXPERIENCE

BY PARKER HALLOCK '21

T

he baseball trip to the Dominican Republic was truly an amazing experience. Getting the chance to meet so many children who have so few possessions, yet so much joy and love in their lives, was a good experience. The kids especially love baseball in the D.R., which you can tell by the amount of time they spend playing the sport.

They became so happy when given attention and love, and this demonstrates their ability to remain joyful even with their lack of belongings.

Being able to witness their determination and commitment to baseball was truly astonishing.

The kids in the D.R. rarely attend school, meaning receiving an education is out of the picture. This leaves baseball as their only route to success, and they never give up on their hope, even when their chances of making it big are small. The baseball skills aren’t all too different in the U.S. from the D.R. The only major difference is the devotion to baseball in the D.R. is much greater than in the U.S. We have many options for our future, but the Dominicans only have baseball and it is evident.

After the trip, I have been able to express emotions that I mainly kept to myself. I have become more considerate of my peers and make every attempt to help others in difficult times. I noticed that the Dominicans not only play ball with no fear, but they also live courageously and do not hesitate to step out of their comfort zones. This had a large impact on me during the trip, and I was able to bring these lessons home with me. I not only grew closer to the team and the kids in the Dominican, but I also saw God working through myself and others. The exhilaration that I received from allowing God’s love to flow through me whet a desire to strengthen my faith and take the extra steps necessary to be closer with God.

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The exhilaration that I received from allowing God’s love to flow through me whet a desire to strengthen my faith and take the extra steps necessary to be closer with God. PARKER HALLOCK '21

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Athletics

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Win R E CAP

REGIONAL WINS Girls Basketball 1ST Football 1ST Boys Soccer 1ST Boys Tennis 1ST Girls Tennis 1ST Girls Track 1ST Boys Basketball 2ND Competition Cheer 2ND Boys Lacrosse 2ND Girls Soccer 2ND Boys Track 2ND Baseball 3RD Boys Cross Country 4TH Girls Lacrosse 4TH

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Athletics

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S TAT E W I N S Girls Track 1ST Girls Swim 2ND Girls Soccer 4TH Boys Swim 4TH

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Athletics

S

ince 2012, it’s one of our favorite annual traditions on campus. During homecoming week, GAC’s youngest students join the football team for an afternoon of fun: dummy tackles, football passes, and speed and agility drills between the big and little Spartans.

This tradition instills Spartan Spirit long after the day is over. When our eldest and youngest students cross paths on campus later in the year, they exchange high-fives, hugs, and the mighty “Go Spartans” cheer.

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SIGNEES

AARON MIECHIELS Lacrosse Lenoir-Rhyne University

ANNA SHUMARD Cheer University of South Carolina

BEN S H E P PA R D Basketball Belmont University

CHANDLER DULA Lacrosse Williams College

CHRIS BARBIERI Soccer Berry College

CHRISTOPHE R HINTON Football University of Michigan

HUNTER MCINTOSH Basketball Elon University

JAC K JAC Q U E T Soccer Gardner-Webb University

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Athletics

“THE JUDGE” Honored with Dugout Naming

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n September of 2018, the home dugout on GAC’s baseball field was dedicated to the late Honorable James (Jim) Oxendine. Odendine’s family members and GAC leaders gathered together to officially name the dugout and honor a great man’s service. The significance of this naming goes beyond Judge Oxendine’s and his family’s contribution to GAC. It captures part of the Judge’s history: Oxendine

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attended college on a baseball scholarship at Vanderbilt University. Says John Oxendine about his father: “My dad taught me that education is the great equalizer. Using his God-given talent for sports allowed my dad to obtain a great college education that otherwise would have been unavailable to him. Education changed the entire trajectory of my father’s life from a tobacco farm in rural North Carolina to a Superior Court bench in

SIGNEES

Gwinnett County. I am so grateful to my dad for using his athletic talent to be a blessing in my life and in the lives of my children.” Judge Oxendine, who passed in 2016, is remembered by most for his distinguished legal career in Gwinnett County and his appointments to the State Board of Worker’s Compensation and the Superior Courts of Georgia. But his GAC family will remember “The Judge” (as he was affectionately known) for his contribution to the school as a Board of Trustees member, honored now with a little piece of the GAC campus.

JEFFREY BLAKE Football San Diego State

JOSH ROSE Lacrosse University of Utah

KENNEDI WILLIAMS Basketball Liberty University

K E N N E DY TOL SON Soccer University of Maryland

KEVIN HOOD Swim Providence College

M AYA TIMBERLAKE Basketball University of South Carolina Upstate

PETER KLUEBER Lacrosse Mercer University

PRESLEY FIELD Basketball Piedmont College

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Athletics

NEW COACHES

Meet the head coaches appointed in the last year Served as head coach for High School programs in Utah for the last

Played college lacrosse at Wells College and St. Andrews University Was head coach for the Utah U15 national team from 2013-2015 Served as a coach for UnderArmour

Southwest since 2016

15 YEARS

83

of coaching experience at both the High School and collegiate levels An All-State Athlete in

for the past two years

at UNC-Asheville and Wingate University

sports at Piscataway High School (basketball, field hockey, and softball)

J E S S I C A G UA R N E R I Girls Basketball

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COACH AT GAC

P L AY E D CO L L E G E B A S K E T B A L L

YEARS

KENDRA ROBINSON Girls Lacrosse

Assistant Varsity and head JV Basketball

SEVEN years of head coaching experience at Robert E Lee Academy and The King’s Academy, resulting in multiple Region wins

SIGNEES

3

YEARS

Head volleyball coach at Mount Bethel Christian for the past

Played college volleyball at

LIBERT Y UNIVE RSIT Y

ROLAND WITHERSPOON Football Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

S AVA N N A H MITCHE LL Swim Arizona State University

SHANE LUSSIER Baseball Wofford College

SHANTEL HUTTON Soccer Texas A&M University

Led her team to the 2016

GICAA state championship and a 2017 runner-up finish

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL at King’s Ridge Christian as well as A5 volleyball club

R AC H E L VA N D E R P O L Volleyball

We have been impressed with their passion for the game, leadership ability, care for their players, and commitment to excellence. We believe that they are the right coaches to help elevate girls athletics at GAC. TIM HARDY

T Y JA M E S Football University of Georgia

Now it’s all worth it.

All the parties, events, hangouts, and other activities I didn’t get to go to—it was all for this moment.

KENNEDY TOLSON UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, SOCCER

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Athletics

PLAYING FAVORITES Who’s your favorite lacrosse player?

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or the Little Laxers (1st -2nd grade), it’s a toss-up between their coaches: Varsity Girls Lacrosse players Annie Kilpatrick '19 and Kearston Dixon '21.

The Elementary girls’ lacrosse program chooses two Varsity lacrosse players to coach the young team. By the end of the season, both athletes had helped coaches produce compassionate athletes ready for the next level, both on and off the field.

“It was my goal to not only teach these girls lacrosse, but to help them grow in confidence and friendships with each other,” Kearston said. “I wanted to help form a place where they could be silly, work hard, and start to learn how to represent girls sports on campus.”

Forming a cohesive team is built upon more than talent. The foundation is in the team’s attitude and trust amongst one another. As the Little Laxers age up, their love for their mentors and the sport stay with them.

Yet their season came to a bittersweet ending when they had to say goodbye to Annie.

“Throughout the season of us playing and coaching together, Annie has become one of my best friends. I’m just as upset about her graduating as the girls are,” Kearston said.” We feel like we’re losing a member of this little family we created.”

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It was my goal to not only teach these girls lacrosse, but to help them grow in confidence and friendships with each other, KEARSTON DIXON '21

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Athletics

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here is more that goes into coaching than most people imagine. At times, it can be a hard and thankless job. But at GAC, coaches don’t have to do it alone. GAC Assistant Athletic Director, veteran coach, and P.E. teacher of 38 years Ms. Kristy Shelton is a lifeline for the female coaches on campus.

“When I first came to GAC in 1982, there were no female coaches.

When I started my coaching career in 1983, I was the only one. But at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, I got the female coaches together for a meeting, and it felt so amazing to be in that room with 26 other women who coach on our campus!” These women have found community together, bonding over their passion for building strong teams

COACHING OTHER COACHES

Trailblazer Coach Kristy Shelton

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

HEBREWS 13:7

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and raising godly young women.

When they meet, they share ideas of things they can do with their teams to grow them athletically and spiritually.

Ms. Shelton (or “Coachy” as she is affectionately called by her students) believes in her coaches and in the critical role they play.

“Our girls need healthy, godly female role models. Sports provide so much for girls in the way of building confidence and resilience in life. To have a strong coach as a positive role model is irreplaceable.”

Because of their years of expertise, coaches like Ms. Shelton are able to lead their athletes to victory, both on and off the field. For Ms. Shelton, this has meant winning five state championships over the years that she’s coached. But there’s more.

Says Ms. Shelton: “I also believe that our female coaches model what it looks like to be a woman of God. We’re teaching our girls to pray and be spiritual leaders. That’s a unique opportunity our girls might not get anywhere else. I know for a fact that every one of our female coaches has as their top priority to lead their girls to Christ first.”

While she no longer has a team to coach, Ms. Shelton has a new role: serving and motivating the women on the front lines. “I feel humbled in many ways to have this opportunity.

Now that I’m retired from coaching myself, I’m excited to mentor these young coaches as they pour into our female athletes. I’m so proud of each one of them and hope that I can serve them in a way that will make their job a little easier.”

Head softball coach Jessica Crawford '08 was first mentored

by Ms. Shelton while a GAC student. “She was a great spiritual mentor to me and was a significant part of my decision to give my life to Christ. Now, with her new role in the athletic department as a mentor to female coaches, I have the opportunity to work alongside her every day to navigate the world of molding young women into our next generation of leaders. She has been someone that I trust and can go to for guidance both athletically, and spiritually. Kristy’s support this season of all of the female sports and coaches has been unparalleled, and we are extremely blessed to have her as part of our administration.”

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GAC students Victoria Griffin ’19, Abbi Kate Bomar ‘19, and Elise Karinshak ’19 led High School chapel worship during the 2018-19 school year.

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Spiritual Life

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GAC has hosted the Special Olympics here on campus for decades. While the participating students may change from year-to-year, the spirit of the event and the blessing that it bestows upon our community remains unchanged. In 2014, Mr. Bill Burton, former GAC Academic Vice President, wrote the following account of his experience and his reflection on this long-standing tradition. We thought readers would enjoy reading an account of one of our favorite events from one of our favorite leaders.

GAC TRADITIONS: THE EVENT AND THE BLESSING Contributed by Bill Burton, former Academic Vice President, 46 years of faithful service

Traditions. They help us move forward by looking back. They can be a foundation on which to build a stronger community. They remind us of who we are, where we came from, and where we want to go. Keep in mind - it’s not necessarily the tradition itself that helps us move forward or become stronger. Particular traditions can come and go. The strength in traditions comes from the movement of the community. The human to human contact that binds us together as we serve God. Each year, students on the Greater Atlanta Christian School campus participate in one of these school traditions.

Every year at this time, I am reminded that the Special Olympics in January is truly one of our best school days during the year. Hosting the Special Olympics has been a tradition of GAC students for over 20 years. Logistically, it is not the easiest of our traditions. Our students have traditionally given up class time; our faculty moves classes and uses different resources; and we have more traffic on campus. Our Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Beta Club students, their sponsors, and our Campus Services team plan and coordinate.

Communication abounds. Work, work, work.

But. As I returned to my office from the Olympics festivities, admittedly mistyeyed, I made an observation. Our students were interacting joyfully with these severely impaired kids and their teachers from surrounding counties.

The words of Jesus came to mind.

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

— MATTHEW 10:42 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

— MATTHEW 25:40 Today, these scriptures were fulfilled again on our campus.

Part of the reward of this Greater Atlanta Christian tradition is seeing the eyes of the Special Olympians light up when our kids cheer for them, give them high fives and share congratulatory hugs. It is hearing the appreciation expressed by their teachers for what this day means to them and their students. Can you imagine what it must be like to work with these special kids every day, year after year?

What heroes!

This small microcosm of our school represents a bigger story. Our actions, even more than our words, model Jesus.

It is what Jesus would do. Jesus did teach by talking. But his disciples also learned by doing. Our students learn what it means to serve by doing it. Not just on campus, but in the community, and around the world.

This is the blessing of traditions.

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Spiritual Life

WHERE DOES CULTURE START?

A

n organization’s culture is not something that can be imposed or something that is borne from a strategic plan. It comes from within and is as natural as breathing. For GAC, an innate part of its culture is the spiritual community that has defined it from the very beginning: when a visionary group of men and women gathered together to pray over the undeveloped land on Indian Trail Road.

Today’s grassroots efforts among faculty, staff, and students to meet, pray, and meditate on God’s Word demonstrates that this spiritual community goes beyond Bible class and chapel. “Through faithfully meeting each week, we uncover the resources we need to empower each other to more fully serve our students,” says Mr. Richard Burnett, Performance Trainer Coach who leads a faculty and staff Bible study that meets before school each Thursday at the Starbucks across the street. Drop in at 6:30 a.m., and you’ll encounter many familiar faces. These individuals seek authentic fellowship, cover their students in prayer, and ask God for wisdom for how they can seize more opportunities to disciple their students.

Mr. Burnett shares: “With GAC’s standard of excellence, it’s easy to get wrapped up and consumed by performing at the highest level. This Bible study helps us refocus on the most important thing. To us, it’s a pretty sacred thing. We pour into each other and love each other.”

Lower School Dean of Students, Mr. Dana Davis, leads a group that meets regularly on Friday mornings to pray. “While we pray about all kinds of things, our goal is to always pray for GAC mission teams serving in our city, our country, and abroad. It is God’s favor that has allowed so many students and teachers to go out with the intent to love as Jesus does. We know we fall short, but He has protected us and enabled us to participate with Him in His work all over the world," says Mr. Davis.

This Bible study helps us refocus on the most important thing. To us, it’s a pretty sacred thing. We pour into each other and love each other.

This group, with representatives from each school level, has been meeting for over four years. It has been grounded in the promise that when even two or three gather, God is right there with them.

The desire for fellowship has extended from faculty to students, and over the years students have been known to meet for prayer and fellowship over hash browns and grits at the Waffle House across the street. These meetings have given momentum to other students leading prayer gatherings at the Cross Tower in the mornings.

For Bible teacher Mr. Derek Wilson, the opportunity for spiritual connection is even more integrated into the school day. For three years, he and Dr. Robert Lindsay have been meeting during lunch with a group of students, guiding them from their sophomore to now their senior year. Says Mr. Wilson: “We discuss current events and their intersection with faith. But discussions can turn to almost any topic, and we ask how Jesus would handle situations that come up in our lives.”

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RICHARD BURNETT

Middle School faculty and students gathered at the Cross Tower to pray on the National Day of Prayer.

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Spiritual Life

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A PLACE TO LEAD, A TIME TO GROW High School Chapel

By Emma Pitts '20

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magine these sounds: TobyMac reverberating through the speakers of the Long Forum; the feet of 700 students shuffling in from various classes all over campus; and the crescendo of this crowd of teenaged voices as they melt together. The scene you are hearing and picturing in your mind is what takes place during a normal, twice-weekly chapel in the Long Forum. Behind every one of these Chapels is a lot of planning and work, leadership, and participation…all from GAC High School students. Chapel class, offered as a Bible credit, provides us with the time, direction, tools, and camaraderie to get the job done.

consists of three students, is responsible for planning four Chapels a year. The team I had this past year was randomly assigned to me by my teachers. Although I didn’t know them well at first, my teammates and I bonded over time and cultivated new friendships. A notable Chapel that my teammates and I planned was about nostalgia. The message behind my team’s “Nostalgia” chapel was that it’s good to look back on things with joy, but it starts becoming problematic when you look back and covet what you had in the past. I also had the opportunity to lead the closing prayer.

When I first walk into Chapel class each day, I am hit with an assortment of voices merging together to create one very busy classroom. An energetic class is common at GAC, but Chapel class is different: students are lively because they are the ones in charge! Most students are used to the standard class of curriculum and testing, but Chapel class allows students to flourish in a different way. Most notably, Chapel class does not give its students tests or quizzes; instead, the real “test” is how well we plan and execute Chapels for the student body.

Consequently, Chapel class gives students like me a very different environment to work in.

Personally, getting up in front of my High School body of 700 students was nerve-wracking for the first time. As time went on, my nerves subsided and my confidence grew. From experience, I know that Chapel class is a great class for the student who wants to develop important skills: time management, interpersonal, public speaking, and leadership.

All of these “soft” skills can not only be used in and out of classrooms, but they can also be used after High School.

Jackson Willyerd '19 talks passionately about his experience of being a student leader in Chapel class. “Chapel class was an awesome opportunity. It’s unique for a High School student to have the opportunity to spread the gospel to their peers in an academic environment. And for me personally, I want to go into ministry, so it was awesome to be able to start practicing as a High School student,” he said.

Each Chapel team, which

Particularly, interpersonal skills are utilized when a student is working and drawing closer with their peers. Miranda Musgrave, another student in Chapel class, told me about her experience. She said, “For me, being in chapel class was a unique and significant way of growing with my peers. I loved not only growing closer to the spiritual leaders at GAC, but also strengthening my faith with and because of these leaders.”

Students in Chapel class not only grow spiritually, but they also get to see what influence they have on the student body. Johnny Meshramkar, Head Prefect of the new Prefect system, is an experienced Chapel class planner. “In other classes you do work, but Chapel class work has a lasting effect on GAC as a whole. Whenever I brought speakers in, I really enjoyed hearing people’s feedback because it showed me that I was doing something that was making a difference in the lives of students,” he said.

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Spiritual Life

Closer 2019 SPIRITUAL RETREATS

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Retreats have a way of changing your perspective. As you are removed from routine, it’s easier to reflect thoughtfully about your life. About what matters to you. Distance can often bring us closer. GAC’s Spiritual Retreats create spaces for Spartans to be more than students and friends. It opens the door for real relationships extending past friend groups and familiar faces. Most importantly, it opens the door even wider to our ever-growing connection with the Lord.

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Spiritual Life

In Jesus, God has given himself for us, and if we’re to be a community that is growing “closer” to God, it’ll only happen as the Spirit conforms us to be more and more like Jesus, giving ourselves for one another, thinking of one another as more important than ourselves.

DR. PAUL CABLE

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Spiritual Life

GLOBAL MISSION WORK Life-Changing Experiences

Guatemala was definitely a lifechanging experience. It was an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture, form new relationships, and get outside of myself to help others. Spreading God’s love and helping those in need across borders was a great thing!

WISCONSIN

CHEROKEE, NC

ATLANTA

ROY DIXON III '19

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC COZUMEL GUATEMALA

HONDURAS

PUERTO RICO

ECUADOR PERU

My favorite memory from the Ecuador mission trips is being able to see the same kids from year-to-year. I love how as a group we are able to watch them grow up and see the impact we have on their lives.

TREY DIXON '20

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Each year, over 200 GAC students and faculty forgo school breaks in order to participate in 21 local and overseas mission trips.

SPAIN

GREECE

Starting with the first global mission trip to the City of Children in Ensenada, Mexico in 1997, GAC has been a place where students can actively grow in their faith through service. Each year, over 200 GAC students and faculty forgo school breaks in order to participate in 21 local and overseas mission trips. These trips take them everywhere from the heart of downtown Atlanta to the rural villages of South America to a special needs orphanage in China. Beyond the deep spiritual impact of these trips, students have the opportunity to witness and engage with other cultures, expanding their worldview to become global citizens.

THAILAND

I loved the 7 Bridges mission trip because I got to meet new people that I would not have otherwise met. For example, I met a lady named Sabrina while we were passing out lunches under the bridges. I saw a light in her and recognized that she was so filled with joy. I spoke with her, and she really changed my perspective on how people can be a light even in dark circumstances.

ALYSSA MUDRY '20

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GAC group on a Learning Excursion to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park in 2019.

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Spartan Stories The Wilsons and Jacky Zhang ‘18 Hosting an international student forms one family out of two.

While school nurse Kristen Wilson was palming warm foreheads and administering inhalers to Elementary students, back at home there were two Crock-Pots slowcooking dinner for her family. The newest addition, Zhang '18, was an active six-foot teenager who ate like one.

Jacky is from China but was a student at GAC through the International Student home-stay program. Like most parents, Jacky’s family had high aspirations for his academic future. After years of extensive research on American High Schools, the clear match for their son’s goals was a K-12 Christian school in Norcross, Georgia.

When students are accepted into the program, they are carefully paired with a family who will be their host-family. While new and exciting, this can be where much of the acclimation to America begins.

Ms. Wilson and her husband Coach Robbie Wilson had two children under the age of 8 with another one on the way. Their parenting experience did not include teenage boys. They were in uncharted territory.

“We heard that other families hosted students. We thought it was a good way to build community,” Ms. Wilson said. Build community they did.

While Jacky took full advantage of co-curriculars and social time, the Wilsons became enmeshed in the High School community. Between soccer practices to time at the mall

— Jacky lived the typical American High School experience, and the Wilsons with him.

Over Jacky’s time at GAC, the Wilsons recommitted to hosting him each year. While host families are only bound to one year with their student, most commit to their student’s full time at GAC, wanting to experience the entirety of their High School life. Amongst the memories of daily life, Ms. Wilson’s most treasured memories are of spiritual challenge.

“It was great to watch him grow spiritually,” she said. “He helped us be vulnerable. As Christians, we like to avoid certain questions.

He would pose questions I hadn’t thought of before and really had to think through. Sometimes, I’d have to be fearfully honest and say that I didn’t know the answers to some of his questions.”

These types of honest, tough conversations built trust amongst the blended family. Nearing the end of Jacky’s time with the Wilsons, he called his host-parents ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ and had three little siblings who looked up to him as their brother.

When he walked across the stage in the Long Forum in May of 2018, Jacky had gained more than what he intended in a GAC diploma.

Making the grades is a small piece of what students take away from GAC. Jacky had a newfound command on the English language, achieved impeccable grades, participated in clubs and sports teams, and was voted Most Likely to Succeed by his graduating

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class. Jacky had clearly made an impression on the GAC community.

“You look back on 4 years and say ‘Where did the time go?’” Nurse Wilson said. “But now we have a lifetime relationship...I look forward to future times together.”

Now a student at UC Berkeley, Jacky keeps in touch with his hostfamily between classes and study groups. His GAC education served him well to get him to his dream school, but the GAC community brought him a family connection that will last an eternity.

Host families commit to one-year minimum of hosting a student.

Current GAC families and alumni families are considered. Families provide accommodations and transportation as active guardians for the duration of their placement.

Any family interested in hosting a student should contact International Student Program Coordinator, MS. KENDRA ROBINSON.

Earned: Scholastic Press Awards Known around campus for his filmmaking talent, Mason Martin '19 won two Georgia Scholastic Press Association awards before he graduated: Superior Broadcast Feature News Story Production and Superior Broadcast Production. In GAC’s multi-media and broadcast journalism class, students use industry-level software and computer systems and state-of-the-art cameras to craft feature stories, promotional features, and the all-time student favorite: “hype” videos. Within six editing suites on campus, students strive to entertain, educate, and highlight GAC student life and programs for their peers. During his senior year, Mason was taught by Mr. Evan Simmons and Mr. Jeremy Beauchamp. He said, “These accomplishments mean a lot to me as I have been working on my skills for a few years; to reach the point of state recognition was incredible.”

Mr. Simmons said of the class: “Each year, we continue to raise the level of professionalism. We are so pleased that Mason was recognized for his hard work.”

An Author Among Us Gifted readers sometimes begin crafting fantasy worlds and writing about them at a young age. This was the case for GAC senior Navya Sarikonda. As a child, she was a voracious reader, which her father credits to the Accelerated Reading Program beginning in Lower School. In December 2018, Navya crossed over from aspiring writer to author of her first novel. Her self-published novel The Enchanter’s Child boasts a full 280 pages and is now available in the Spartan Store and with online retailers. Navya’s book has been honored by author Ann Howard Creel along with the General Consulate of India, Atlanta.

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Spartan Stories A Sign of the Times Founding President, the late Jesse Long (1932-2014), was recognized for his great contribution to Gwinnett County last September. The Georgia Assembly passed a measure to re-name I-85 at Indian Trail Road, Exit 101, as the Jesse C. Long Interchange.

A forward-thinker, Jesse Long broke ground in this area to create our beloved GAC when Indian Trail Road was just a dirt trail in the middle of farmland back in 1967. Today, an estimated 80,000 cars travel through this interchange daily.

Representative Clay Cox, who sponsored the proclamation passed by the Assembly, is a GAC parent of two alumni.

He is Risen!

Easter Chapel 2019 had a poignant, yet timeless, message for all, shared through a performance by the youngest Spartans among us. The simple message was the story of Easter: In place of death, Jesus brings us new life. And that’s where life begins for us as Christians.

Through the beautiful portrayal of "The Three Trees" story, the Spartan community was reminded that our greatest dreams are fulfilled in Jesus.

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New Student Leadership Program We’ve got a new student leadership program at GAC, unveiled this Spring.

The Prefect System might sound like something straight out of a Harry Potter novel. Really, it’s a group of student leaders from the senior class (selected during their junior year) who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to GAC’s values and ideals. Prefects, as they are known, create impact within the school community through servant leadership.

Vetted through a rigorous application process, these student leaders will have an impact on everything from student life to publicity to admissions during the next school year. Positive peer influence has a powerful impact on student engagement, and GAC plans to leverage its very best.

Brains & Brawn GAC ranks among the top GHSA Class AAA schools with the most football wins in the last 10 years at 82%. There’s another impressive fact you might not know about our football program.

In the last 7 years, over 50 GAC students have signed to play football in college, including 6 out of the 8 Ivy League schools and many ACC and SEC schools.

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Spartan Stories Flexin’ our AP Scores

Did you know? GAC is one of the top Atlanta private schools to have the highest AP pass rate at 86.5% in 29 AP courses. Just as impressive is the fact that two of our students, graduates Victoria Huynh '19 and Jack Hollier '18, earned every single point on their AP Government exam in May of 2018. They are among only 113 in the world to do so. This is a testament to the hard work of these students, AP government teacher Mr. Matt Fincher, and the entire GAC social studies department, which prepares our students to excel at the highest level.

Coming Together Nothing brings a community together like worship. We welcomed GAC families to worship with us in the Performing Arts Center several times throughout the 2018-2019 year. This year, we’re blanketing the campus with our Prayer Walks. Members of the GAC Family meet Director of School Life Jimmy Chupp at the Cross Tower in the morning after school has begun. They walk together to a campus building where children, faculty, and staff work and play hard. Then they disperse and find a quiet place to pray for the space itself, the people within it, the work being done, and the community we all love. Mr. Chupp closes the private time with an “Amen”, and the group walks to the next building. Prayer Walks will take place frequently throughout the school year.

AMONG THE HIGHEST AP PASS RATES AT

86.5 29 PERCENT IN

AP COURSES

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Might as Well Jump Our nation’s #1 cause of death is heart disease. A long-standing tradition on the GAC campus is raising money for the American Heart Association under the leadership of the beloved Ms. Kristy Shelton (a.k.a. Coachy).

Once again, our Elementary students took part in the Kids Heart Challenge in the Spring, jumping rope and raising money for the AHA. In total, GAC students raised $48,963 this year. Even more impressive is that over the course of our 37-year partnership with AHA we’ve raised $1,046,376!

GAC’s Got Talent What does it take to get a crowd on its feet? This March, GAC's Parent Association (GPA) held a talent show with a dual purpose: to raise money and to showcase the school’s talents. Nearly 20 acts were represented, competing head-to-head for glory and bragging rights. But only three acts left as winners: Alexis Arwood, Ryan Pierre, and Emma Joseph (Fundraising Winners), Olivia Kim (Audience Pick), and Stelle Butler (Judges’ Choice). What a great night to celebrate talent and to show support for our school. The GPA raises money for projects that may otherwise go unfunded, provides speakers on current topics, and supports GAC community events and service opportunities.

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Spartan Stories MLK Community Service Day Something that defines the GAC community is a heart for service. This became evident when a group of faculty, staff, students, and families participated in this year’s MLK Day of Service. Together they served the local community: preparing and delivering meals to the extended-stay motels nearby; serving with Cross Pointe Church Clothes’ Closet and Food Pantry; and helping set up for the Homework Club with Corners Outreach. This was a great way to honor Dr. King and his impact on our nation.

GAC Parenting Perks GAC parents like to gather on a regular basis. But we often like to learn something while we’re at it. The Parent Speaker Series, sponsored by the GAC Parent Association, fits the bill. This is an ongoing parent education series that provides parents with national experts, who speak on campus and educate us about important and timely topics. These speakers keep parents “in the know” and equipped with the information they need to effectively partner with teachers and administrators. In February, we invited the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication on campus to speak with a large crowd of parents about one of our greatest concerns for today’s Spartans: cell phone use and online behavior.

This Fall, K-12 parents were treated to a special workshop on “Raising Resilient Children in Today’s High-Performance Culture.” National speaker and GAC parent LeAnn Nickelsen showed us what resilient children look and sound like, providing tips on how parents can support this growth.

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Thanksgiving Tradition: Can-a-thon “The staff and parents at Greater Atlanta Christian are planting the giving seed early, as demonstrated through their incredible donation of over 11,000 canned goods to The Salvation Army’s Can-a-thon.

Because of your kindness, thousands of people in Gwinnett County will not only have food on their tables, but hope in their hearts, in the weeks and months to come.” This from Captain Jeremy M. Mockabee, Gwinnett County Commanding Officer for the Salvation Army. Last year, our generous students and families helped provide 25% of all the cans donated in Gwinnett County.

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Alumni 1 0 0 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Alumni from the 60s and 70s gathered for the Good Ol’ Days Reunion at GAC in 2018.

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Alumni

Learn more & stay connected www.greateratlantachristian.org/alumni alumni@greateratlantachristian.org

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RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Let’s be honest: High School is pretty awkward. However, alumni relations today is not about reliving embarrassing teenage memories. Your relationship with GAC after graduation has nothing to do with magazine sales, uniform regulations, tardy slips, or any other tributes to our prime years.

It’s not about dwelling in the past, but about being encouraged about what is ahead. It’s about strengthening relationships with people who grew up alongside you. It’s about making a difference through your alma mater.

Alumni relations matters because shared experiences and values can create powerful, lifelong bonds. It’s not about us, but about what our Lord is doing through us, together. Let us be your resource to maximize meaningful relationships.

We count it a blessing to reconnect with you.

Kaleigh W. Hartley ’09 ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICER

khartley@greateratlantachristian.org 1.770.243.2229

Opportunities for Involvement

Participate in the Student-Alumni Mentorship (launching Spring 2020)

Attend/ volunteer at school and alumni events

Discuss a topic in a classroom or teach professional skills in a workshop

Support needbased financial aid at any giving level

Share what’s new in your life or give a testimonial

Host a student intern through the GAC Fellowship Program

Write a note of encouragement to a teacher, mission group, or athletic team

And so much more

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Alumni

Spotlight Stories

Joseph Arnold

SARA (COLLINS) WHITE '08 Sara (Collins) White started at GAC in the third grade and graduated in 2008. As a student, she gained skills in communication and team management through her involvement in National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Yearbook.

Reflecting on her student experience, Sara mentions, “What had the most positive impact on my life at GAC was the investment of everyone in my success and advancement as a woman and as a student. Even the teachers I had in Elementary School were always cheering me on when I was across campus. GAC is truly a family environment!”

After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgia Tech in 2012, Sara worked in Deloitte Consulting’s Human Capital Practice for over 6 years, where she helped large companies navigate organizational change. Now she is a Senior Manager at InterContinental Hotels Group and focuses on growth strategy.

Sara is the President of the GAC Alumni Board and offers her wide range of skills to benefit students and the alumni community. She married Dustin White in 2014, and they welcomed their daughter, Anna, in January 2017.

Anna is a student at GAC in Young Learners, and Sara loves seeing her thrive at the same place that was home to her for so many years. Sara attributes much of her success at Georgia Tech and now in her professional life to her time at GAC. She is excited to give back to the school as an alumni and parent in the coming years.

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LILLIE RUSSO '13 Lillie Russo graduated from GAC in 2013. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at GAC and was heavily involved in several areas of student life, including mission trips, orchestra, the student ambassador team, small groups, chapel class, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society, Beta Club, and National Honors Society. For three consecutive years, she participated in the Greece mission trip, which she says changed her life. She experienced God like she never had before on those trips and discovered a love and desire to serve disadvantaged populations on a global scale. The Greece mission trips strengthened her relationships with several teachers and students she still stays in touch with today.

For all four years of High School, she was part of the orchestra’s Stradivarius Strings quartet. Her involvement with this quartet was very influential because she was able to perform for all school events. Mission trips and orchestra taught her how to develop lasting bonds with peers and teachers, placing her in situations that brought her out of her comfort zone and teaching her valuable life lessons. She continued her education at

the University of Georgia, where she studied Public and Global Health. At UGA, she conducted research on the health challenges found by Middle Eastern and North African refugees in their route to Greece. This passion for refugees was spurred by her many mission trips to Greece at GAC. These trips led to her completing a college internship at the organization she had partnered with in High School, Hellenic Ministries.

Upon graduation, Lillie worked at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University as the Activities Coordinator for the Arts in Health program. There, she was in charge of recruiting artists and performers from the Atlanta area to engage in creative projects with and for patients, visitors, and staff members.

In her efforts to bring art and health together, she conducted research to measure the effects of the arts on the health and well-being of patients going through traditional cancer treatments. Her love for art is also rooted in her time spent as a performer in the orchestra at GAC. Currently, Lillie is pursuing an Accelerated BSN degree through the School of Nursing at Emory University.

JOSEPH ARNOLD '10 At GAC, Joseph was involved in drama, mission trips, swimming, lacrosse, student chapel, and more during his seven years as a Spartan.

The experiences that impacted my life the most include relationships with teachers that were built while pursuing creative endeavors, such as with Clif Jones in drama and Sandy Johnson in film production. Learning from leaders like them helped stretch my creativity. I think that creative mindset I developed then helps me to this day as a marketing professional to always strive to innovate and grab people’s attention in interesting ways.

Joseph knows that GAC mission trips also had a positive impact on his life.

He believes that escaping the routine of school and home makes students

more reliant on their faith. God always shows up in a big way to both the people served and those who are serving. Outside of the spiritual implications, witnessing other cultures was always an eye-opening experience that put a lot of things in perspective for him as a teenager, like the realization of how blessed we are as individuals and as a nation.

After graduation, he attended the University of Georgia and earned dual degrees in Marketing and Public Relations. Joseph currently lives in Atlanta and works as a Marketing Manager at Tricentis, a growth-stage software startup. He has been a member of the GAC Alumni Board for over two years now and enjoys giving his time back to students.

Helping them understand and interpret the world in front of them, what their interests are, and how they can make a plan to pursue them is very meaningful.

Joseph enjoys building relationships with other alumni and, when possible, connecting them to people and places that can help further their career, education, spiritual wellbeing.

He is grateful for the people who have helped him do the same for his life and believes GAC is the common connection that enables us to pay it forward. He attributes his successes to the people who helped guide him through personal and professional journeys, from GAC and beyond.

He enjoys helping past and present students do the same.

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Alumni BRENDAN CORLEY '13 As a student, Brendan was heavily involved in school life, participating in the tennis program, the Kenya mission trip, and the Academic Support Program. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for his alma mater. He also thanks GAC for introducing him to his wife, Jules Foxworthy, whom he married in 2018.

Tennis is still a big part of Brendan’s life, and you can often find him and other alumni on the GAC courts playing on the weekends to this day. Playing tennis and flag football on campus with other former athletes were great opportunities to stay involved. His involvement on the Kenya mission trip through 410 Bridge had a huge impact on his life. Although the mission trips were life-changing, there are few things that had a longerlasting impression on his personal education than the Academic Support program.

As a young kid who was learning to handle learning differences like ADHD, Academic Support gave

Brendan a sense of security. He said he was very self-conscious about his learning differences, but this program allowed him to feel like he wasn’t so different. On top of that, the Academic Support team was able to find his unique strengths, encouraging him to use them to the best of his ability. Lauri Fields, Brenda Walker, Ms. Wolaver, and Ms. Ferris are just a few people he thinks of when reflecting on the faculty that helped him so much as a student. He is grateful for the amount of help he received from this program, and he knows many other schools don’t offer this kind of assistance.

After graduating in 2013, Brendan moved to Chicago and attended DePaul University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies. From there, he returned to Atlanta and accepted a position with ISG Partners as an Associate Recruiter. Currently, he is a Client Success Manager at Leadercast. This is his second year on the GAC Alumni Board. He’s thankful to give back to a school that gave him so much.

JACKSON O'BRIEN '14 Of all the experiences at GAC that impacted his life, Jackson believes the most profound was Bible study.

He recalls being selected, along with a small group of students, as a leader among the student body. Led by Mr. Wilson and Coach Johnson, they met every week for real conversations about life and about the Gospel.

Jackson appreciated having a group of friends and faculty members holding one another accountable, and it paved the way for him to find a similar group of guys in college.

During his time as a student, he was heavily involved with the baseball team and the S.A.L.T. student leadership program. He also helped with Admissions, where he led tours for prospective students and their families. After attending GAC for 13 years, he graduated in 2014, following in the footsteps of his cousins, parents, and grandparents who held and continue to hold this school so dear to their hearts.

A recent graduate of the University of Georgia, Jackson majored in Communication Studies. In Athens, he spent time leading the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Georgia; guiding campus tours for prospective students and their families through the UGA Visitors Center; and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. For 10 weeks in the summer of 2019, he had the opportunity to work as a Legal Intern for the Medical University of South Carolina Office of the General Counsel in Charleston, SC. Currently, he is pursuing a J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law.

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Jackson O’Brien

GAC ALUMNI BOARD 2019-2020 Board members are nominated to provide valuable feedback and develop programs that benefit alumni in their relationships, careers, applications of faith, and connections to GAC. Members are devoted to the mission of their alma mater, driven to enhance the initiatives of the alumni community, and encouraged to build lifelong connections to expand their personal networks.

In collaboration with the Alumni Office, this team supports events and programs to bring ongoing value to all graduates. Each Board member serves as a representative among his or her peers and offers a unique perspective into the heart, advantages, and needs of GAC.

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1 Joseph Arnold ’10 Marketing Manager, Digital Programs,Tricentis – Atlanta, GA – Bachelor’s in Marketing, University of Georgia – Bachelor’s in Public Relations, University of Georgia

Leesa (Yates) Black ’74 Health Coach – Flower Mound, TX – Lipscomb University 2

3 Jordan Bullard ’17 Student of Fashion Merchandising, Lipscomb University – Nashville, TN 4 Meredith (McDermott) Blinder ’07 Realtor, RE/MAX Around Atlanta Realty

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– Peachtree Corners, GA – Bachelor’s in Communication, Berry College

5 Brendan Corley ’13 Client Success Manager, Leadercast – Brookhaven, GA – Bachelor’s in Communication Studies, DePaul University 6 Ray Godleski ’93 Financial Advisor, Southern Financial Group – Atlanta, GA – Georgia State University

Jon Julian ’83 Voya Investment Management – Atlanta, GA – Lipscomb University

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8 Ayesha Nasmyth ’05 Missions Administrator and

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Coordinator, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ – Brentwood, TN – Bachelor’s in Child Development, Vanderbilt – Master’s in Applied Child Studies, Vanderbilt Jackson O’Brien ’14 Legal Intern, Medical University of South Carolina Office of the General Counsel – Athens, GA – Bachelor’s in Communication Studies, University of Georgia 9

Joy (Phillips) Sharp ’74 Women’s Bible Study Director, GAC – Atlanta, GA – Bachelor’s in Communication Studies, University of Georgia 10

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11 Chris Shim ’06 Analyst, Hilton – Dallas, TX – Bachelor’s in Finance, Abilene Christian University 12 Julia Sykes ’10 RE Agent, Dorsey Alston Realtors – Atlanta, GA – Bachelor’s in Communication Studies, University of Georgia

Sara (Collins) White ’08 Senior Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group – Dunwoody, GA – Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Georgia Institute of Technology 13

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Alumni

WHAT IS THE ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES? Now in its third year, the GAC Alumni Speaker Series connects distinguished alumni with upperclassmen in order to cultivate valuable discussions about the transition from education to career. The purpose of the program is to engage juniors and seniors with professional alumni from specific industries in order to inspire fulfilling career paths and build networking relationships.

Each student pre-selects four sessions to participate in based on his or her top career interests. The intentional student placement process allows for individuals to learn more about the industries they are interested in, fostering active engagement in the sessions.

Alumni session leaders guide small group discussions on topics such as: “How does GAC equip you for your career?”; “What does it take to succeed in your field?”; “What are your greatest pieces of advice from the transition from student to professional?”. Their personal accounts and expert advice help bridge the gap of career uncertainty for students in encouraging, transformational ways.

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ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES PARTICIPANTS OF 2019 Joseph Arnold ’10 Marketing Manager, Digital Programs, Tricentis Carter Asef ’10 ORISE Research Fellow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; PhD Candidate, Georgia Tech Alison (Stroud) Baine ’99 Owner, Interior Designer, Alison Baine Design LLC Drew Curd ’10 Senior Performance Engineer, Simply Business DaSean Daniels ’12 Audit Staff, Ernst and Young, Masters Accounting student, UGA

Mason Deal ’07 VP of Strategy and Operations, Intuitive Health

Jeff Fambrough ’02 National Account Manager, Indeed.com

Allison Miller ’77 President, Founder, Eight28 Women Inc.

Vallon Douthit ’06 Enterprise Account Executive, Connection Enterprise

Jordan Foxworthy ’10 Ambassador, Atlanta Day Shelter, Atlanta Mission

Morgan Doyle ’09 Director of Marketing and Communications, GDP Technologies, a Xerox Company

Dr. Ben Johnson ’99 Assistant Professor of Law, Penn State Law, Pennsylvania State University

Annalise Peters ’06 Assistant U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia

David Eaton ’00 Head Coach of Varsity Boys Basketball, High School Social Science Teacher, GAC

Major Jim Knauss ’03 A-10C Experimental Test Pilot, United States Air Force

Lauren (Moore) Evans ’07 Assistant Professor of Art, Samford University

Dr. Courtney (Collinson) Middleton ’94 Physician, Peachtree Women’s Clinic

Scotty Smith ’11 PhD Candidate, Georgia Institute of Technology Chateaubriand Fellow, Paris, France Janie (Collins) Steckenrider ’10 Registered Nurse, Northside Hospital Cherokee Zach Tisher ’02 Senior Director, Global Security, Equifax, Inc.

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Alumni

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MILLIONAIRE TO MAKE AN

impact.

Did you know that over 20% of GAC students depend on need-based financial aid? There are a growing number of deserving student leaders who need your support to continue or begin their GAC legacy.

You are invited to be a part of this important cause to invest in the future of an individual child, as your personal circumstances allow.

Be inspired by how our alumni are changing the status quo of charitable giving today.

Exceptional, Christian education needs us now more than ever.

Alumni Giving Challenge This is the chance, as alumni, to give back to everything that made us who we are and help that next generation of GAC students.

DR. RUSSELL HOLZGREFE ‘07

100% of money raised benefits students, not facilities. Join other alumni who are making a life-changing difference. Every gift matters, and no donation is too small.

ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE: $10,000 100 alumni. $100 per donation. A $10,000 collective goal to support one student.

Learn more and give today at GREATERATLANTACHRISTIAN.ORG/GIVING

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Alumni

FROM GRADUATE TO PARENT We understand how important it is to find the right school fit for your whole family. As you prayerfully compare all your options, you’re invited to explore how GAC has progressed over the years from the inside out.

While being unwavering in its foundational, Christian mission, your school is continuously advancing to best equip the leaders of tomorrow. Experience your alma mater with a new perspective and learn why so many alumni parents choose GAC for their kids.

Sara (Collins) White '08 with daughter Anna '35 who is a student in Young Learners

START THEM EARLY IN

Young Learners IT’S A JOYFUL, ENERGIZING PLACE TO LEARN, GROW, AND PLAY. We welcome infants (six weeks) through age two. We offer school-year as well as year-round programs. Half-day and full-day options are available for two, three, four, and five-day programs. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia “learn through play approach,” our program encourages children to take an active role in learning.

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DID YOU KNOW? We boast our strongest nondenominational faculty base in school history (and over 79% have earned advanced degrees).

The Alumni Grant was recently established for alumni families so that a GAC education could be in greater financial reach than ever before.

Faith-in-action is incorporated in all aspects of student life, including spiritual retreats, mission trips, student-led worship, Biblical classes, service opportunities, faculty-student Bible studies, and more.

The outstanding Young Learners preschool program is discounted 25% for alumni families and welcomes children ages six weeks to two years old.

Our students are 100% college bound and demonstrate the highest level of academic achievement.

The diverse GAC student body reflects a commitment to creating an environment where students can learn to appreciate, celebrate, and engage with the world around them. GAC is a true representation of the greater Atlanta area as a whole, with students from varying economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. Our student body is 51% Caucasian, 25% African American, 11% Asian, 6% Multiracial, and 5% Latino/Hispanic.

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Alumni

GAC ALUMNI CHOSEN TO CAPTAIN U.S. NAVY FOOTBALL TEAM

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wo recent Greater Atlanta Christian School alumni were chosen to captain the U.S. Naval Academy football team for the 2019 season.

Captains are elected by a team vote, and for the first time ever, 4 co-captains were chosen. GAC graduates Paul Carothers '15 and Ford Higgins '16 are seniors at the Naval Academy and will lead the team side-by-side, just as they did while they were Spartans.

GAC Athletic Director and head football coach Tim Hardy said, “It is a tremendous honor to be named Captain of the Navy Football Team. The team is comprised of some of the most outstanding young men in the nation. I am not surprised that both Ford and Paul were chosen. These are two of the absolute finest young men to graduate from GAC. Though different individuals, they possess many of the same characteristics such as strength of character, mental toughness, and selfless dedication to others.

Both of them are elite competitors who confront any challenge with strength and total commitment.

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Their effort, attitude, and determination give courage and confidence to those around them.”

Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo said, “This year we waited to elect our team captains…We wanted to go through winter conditioning, our fourth quarter workouts and spring practice before our team voted to give everybody ample opportunity to select captains based on who earned the privilege. I couldn’t be more excited about the captains that our team selected.”

Coach Niumatalolo noted that Higgins earned two varsity letters and started all 13 games in 2018.

Higgins will anchor the line for the second year at the center position.

Carothers, a linebacker, has been a Navy special teams player, seeing action in nine games a year ago and making six tackles. He had an outstanding spring and made a strong push to be a starter in the fall, according to Niumatalolo.

For over 24 years, they've lived in the Florida Keys on Plantation Key in Islamorada, FL. She works for Florida Keys Dentist, Florida Keys Periodontologist, Florida Department of Health, and as a substitute teacher at Monroe County Schools. Jennifer also been teaching Sunday school to 4th-6th graders at Island Community Church for seven years.

TERESA CHERRY ('84) is an

Anesthesiologist at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

Jennifer (Roberson) Barrow

1973 VICKIE (POTTS) SCHLENDER ('73) has six children and just retired from homeschooling after 30 years. In her retirement, she is enjoying her nine grandchildren, interior decorating, and serving in her church and community.

SCOTT BURLESON ('84) is a

1984

solutions architect for SIGMA Actuarial Consulting Group that produces several tools for the risk management industry. He has coached a FIRST Lego League team for nine years.

JENNIFER (ROBERSON) BARROW

KELLY (SEWELL) STOVALL ('84)

('84) has been married to Jeff for over 32 years, and they have three daughters. The oldest was born with Cri-du-chat syndrome; the middle one is in nursing school at Florida Gulf Coast University; and the youngest is a High School Freshman.

enjoys being a Mimi to her grandson, Chandler (2). She is a member of the Benedictine House of Prayer at St. Patrick’s Anglican Church in Smyrna, TN. In her spare time, she is learning Hebrew online through the University of Jerusalem.

1979 VALERIE (SWEIGERT) MORRIS ('79) has worked at Peachtree Women’s Clinic for 37 years. She has four children and one granddaughter, who all live in various states. She is very involved in her church, participating in drama, choir, and leading worship on the praise team.

DEDE (YARBROUGH) DAVIS ('79) has

four grown kids, who are all very accomplished in higher education.

One graduated from UGA, one from the University of Florida, one is in Law School at UGA, and one is a junior at UGA.

Kelly (Sewell) Stovall

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Alumni

Amy (Peugeot) Bobo

1986 JULIE (AYERS) KAUFFMAN ('86) is

a curriculum writer and editor for Epic2Media, which is based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Julie uses her skills by combining technology with traditional teaching to make the Bible come to life in interesting and engaging ways for students through their devices.

SHELTON (ARNOLD) GREENE ('86)

lives in Brentwood, TN with her husband, Steve, and 3 children, Mercer, Cooper, and Cameron.

1988 KATHY (PHELPS) BRICKER (’88) and her husband, Leigh, live in North Wilkesboro, NC. Kathy has spent her

career as a pharmacist at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, and Leigh serves the state as a prosecutor.

After her mother's passing, Kathy's dad moved close by and she finally had to break down and buy her own motorcycle in order to keep up with him. On a rare free weekend, they like to spend time enjoying mountain life at their cabin in Ashe County, NC.

1989 AMY (PEUGEOT) BOBO ('89) is a full-

time mom to four. Her daughter is a junior at Vanderbilt University, and her son is a freshman at Lipscomb University. Her younger daughter is a freshman in High School and her youngest son is in the fifth grade.

They reside in Franklin, TN, where her husband is an Attorney for Allstate Insurance Company.

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In 2019, REID BURCH ('89) and his wife, Shelly, celebrated 25 years of marriage. They have two boys who are 18 and 20 years old, and they live in McDonough, GA. Shelly works for for Henry County Board of Education as a Personalized Learning Project Manager. Reid works for Philips as a Global Support Manager for their Cloud platform partnership with Amazon (AWS).

TERRY DAVIS ('89) got married

in November of 2016. He and his wife enjoy singing together and bringing joy wherever they go.

Terry is an insurance agent who frequently travels the southeast to speak at or lead worship services at various churches.

ALISON (BARNES) HIXSON ('89) is

celebrating 30 years of marriage

in 2019. After years of fostering and adopting children, she and her husband now have three grown children and a son-in-law. Their oldest is a special needs adult who goes to Creative Enterprises and lives at home. Alison uses her skills in caregiving and social work to help those in need at the Avondale Church of Christ in Decatur, GA.

1994 JT WARE (‘94) recently celebrated

5 years of marriage with his wife, Laura Arcuragi Ware, the 2nd birthday of his son Deacon, and soon will celebrate his daughter, Maisey’s 4th birthday. JT has been in law enforcement for 15 years and currently serves as a narcotics detective in North Fulton and Forsyth County.

Terry Davis

BRITTANY (SMITH) STEWART ('94) got married in 2010 to Christopher Stewart. They have two beautiful children, Maddox (7) and Julianne (4). They live in Flowery Branch.

BRIAN EVANS ('94) started a

new role as Project Manager at Southeast Engineering, Inc. in 2015. He and his wife have two girls, ages 6 and 7.

DAVID RICHARDSON ('94) retired from Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics after more than 20 years of practice to join an Atlantabased restoration and construction company that specializes in water, storm, and fire damage. In retirement, he enjoys cooking on his Big Green Egg for friends and family.

CELESTE AND SHANE JACKSON ('94) Alison (Barnes) Hixson

have been married for 21 years and have 3 kids, who are 14, 12, and 8.

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Alumni 1999 NATHAN BURTON ('99) was named Co-Defensive Coordinator, Safeties Coach for Georgia Tech Football in January, 2019. Nathan and his wife, Britney, have 4 sons: Charlie (9), Grady (7), Issac (5), and William (2), all who are students at GAC. STEPHANIE (GIESEMANN) VYVERBERG ('99) has been

married to Matt Vyverberg for 14 years, and they have two children, Luke (8) and Anna (6). She works part-time in the Emory Brain Health Center and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center as a nurse practitioner.

DR. BEN JOHNSON ('99) and his wife welcomed their third child on Christmas Eve, Rohan James, who joined big sisters Lorien (5) and Miriel (3). He finished his PhD in Politics and joined the law school faculty at Penn State over the summer. He is teaching Federal Courts, Law & Accounting, and Corporations.

AMANDA (COST) WALTON ('99) and

her husband moved to Cumming, GA, where she teaches 4th grade.

They attend Grace Chapel Church and have three children - Hannah, Hope, and Bryce - along with a dog named Max. JACK BREWSTER ('99) and his wife,

Kim, live in Atlanta, GA and have two kids, Jack (6), and Will (4).

JAMIE (MOORE) MONJ ('99) is a Strategic Account Executive at United Health Group and is married with two boys, ages 3 and 7.

BRADY GAILEY ('99) is married with two boys, ages 7 and 9. They live

Nathan Burton

in Sandy Springs, GA and attend Buckhead Church. He works in Buckhead in equity research for an investment bank (KBW) covering publicly traded banks in the southeast and southwest.

MELISSA (CARROLL) LIGHT ('99) recently moved to Cumming, GA from the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta and has started a new job in private practice at Ray of Hope Counseling.

SUSAN GIBSON ('99) earned

several degrees after GAC: a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and a J.D. She is married with three boys and works as a divorce lawyer in suburban Philadelphia.

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SCOTT DUKE ('99) attended

Lipscomb before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he studied business finance and graduated in 2003.

He worked for a time in business and later joined the Gwinnett County Police Department, where he served as an officer and, later, a detective. He left the department to attend graduate school in international affairs with the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega.

Since that time, he's worked in a few areas in special events and customer service and has had the opportunity to travel, be involved with several music ministries, and other areas of interest in metro Atlanta.

MERIDETH (SCHLEICHER) POOL ('99)

is a part-time civil engineer and full-time mom and wife. Her oldest child graduated from High School in May and headed to college in the fall of 2019. Her youngest child turns 3 this year. They live in Augusta, GA and like to travel to National Parks out west.

LYLE COLLINSON ('99) has been happily married to Hannah for 13 years, and they have two young daughters, Lynden and Lily. He has owned and operated Southern Trillium for 15 years. They are actively involved in their church and local organizations. They have lived in the Smoke Rise community for 12 years.

CHRIS WILLIAMS ('99) earned

his MBA from UGA in 2015, got married and bought a home a few years later, and welcomed a baby girl in June 2019.

VICTORIA (RYAN) ADAMS ('99) has

a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She is a professional environmental scientist who writes the surface water quality standards for the state of Georgia. She has been happily married to Brian Adams since July 2009. They have two daughters, Evelynne (18) and Natalie (6) and three rescue dogs.

MELODY (CHAFFIN) COEHOORN

('99) earned a B.S. in Psychology in April 2019.

Stephanie (Giesemann) Vyverberg

ALISON (STROUD) BAINE ('99) and her daughter, Olive (7), have lived in Buckhead, GA. Alison is the owner of Alison Baine Design, an interior design firm focusing on residential, hospitality, and commercial design.

Alison's family got a little bit bigger after marrying Brian Mosley in August 2019.

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Alumni

Taran and Jessie (Ellis) Howell

2003 TARAN and JESSIE (ELLIS) HOWELL ('03) officially adopted Myra Elaine Howell on June 28, 2019.

Big brothers Ellis, Everett, Zeke, and sister Zula are thrilled. Taran and Jessie have fostered over 100 children and this sweet baby girl they have had since she left the hospital. They plan to continue to foster and help families reunite when possible.

2004

Chris Moore

ABIGAIL RUSSELL ('04) started a new position in 2019 with Atlanta Sport and Social Club as the Corporate Events Director.

LAUREN (KELLY) HATCH ('04) is a TED MARCUS ('04) and his wife

welcomed their first child, Kimberlynn, in October 2018. They continue to work in Safford, AZ at Haven of Safford.

KAYLA (TAUSCHE) IZANT ('04)

and her husband welcomed a daughter, Catherine Clancy Izant, in September 2018. They live in Washington, DC, where Kayla is a journalist for CNBC and covers the White House.

CHRIS MOORE ('04) and his family

welcomed their second son, Carter Moore, into this world on March 5, 2019. He was born in Nashville, TN and, a few months later, they moved back to their home in Athens, Greece to continue the mission of making disciples of all nations. They are now entering their seventh year of ministry in Greece.

Program Manager, supporting new product development in their Manufacturing Design division.

MANDI (MENG) ('04) married

Scott Kotchko in 2015. They love living in NYC, where Mandi is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at What Goes Around Comes Around. They have a rescue dog named Boogie.

AUBREY RAINER ('04) joined Apple in 2017 as Operations

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professional wedding and portrait photographer in the Atlanta area, where she has run her business since 2006. This year marks the fifth year that Lauren has won the Knot's Best of Weddings award for the year. She lives in Buford with her husband, Aubrey, and their daughter, Elsie. They celebrated 10 years of marriage in 2018.

CLAIRE (CAVENESS) CHALK ('04)

moved to the DC suburbs for a teaching position several years ago, where she met her husband.

They now have three kids and recently spent three years living in Thailand.

BRANDT VETTE ('04) got married in

2012 and has 2 boys, Max (3) and Hank (5 months). They currently reside in Sharpsburg, GA and have two dogs, Daisy and Gus.

ASHLIE (HILL) LAIRSEY graduated

college in 2008 and got married in 2013. She had her first baby, Parker Grace, in 2014 and then her second, Easton, was born a year later. Baby #3 is expected in February of 2020.

After GAC, AMANDA (DEMERCY) KOSSICK ('04) went to school in Michigan at Andrews University, where she met her husband.

They got married 10 years ago in Roswell, GA, and she started dental school at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta the same year. She graduated in 2013 and started working with her dad as a dentist in their practice in Roswell. She had her first child in 2015, Adelaide, and they moved to Alpharetta a year later. They had their second child, Theo, in 2018. Their family enjoys country life on seven acres with a great dane named Willow.

Britt and Brandi (Boyd) Bartley

In 2018, BRITT and BRANDI (BOYD) BARTLEY ('04) moved to Columbia, TN, making this their 13th address in 13 years of marriage. Britt is the COO of Guardian Financial in Franklin, TN. Brandi homeschools their five children: Logan (6), Ava (5), Evelyn (3), Emily (2), and Luke (5 months).

2005 SCOTT ('05) and CASEY SMITH recently relocated their family from Nashville to Chattanooga, TN where Scott is opening an office for his firm, Pfeffer Torode Architecture. They are settling into their new home on Signal Mountain, with daughters Waverly (5), Margot (3), and son Thom (1).

Scott Smith

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Alumni 2006

2007

REBEKAH OSTEEN ('06) is currently pursuring a Masters of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership at Lipscomb University with certificates in Performance Coaching and Strategic Leadership.

SARAH (BROWN) INGLE ('07) and her husband, Aaron, celebrated the birth of their daughter, May Charlotte Ingle, on March 21, 2019.

COURTNEY (TARPLEY) DAVIS ('06)

married Jeremy Davis on June 8, 2019, and they now reside in Sandy Springs, GA. Jeremy works as an accountant for Alpharetta Service Center, and Courtney teaches third grade at Eastside Christian School.

BROOKE (PUGLISE) WASHBURN

('07) graduated from Georgia State University John Marshall Law School and is building her law practice. She got married to James Houston Washburn in January 2017, and they are currently both attorneys in Atlanta. They were blessed with their first child, Pierce Butler Washburn, in April 2018.

Courtney (Tarpley) Davis

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STEPHANIE (BROWN) HOWANIEC

('07) lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and recently moved to a new law firm, Erickson Immigration Group.

CHRISTY COUCH ('07) lives in

Charleston, SC with her lab mix and is currently a first year PhD student in MUSC's Neuroscience program.

ASHLEY AGIN ('07) moved back to

Atlanta from South Florida and started a new career at RentPath.

KELLIE (NICHOLS) BECK ('07) and her husband have three babies, Palmer (3), Harrison (1), and Gunner, who was born in May, 2019

Sarah (Brown) Ingle

Brooke (Puglise) Washburn

MORGAN (MASSEY) FORD married Sean Ford four years ago. They have a son named Jack (1) and a golden retriever named Murphy (3).

LAUREN (MOORE) EVANS ('07)

and her husband have a daughter named Agnes (3). In the summer of 2019, they relocated from Iowa City, IA to Birmingham, AL for her job as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art at Samford University.

MADISON (ASEF) MOTE ('07) is

a Pediatric Oncology Nurse who lives near Naples, FL with her husband, Phillip, who is a Pediatrician. They welcomed a baby boy, Joshua Thomas Mote, on September 9, 2019.

ARLETA (COBB) BRODELLI ('07) moved to DC in 2011, and earned her Masters degree from American

Justin Schneider

University in US Foreign Policy in 2013. Two years later, she got married and then started a job as a project manager at Capital One in 2017. She now happily lives in Arlington, VA with her husband, Rob, and standard schnauzer, Riker.

KINSEY (DAVIS) STANLEY ('07) completed her degree to become a Certified Nurse Midwife before she had her oldest son, Owen (3).

She currently lives in Denver, CO where her husband is finishing his glaucoma fellowship training.

They welcomed their daughter, Keightley, into the world on October 27, 2018. They moved to Marietta for her husband’s job in July, 2019.

STEPHANIE (HOLSONBACK) LINDSEY

('07) got married in November

2018 and had her first baby in March 2019.

MEREDITH (MCDERMOTT) BLINDER ('07) is a Realtor

with RE/MAX Around Atlanta and has been married to Alan Blinder (‘08) for 7 years. Alan covers college sports for The New York Times. They are expecting a baby boy in the fall of 2019.

In 2019, JUSTIN SCHNEIDER ('07) and wife, Hope, celebrated the birth of their third child, Isla Rose Schneider, who joins sister, Stella Blue and brother, Mackey Jude. This year marks the the fifth year of growth for Justin's company, Wolf and Shepherd, which designs comfortable dress shoes for high-performing professionals.

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Alumni 2008

Jordan (Overman) Allen

SARA ('08) and her husband, Dustin, have a daughter, Anna, who is in K2 at GAC. Last October, Sara left Deloitte Consulting after almost seven years and now works with IHG in growth strategy. She enjoys being on campus again as a parent and as a member of the Alumni Board.

JORDAN (OVERMAN) ALLEN ('08)

is teaching sixth grade STEM at a school near Sulphur, LA. She and her husband welcomed their first child, Anna Beth, in November 2018.

Tyler and HEIDI (TABOR) SAMUEL ('08) were overjoyed to welcome their second daughter, Alice Robin Samuel, to their family on October 10, 2018. Alice joins her big sister, Kenna, and is the granddaughter of TOM TABOR ('78) and ROBIN (COMBEE) TABOR ('79).

McCray and Lauren (Lindsley) West

2009 MCCRAY and LAUREN (LINDSLEY) WEST ('09) welcomed their

daughter, Holland Ruth, in January 2019. After moving back to Georgia from Virginia, Lauren started as an Admissions Officer at GAC in July 2019. Holland is attending the Young Learners program at GAC. KATIE (PIERSON) ('09) married

David Hathaway in 2013, and they have lived in Boston for the past three years. After Katie finished grad school, they moved to Atlanta, where David works for Georgia Tech and Katie works as a Behavior Analyst with Forsyth County

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Heidi (Tabor) Samuel

Schools. They welcomed a baby boy, William David Hathaway, on August 9 and they have a dog named Huck.

HANNAH (WOOD) JENSEN ('09) and her husband, Josh, have two boys, Asher (3) and Ezra (1). In May 2019, they moved from Alexandria, VA to the Atlanta area.

MEREDITH (BAKER) FERGUSON ('09) recently finished her first year as an art teacher at GAC. She got married on June 8, 2019 to Lee Ferguson. They are currently living in Marietta, GA. MORGAN HALL ('09) serves as the Brand & Design Manager with Atlanta Track Club. In addition, she helped start a design

Katie (Pierson)

company called The Suite Hive Collective, which focuses on wedding stationery suites, custom designs, and branding.

NATHANIEL EINFELDT ('09) is a Captain in the US Army and got married in 2016. He and his wife have relocated three times in their marriage so far, from Hawaii, North Carolina, to Destin, FL.

After graduating from Samford University with a journalism degree, SARAH WALLER ('09) decided to settle in Birmingham, AL. With a love for writing, her career started in book publishing, then changed to fundraising writing, and has now morphed into marketing for higher

Hannah (Wood) Jensen

education. When she isn't traveling or horseback riding, she is working on her M.B.A. KYLE KINSER ('09) and his wife

live in Nashville, TN, where he has been working as an Account Manager for Dell for five years.

In 2016, CARLY CHASON ('09) was able to accomplish her dream of moving to Colorado. After graduate school, she was offered a job as a Weight Management Dietician at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. Along with their family dog, Bentley, and her horse, Carly is loving life out west.

IAN GRAHAM ('09) and his wife,

Gabby, and two dogs recently relocated from San Diego, CA to Asheville, NC, where Ian works in Human Resources for GE Aviation.

KATIE (SYKES) MARTIN ('09)

married Logan Martin in March 2019, and they are both currently in medical school at the University of Cincinnati. Katie's research at Emory was recently published with Practial Radiation Oncology and dealt with treating lung cancer using proton therapy and VMAT.

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Alumni Since her graduation from Georgia Tech in 2013, RACHEL (CALHOUN) LEWIS ('09) has been working as an Industrial Design engineer in the casino gaming industry. In May of 2017, she got married, and they moved moved to Dunwoody, GA a year later.

KELSEY GAINEY ('09) graduated from New York University in May 2019 with her Master's degree in School Counseling. In 2013, she earned her Family and Consumer Sciences degree from Lipscomb University. She has recently started a photography business.

ZACH JOHNSON ('09) is a Finance

Manager at Dunning Toyota in Michigan, where he moved to three years ago after selling his business in Atlanta. He and his girlfriend have a dog named Zoey, and a blue-tongued skink, Mogley.

JORDAN (HARVEY) WINN ('09) and

her husband, Connor, live in Roswell, GA. They have a toy poodle named Calvin, who rules the roost. Jordan works in Buckhead as a Realtor with Dorsey Alston Realtors, and Connor works in private equity.

CORBIN (AIKEN) ARMSTRONG ('09)

graduated from UGA in 2013 and then worked for The International Justice Mission in Uganda for a year.

In 2017, she graduated law school and got married. She currently lives in Midtown with her husband, Robert, and orange tabby, Ollie. She practices land use and zoning law with Morris, Manning and Martin.

EMILY PENINGER ('09) graduated

from medical school in 2017 and is currently completing her internal medicine residency at University of Illinois Hospital.

DR. BRIAN SULLIVAN ('09) graduated from Medical College of Georgia and started his orthopaedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD, in 2018. As a celebration trip after graduating from medical school, he drove the entire Ring Road in Iceland in less than a week.

OLIVIA (ARTUSA) DEKATCH ('09) married Josh in November of 2016.

They are expecting a baby girl and have two golden retrievers, Walt and Ralphie.

MELISSA KING ('09) earned her Bachelors of Science at Georgia Tech before getting her Masters of Education at Georgia State. She has worked as a middle school teacher for four years, teaching both Math and Science to 7th and 8th graders.

She spends her well-earned summers well, traveling and learning. In 2017, she spent 33 days on a solo 9,277 mile trip around the US. KEVIN HEARD ('09) is soon to be married and works as a dermatologist in Tampa, FL.

After graduating from Mercer Law, getting married, and passing the Georgia Bar exam, ELLEN (BEGLEY) WEAVER ('09) and her husband moved to Richmond so that she could transition a startup into an acquisition. Later, Ellen joined a synchronized swimming team and got recruited by another start-up.

They love living in Richmond, VA, with their 2 dogs.

In 2013, HANNAH (RUSSELL) JOHNSON ('09) graduated from Valdosta State University. She later married Zach Johnson (not the same alumnus from the class of 2009) in November 2017.

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Hope (Wooster) Russell Madeline (Barker) Lubin

TAYLOR METZGER ('09) and his

wife, Laura, welcomed their first child, Madeline Grace Metzger, on December 30, 2018.

2010 MADELINE (BARKER) LUBIN (‘10) married Stephen Lubin in a beachside ceremony on June 15, 2019 at the historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, GA. Madeline and Stephen are both UGA graduates and currently live in Buckhead.

JUSTIN ('10) and BROOKE (TABOR) WHITE ('10) welcomed their first

Taylor Metzger Justin and Brooke (Tabor) White

After UGA, KELSEY GUERRESO ('09) went to Mercer for medical school. After graduation, she moved to Nashville, TN, for her radiology residency at Vanderbilt.

HOPE (WOOSTER) RUSSELL ('09) married John Russell in December of 2017. She earned her Masters of Education from Piedmont College recently and is a teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

baby boy, Fletcher Justin White, into their family on May 25, 2019.

Fletcher is the grandson of TOM TABOR (‘78) and ROBIN (COMBEE) TABOR (‘79). Justin is serving as a Captain in the Marine Corps, and they are stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC.

2011 TARYN WINSTON ('11) graduated

from the University of Georgia with honors in 2015 with a degree in Political Science and Journalism.

In 2018, Taryn graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law

Taryn Winston

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 27

Alumni

Caroline Reed

and is currently serving a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Steve C. Jones, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

Mary (Johnson) and Jonathan Pickens

2012 CAROLINE REED ('12) graduated

from Southern Methodist University School of Law in May 2019 and took the Texas Bar Exam over the summer.

She is excited to be starting a career with the Department of Homeland Security in the fall of 2019.

2014 MARY (JOHNSON) ('14) and JONATHAN PICKENS ('14), were

married on June 30, 2018. Mary graduated from Georgia Tech in 2019, and Jonathan graduated from UGA in 2018. Mary is working in Research and Development at Novelis, and Jonathan is on staff at Passion City Church while attending Seminary.

They currently live in Vinings.

RAYSHAWN BRAY ('14) graduated

with a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University with the class of 2018. He was then accepted and enrolled into Syracuse University Master's Degree in Data Science program.

HANNAH COLEHOWER ('14) graduated from Samford University and works as a Registered Behavior Technician at Milestones Behavior Group. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and is getting married May 23, 2020.

In 2018, JAKE SHUMARD ('14) earned his bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business Operations from the

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University of Georgia, where he was involved in the Georgia Association of College Republicans and the UGA College Republicans. Jake is currently pursuing his J.D. at Faulkner University Law School in Montgomery, AL, and serves as a Law Clerk for the Supreme Court of Alabama. He recently served as the Executive Counsel's Intern for the Honorable Brian P. Kemp.

LISEE PULLARA ('14) recently graduated with a degree in Marketing from UGA, where she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. She now works at Moxie, an agency in Midtown, working with clients like Nintendo and Pizza Hut.

AUSTIN HENRY ('14) is currently

studying psychology at Kennesaw State University. Outside of his studies, he has been playing intramural soccer and producing music.

NIAH HUMPHREY ('14) is currently living in Albany, Ga, and works as a morning News Producer for WALB News10.

TIFFANY CHU ('14) graduated from Georgia Tech with a technology management degree and now works in the financial technology industry.

2015 RYAN ARONA and JANE LAMAY,

('15) both from the class of 2015, were married on August 10, 2019. After graduation, Jane went to the University of Utah to study ballet, and Ryan went to University of Alabama to study business. They were married at the McEver Chapel in Gainesville, GA where they constructed a wooden cross for their alter. They donated the cross to the chapel for future couples.

Niah Humphrey

HANNAH RUNKEL ('15) recently

graduated from Lipscomb University and got a job as the Director of Marketing and Sales at Newly, Inc., which sells home goods made of 100% recycled materials.

Tiffany Chu

Parker Stevens

PARKER STEVENS ('15) has been named a two-time National Lacrosse Champion at Salisbury University in MD.

2016 ANJALI REDDY ('16) is currently

Anjali Reddy

studying psychology at Berry College, where she is on the Forensics Team. In the summer of 2019, she had the opportunity to spend a month in Paris studying literature and French.

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Annual Report 1 3 0 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

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Annual Report

ENDURING INFLUENCE: BILL AND BETTY LONG

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FIFTY-TWO YEARS: That’s how long Greater Atlanta Christian has been transforming children into young men and women of leadership and character. While there have been many friends and families from the beginning as well as recent years who’ve blessed the school, few have been more vested throughout the five-plus decades than the Bill Long family — for four generations including children, grandchildren...and great-grandchildren.

Bill was the younger brother of first President Jesse Long. From the birth of GAC and still today, Bill and his gracious wife Betty support GAC, with vision, heart, gifts, and encouragement.

Recently, in honor of the legacy of both Bill and Betty, their family honored them with the establishment of the Bill and Betty Long Scholarship Fund, providing financial aid for GAC Alumni who wish for their own children to attend Greater Atlanta Christian School. Family members offered two main reasons for setting up the scholarship fund. “First of all, we want to honor GAC. The education and experiences from our time at GAC have been lifechanging for all generations of the Bill Long Family, and continue to influence all of us, even today. Another reason is to honor our dad and Betty for the loving examples they are to us and for the many contributions our dad has made over five decades to this school. Dad and Betty are deserving of honor and we feel grateful to show appreciation to them in this small way.”

Bill’s connection to GAC precedes even the school’s opening. He participated in the planning that birthed what would be far more than “just another Christian school”. In the early 60s, Bill was an Atlanta minister.

Then he left Atlanta for a few years, both to minister and serve as president of another Christian school that had been in existence since the early 1900s.

That time of firsthand leadership elsewhere expanded Bill’s outlook on how GAC could thrive for the future. Returning in 1971 to minister in what is today North Atlanta Church of Christ, he preached and ministered until he retired. Yet Bill says — what really drew him back to Atlanta was GAC. Bill’s family always stayed involved. He gave the first baccalaureate speech for a GAC graduating class. Bill served as Campaign volunteer and chairman on multiple fundraising campaigns. He made scores of speeches and personal appeals for support to help GAC reach its best.

Bill volunteered as dad throughout his two boys’ school years. In 1977, he was named to the GACS Board of Trustees, and still serves today, often offering just the right faith-filled clarity that the Board and President need. In later years, he advised GAC’s second president, Dr. David Fincher, who welcomed Bill’s wisdom and clear vision in shaping the school’s future. David commented that Betty has been such a supporter and encouragement to him in every way he could imagine. Bill and Betty have had four grandchildren graduate from GAC, and last year a great-grandchild became a student in GAC's Young Learners.

YOU, TOO, CAN MOVE STUDENTS FORWARD WITH A GIFT NOW OR A GIFT IN YOUR WILL TO GAC. YOU MAY ALSO DONATE A GIFT TO THE BILL AND BETTY LONG FUND, OR CONSIDER AN ENDOWED GIFT NAMED FOR YOUR FAMILY OR A LOVED ONE. To learn more, please contact Katherine White (kwhite@greateratlantachristian. org) or Dr. David Fincher (dfincher@ greateratlantachristian.org).

Thanks to the Bill and Betty Long Scholarship Fund, the family’s care and influence will be felt for decades to come. The new fund will provide a scholarship every year in perpetuity to a deserving student who could not otherwise be at GAC.

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Annual Report

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM?

By Dr. David Fincher, GAC Chancellor

FOR A MOMENT, WALK BACK IN TIME WITH ME FIFTY YEARS. When I was still a teen, I first walked on the campus of GAC in the school’s second year. As you can guess, the newborn Greater Atlanta Christian I saw then was much different. There were few facilities, fewer resources, and challenges aplenty. Yet even then, the dreamers of that time worked for what could be. I was blessed to personally know those early GAC pioneers, who prayed and planned for a GAC that some critiqued as a pipedream. Yet those dreamers knew God was in charge, and believed He would use their groundwork to make a lasting difference for tens of thousands in the future.

Some of the strength we experience in GAC today is because people planned their legacies to build a bright and faithful future. In their estates and wills, large and small, they made a place for GAC and Christian education. You can see their handiwork in scholarships they endowed; in facilities and programs that wouldn’t be here without their gift in a will; with support for teachers; in faith-changing experiences for students every year.

The results of their work surrounds us.

Today’s GAC impacts literally thousands of lives. It’s incredibly rare for a school to embody strength in academics, innovative energy, and still remain deeply faith-filled. Yet GAC has become a visited site for school leaders from across the nation, a model of just how to do that.

And now, we too get to dream. Much like those 20th century GAC pioneers, when we make our plans about the

legacies we value, we get to share in transforming thousands yet unborn, as well as a nation and world that need extraordinary thinking, ethical leaders in every endeavor and field. Metro Atlanta’s future children, families, and the Kingdom of God look to us now. Will they speak of how we planned for them?

Here’s my request: Join Beth and me, and scores of others in planning our legacies ahead. Periodically, through the GACS Today Magazine and online publications, we’ll share information and ideas about both the impact you can have, and pathways where you might sustain and make GAC even stronger for the future. It’s always wise for those of us who don’t have a will or estate plan to create one. And experts suggest that those of us with plans probably need to update them every seven years or so.

So would you be weighing the question: Can I make a place for GAC’s future in my plans? And if we can help you with exploring possibilities and dreams that you value, we have access to experts who will be glad to help.

I’m grateful for those early planners, God’s servants who blessed us. Now, it’s our turn. Let’s plan for a better GAC tomorrow.

If GAC is already in your will or estate planning, or you would like more information, please contact Dr. David Fincher at dfincher@ greateratlantachristian.org.

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DID YOU KNOW? You can support financial aid and other programs through a planned legacy gift. Hugh and Eleanor Burns, having seen the impact of GAC in their granddaughter's life, wanted to make the same experience possible for others. They left a portion of their estate to GAC, and through that gift, financial assistance was provided for students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to attend GAC.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 60% of adults do not have a will or estate plans in place. We can help!

DID YOU KNOW? Liles Media Center was made possible through a planned legacy gift by Zenobia Tye Liles, a remarkable Christian who spent her life as an educator.

She came to know and love the mission of GAC even though she never had any children attend. Her gift has blessed generations of GAC students.

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Annual Report

ANNUAL FUND DONORS Thank you to the following parents who made a gift or pledge during the 2019-2020 Annual Fund Parent Campaign.

YOUNG LEARNERS (96%) Asfaw and Lily Ambaye Cory and Rubia Anderson Anonymous (15) Josh and Jay Arnold Matthew and April Beasley Dominic and Kelli Brooks Nathan and Britney Burton Nelson and Flavia Canache Kyle and Rachel Chandler Billy and Joanne Cole Sandeep and Priscilla Das

Matt and Abbie Doran Joe and Stephanie Edlhuber Raphael and Joi Fairell Jeffery and Kristen Felton Sean and Crystal Foote Chris and Stephanie Frick Matthew and Connie Garlick Jonathan and Clarissa Giles Blake and Kaleigh Hartley Rishad and Shanila Hooda Mike and Melody Hopper Taras and Elizabeth Howell Michael and Kayla Hughes

1 3 6 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Scott and Kristy Hutchinson Eric and Sandy Johnson Warren Johnson and Morgan Savoy Aaron and Welsley Jongko Andy and Alice Kim Kelly Kinser Hyder and Zehra Lalani Kory Lee and Ju Ha Mario and Lauren Lozano Tyler and Rachel McComas Henry and Layla Le Nguyen Hien Nguyen

Tracy Nguyen Peter Ok and Esther Lee Salim Osabiya and Safeena Virani Samuel and Angela Ostorga Caleb and Addi Panter Sergio and Justina Pengel Chuck and Deborah Pinson David Posada and Luisa Jaramillo Michael and Cynthia Ricks David and Savannah Roberts Michael and Kasey Saari Joseph and Corban Sandoe Jay and Cameron Sexton Mike and Mary Beth Sierra Sean and Reva Sue Lukas Tran-Le and Hau Yee Chan Joel and Rachel VanderPol Raleigh and Brooke Wade McCray and Lauren West Dustin and Sara White Robbie and Kristen Wilson Derek and Megan Wilson Moon and Linda Won

K4 (100%) Asfaw and Lily Ambaye Cory and Rubia Anderson Will and Blessing Aneke Josh and Jay Arnold Matthew and April Beasley Tim and Julianne Birt Nathan and Britney Burton Lorenzo Carrion Bistolfi and Daniela Almaraz Claudio Castaneda and Liliana Ramirez Brian and Leslie Davidson Joe and Stephanie Edlhuber Eric and Mariah Harris Harvey and Allison Hillyer Mike and Melody Hopper Taras and Elizabeth Howell TJ and TK Johnson Eric and Sandy Johnson Troy Kapral and Rena Kelley Kurt and Kara Koons Andy Le and Miranda Thuy

Amanda Malayter Gerald and Laureen McFadden Ryan and Lauren McSwain Tom Meeker Mike and Sarah Park Sergio and Justina Pengel Stephen and Shellie Phillips John and Amy Shaw Mike and Mary Beth Sierra Josh and Ashley Thomason Brandon and Rebecca Williams Jimmy and Tricia Wilson Benji and Stacie Wood

K5 (100%) Ray and Mihyun Ahn Anonymous (10) Terry and Sholanda Armstrong Brandon and Lindsey Barron Jeremy and Ashlee Beauchamp Lanny and Meg Blackwood Chip and Kelly Carter Kyle and Rachel Chandler Kevin and Michelle Cook Michael and Kristin Cooper Craig and Pam Cormack Eric and Manise Davis Nick and Ashley Davis Serge and Kiesha Doh David and Brandi Eaton Kevin and Deannah Fiebelkorn Jose Garcia and Johanna Moreno Matthew and Connie Garlick Michael and Oksana Gomas Mark and Sophia Herrington Scott and Kristy Hutchinson DJ and Cassandra Jeyaram Alhafiz Jivan and Mehreen Hemani Chase and Helen Johnson Adam and Shelley Lloyd Lee and Robin May Ryan and Lauren McSwain Tom Meeker Eric and Courtney Middleton

Victor Orellana and Karen Reinoso Caleb and Addi Panter Joel and Courtney Ransom John and Jennifer Remsburg John and Amy Shaw Alex Shon and Sae Saem Kim Dustin and Ashley Skidmore Josh and Ashley Thomason Thomas and Shelly Vorpahl Corey and Tasha Warmington Christopher and Whitney Wenner Adam and Jessica Williams Rinnel Williams and Ashley Wells Benji and Stacie Wood Natalie Yeung

PRE FIRST (100%)

Anonymous (2) Terry and Sholanda Armstrong Craig and Pam Cormack Nick and Ashley Davis Mark and Sophia Herrington Ryan and Lauren McSwain John and Jennifer Remsburg Dustin and Ashley Skidmore Benji and Stacie Wood

1ST GRADE (100%)

Anonymous (7) Alex and Maria Arrue Steve Barresi Latrella Bell Charles and Leah Berry Tim and Julianne Birt Nathan and Britney Burton Matthew and Katherine Carr Frank and Christine Clark Craig and Pam Cormack Luciana Crenshaw Brian and Leslie Davidson Eric and Manise Davis Anna Duval John and Leah Dye Lawrence and Aimee Ertley Raphael and Joi Fairell Ian and Jennifer Feagin

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Annual Report Tammy Ho Andy and Alice Kim Tae Kim and Heesun Jun Jason and Andrea Krause Moiez and Anila Lokhandwala Bryan and Lindsay Mason Patrick McCorkle Moises and Natalia Medina David and Tiffany Nash Tolu and Deslyn Olunuga Erol and Sandra Onal Jitesh and Shital Patel Robert Porter and Eliana Gonzalez David Posada and Luisa Jaramillo George and Natalia Rafeedie Timothy and Sharla Richardson Rochelle Richardson Jeremiah and Missy Romack Wendi Sheppard Mark and Anne Simmons Keith and Dee Sisson Dominic and Dion Stokes Nikita Thomas Neil and Lauren Walls Anique Whitmore Carla Willis Robbie and Kristen Wilson Daniel and Megan Wyatt Tae and Miju Yu

2ND GRADE (98%)

John Akerele and Sheri Smith Anonymous (8) Josh and Leigh Arwood Maurice and Hope Barton Terry and Alison Beasley Matthew and April Beasley Ken and Kim Blackshear KJ Bonner Tony and Angie Campagna Sam and Sunny Chung Michael and Kristin Cooper Josh and Jennifer Crisp Thomas and Elizabeth Duttera Ubong Ekpo and Edidiong Ikpe-Ekpo Bob and Susan Greene

Tromell and Tshai Henry Brandon Hewatt Jo and Justin Houston Jeff and Mary Lynn Huett Travis and Stephanie Jennings Barrett and Kay Johnson Corey and Kathleen Korpita Hyder and Zehra Lalani Colin and Tammy Leitch Adam and Shelley Lloyd Jay and Jill Lowe Carlos and Fatisha Martinez Ryan and Lauren McSwain Mike and Sala Miller Asif and Tabu Noorani Tolu and Deslyn Olunuga Ashish and Binal Patel Dania Peguero Rodney and Erica Pierre Eric and Tavala Poole

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Wes and Erica Rhodes Bruce Shelton Tyler and Kelli Stephenson Amin and Karishma Surani Thomas and Shelly Vorpahl Derek and Dee Wade Michael and Kathy Washington Brandon and Rebecca Williams Matt and Danelle Wilson

3RD GRADE (100%)

Doug and Christina Able Sam and Sophia Adams Anonymous (7) Brandon and Lindsey Barron Charles and Leah Berry Damon and Chrishonda Burgess

Leo and Vera Sullivan Julius Green and Taryn Taylor DJ and Meski Tesfaye Anna Trofimova Michael and Rosa Vestal Derek and Dee Wade John and Jodi Webb James Wildenburg Revi and Amy Williams Jon and Michelle Williamson Robbie and Kristen Wilson Jimmy and Tricia Wilson Emery and Jenise Yawn Tae and Miju Yu

4TH GRADE (100%)

Nathan and Britney Burton Paul and Ashley Cable Vincent and Felicia Campbell Claudio Castaneda and Liliana Ramirez Dennis Chan and Alice Lin Brad and Michelle Cooper Kris and Sariah Daniels Laura Delgado John and Leah Dye Bob and Bonnie Espy Kevin and Deannah Fiebelkorn Matt and Jessica Fincher Ken and Amorette Halley Nelson Harris and Elizabeth Gitata Dustin and Rae Hewatt Harvey and Allison Hillyer Jocelyn Johnson Warren Johnson and Morgan Savoy

Donald Maddox and LaToya Parker Ben and Christie Maloch Whit and Barbara Marschalk David and Suzanne Miller Faiyaz and Shirin Mitha Eric and Kara Musser David and Tiffany Nash Ola and Modele Ogunniyi Jitesh and Shital Patel Donald and Susie Phillips George and Natalia Rafeedie Gary and Mandy Richey Gabriel and Kortney Shababy Marcus and Melanie Sims Dustin and Ashley Skidmore Izzy and Bee Sparks Matt and Jenny Stinchcomb Rich Successful and Gisela Pearson

Derly Alvarez Anonymous (7) Terry and Sholanda Armstrong Dwight and Nichole Austion Terry and Alison Beasley Jeremy and Ashlee Beauchamp Barry and Brandy Blount Damon and Chrishonda Burgess Paul and Ashley Cable Thomas and Katie Chae Vikram Chaudhary and Gaganjot Sambi Sam and Sunny Chung Eder and Manuela Cifuentes Josh and Jennifer Crisp Jarrod and Melissa Crisp Jad and Sonja Daye Brad and Jami Denton TJ and Christy Dixon Alain Dominguez Thomas and Elizabeth Duttera Chris Fowler Myron and Pam Freeman Erica Gallon Mark and Lauren Gary Bradford and Deshondra Green Ravinder Grewal and Sona Sambi Nate and Sara Harrell

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Annual Report Georgia Rae Hart Orpheus and Sony Heyward William and Vien Ho Paul and Nancy Holland Kurt and Kara Koons Ben and Christie Maloch Dave and Suzy Marconi Moises and Natalia Medina Eric and Courtney Middleton David and Suzanne Miller Nakia Miller Eric and Kara Musser David and Tiffany Nash Seng and Amy Ng James and Stephanie Niles John and Lola Oguntomilade Aaron and Rose Owens John and Ivy Oxendine

Matt and Heather Paden Rob and Stephanie Payne Laura Pfister Stephen and Shellie Phillips Amy Pittman Shanon and Emma Pitts Eric and Tavala Poole Karim and Salima Sangani Marc and Pam Scheipe Wes and Vanessa Shoop Wendell and Yolanda Spiva Nev and Veronica Street Quang and Tho Tran Jimmy and Sonal Valiani Neil and Lauren Walls Kimberly Wilson Wells and Shelley Woodward Sang Yi and Nancy Kil

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5TH GRADE (100%) Sam and Penny Aguirre Anonymous (12) Josh and Leigh Arwood Landon and Leah Bates Matthew and April Beasley Charles and JoAnna Beasley Marvell and Kristi Butts Terry Carothers Matthew and Katherine Carr Dennis Chan and Alice Lin Philip and Kim Civins Marcus Cong and Angela Feng Kevin and Michelle Cook Brad and Michelle Cooper Michael and Kristin Cooper

Jarrod and Melissa Crisp Charles and Andrea DeCook TJ and Christy Dixon Marcus and Crystal Downs Lawrence and Aimee Ertley Aziz and Inara Farishta Shea and Heather Futral Matthew and Connie Garlick Allen and Rebekah Gilliard Michael and Tiffany Glover James Gray Ken and Amorette Halley Scott and Teresa Harsh Jack and Heather Hawkins Patrice Hill Harvey and Allison Hillyer William and Vien Ho Cedric and Doris Johnson Thad and Emily Joiner Brent Lamb and Kat Kerwin-Lamb Howard and Esther Kim Corey and Kathleen Korpita E’Lisa Ladson Sean and Rachel Lynch Mike and Kristen MacKenzie Taylor and Claudia Malcolm Carlos and Fatisha Martinez Jonathan and Kip Matas Lee and Robin May Ryan and Lauren McSwain Cory and Lavetra Milton Chau and Melissa Nguyen Chima and Ugochi Ohuabunwo Arturo and LaVonne Ortega Brad and Heather Paul Todd and Simone Phillips Paul Pi and Sunny Lee Rodney and Erica Pierre Rob and Julie Plowden John and Jennifer Remsburg David and Elizabeth Ridenour Jeremiah and Missy Romack Gabriel and Kortney Shababy Asfaw Asfaw and Engda Shibshi Wes and Vanessa Shoop Paul and Mayuari Singh Eric and Lani Staebell

Eric and Stephanie Stuckey Rich Successful and Gisela Pearson Amin and Karishma Surani Sean and Christine Tang Marcus and Shaunette Taylor Thomas and Shelly Vorpahl James Wildenburg Revi and Amy Williams Jon and Michelle Williamson Matt and Danelle Wilson Michael and Rita Wilson Jimmy and Tricia Wilson

6TH GRADE (100%)

John Akerele and Sheri Smith Stephen and Celeste Alexander Anonymous (15) Joe and Cortez Barillari

Katrina Bilal Peter and Kimberly Boehm Steve and Jennifer Bragg George and Linda Brathwaite Conrad and Jessica Brooks Tony and Angie Campagna Todd and Kristin Carlin Philip and Kim Civins Chris and Misha Collinson Ceci Drawdy Daniel and Samantha Duong Ubong Ekpo and Edidiong Ikpe-Ekpo Mark and Lauren Gary Bradford and Deshondra Green Joseph and Shaun Green Richard and Beth Griffin Ken and Amorette Halley Kevin Harden

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Annual Report Jeff and Erin Harsh Greg and Summer Hartman Nathaniel and Angela Hayes John and Marisa Hedgcock Tromell and Tshai Henry Dustin and Rae Hewatt Stephanie Hills Carl and Paige Hoover Sadek and Amira Hussain LaKesha Johnson Ray and Shariff Jones Bob and Janine Kourieh Bing Sheng and Jing Lin John and Angela Mains Ravi and Margot Mallik Chris and Amy Marion Jonathan and Kip Matas Carmen McGee Cory and Lavetra Milton Kamran and Cindy Mossadeghi Don Hylton and Rosemary Muhakwa Ivory and Zola Nemorin Chau and Melissa Nguyen James and Stephanie Niles Alejandro and Naomi Ojeda Matt and Heather Paden Paul and Cristina Pantea Rob and Stephanie Payne Donald and Susie Phillips Rob and Julie Plowden Anthony Pressley John and Sarah Pritchard Wallace and Nicora Prude LaTonya Rampa Rey and Teresa Regalado Russ and Lisa Reynolds Carrie Anne Rillo Peter and Victoria Ruf Steve and Ann Schwartz Lisa Scott Sebsibe Shibiru and Ady Feleke Marcus and Melanie Sims Mehmood and Sameera Sohani Andrew and Vicky Soulimiotis Wendell and Yolanda Spiva Charles Spotts and Tyndal Jones Chris and Jennifer Thomas

Felipe Trejo and Monica Londono Dell and Nicole Turner Daryn and Sabrina Veney Chinh and Huynh-Nhu Vo Neil and Lauren Walls Jenelle Walthour Antonio and Megan Ward Darrell Watkins and Elizabeth Wilson Will and Yolanda West Compton and Jennifer Wharton Dennis and Misty Wilson John and Alicia Wood

7TH GRADE (97%)

Doug and Christina Able Sam and Sophia Adams Anonymous (20) Josh and Leigh Arwood Mario Asiain Diaz and Gabriela Ayala Ernest and Kumari Baker Joe and Cortez Barillari Clifton and Sheila Baskerville Terry and Alison Beasley Brad and Laurel Beckham James and Kelly Brandon Courtney and Martha Braswell Adrian and Kristi Britt Kendric and LaToya Brumfield Vincent and Felicia Campbell Jose and Karissa Cangiano Will and Jocelyn Challas Ron and Leeanne Clarke Blaine and Lianne Cole John and Suzanne Connel Ronnie and Marlonda Currie Dave and Andrea Daniels Nick and Ashley Davis Chad and Holly Davis Mark and Allison Dawson Burt and Sherri Deardorff Laura Delgado Akbar and Cecile Dhanani Serge and Kiesha Doh Michael and Juayita Edd

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Antoine and Rita El-Khoury Nick and Feona Frager Max and Fatima Gonzalez Bob and Susan Greene Marlon and Veronica Grey Alfred and Tonya Griffin Roberto and Rocio Gutierrez Nelson Harris and Elizabeth Gitata Jeff and Erin Harsh Nate and Tonya Henry Orpheus and Sony Heyward Tommy and Holly Hidell Eric and Lana High Tammy Ho Paul and Nancy Holland Jeff and Rachel Holsworth Michele Huggins Lisa Jackson Thom and Jennifer Jacquet Robert and Virginia James Thad and Emily Joiner E’Lisa Ladson Bill Li and Yaqin Sun Guy and Pamela Logan Derrick and Phyllis Love Jay and Jill Lowe Robert and Christi Luskin Dave and Suzy Marconi Lee and Robin May Glen McDonnell Moises and Natalia Medina Mike and Heather Miars Fritz and Tami Miller Faiyaz and Shirin Mitha Jason and Amy Morris Karthik Muthiah and Mona Batra Chris Newton Elizabeth Newton Angelo and Julia Panousis Vipul and Kataki Patel Stephen and Shellie Phillips Todd and Simone Phillips Ruddy and Rhonda Polhill Peerless and Neisha Price Scott and Laura Pryor Jason and Tiffany Rash Raheem and LaVonne Rashad Cliff and Ericka Redden

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Annual Report John and Jennifer Remsburg Claudiu and Elisa Restea Jovan and Sheri Riley John Rosselot Harvey and Sharon Rudy Scott and Chris Salter Gabriel and Kortney Shababy Shane and Tiffany Sharpe Omkar Singh and Annie Arora Zachary and Charlene Smith Matt and Jenny Stinchcomb Todd and Amanda Syprett Michael and Kanika Thomas Felipe Trejo and Monica Londono Jimmy and Sonal Valiani Jeff and Dana Van Vlake Phuong and Khanh Vo Michael and Kathy Washington Herbert and Michelle Wild Brett and Chanda Williams Bobby and Renee Wilmath Rand and Sara Woolley

Jon and Tasha Carr Aaron and Janelle Cason Dan and Lisa Chase Craig and Melani Chumley Gold and Alexandria Chyrack Michael and Jen Clark Derek and Lori Clifton Chris and Misha Collinson Dave and Lyndsay Comery Carl and Kim Craig Kris and Sariah Daniels Ted and Catherine Davidson Brad and Jami Denton Tonya Dorsey Lisa Ellis and Marshall James Jeron and Suzy Evans Jim Driscoll and Jennifer Fallon Driscoll Matt and Jessica Fincher Shea and Heather Futral Michael and Tiffany Glover Joseph and Shaun Green Mark and Regina Guinn

8TH GRADE (99%)

Kourtnay Abernathy Zulfiqar and Zee Ahmed Khaja Ahmed and Saima Khan Derly Alvarez John and Lisa Angove Anonymous (15) Brian and Cathy Baker Tim and Natasha Baker Landon and Leah Bates Brent and Heather Beckham Ken Benson Rob and Mary Benton Zulan Berry Steve and Jennifer Bragg Clayton and Donna Braswell Larry and Cassandre Bride Wil and Inna Brown Michael and Susan Bryant Damon and Chrishonda Burgess Dean and Tarsha Calloway Alex and Stacy Campos Christopher Capehart Andrew and Jenean Carlton

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Ken and Amorette Halley Mark and Sarah Hallock Jay and Leanna Hamilton John and Mel Hanna Tim and Lindsey Hardy Tom and Fumiko Hawkes Travis and Joy Hicks Mark and Kurena Hill Allen and Christy Hill Stephanie Hills John and Heidi Hoover Michael and Mylene James Monica Jones Morey and Jelaine Joseph John Kim Kurt and Kara Koons David Krebs Jimmy Kwok and Irene Pan Brian and Angela Lewis Shuo Liu and Rosie Li Frank and Danielle Lucas Orrett and Tanisha Maine Mac and Alexis McIntosh

Steve and Sepeed Michaels Mark and Dimitra Moraitakis Paul and Jackie Neilson Allen and Melanie O’Brien John and Lola Oguntomilade Kim Osborne Charles and Pamela Pagan Daniel and Daniela Parasca Sunita Perro Alpesh and Kavita Purohit Claudiu and Elisa Restea David and Elizabeth Ridenour Felicia Robinson Roberto and Catherine Romero Anton and Felicia Rowe David and Andi Rutland Allen Sakon Ravi and Sushma Sarikonda Matthew and Mikki Schlueter Harold Shinn Jason and Shernell Slaughter Jim and Debbie Stanhouse Madeline Sutton Barrett and Erin Teague Anthony and Jennifer Tiberia Aminu and Lisa Timberlake Dinh Tran and Khanh Dang Michael and Deb Wade Alesha Warren Mark and Kristine Wasiele Linda West Compton and Jennifer Wharton Kenneth and Rosemary Wickham Bart and Kelly Williams Jimmy and Tricia Wilson Jianxiong and Xinxin Wu James Zheng

9TH GRADE (97%)

Milad and Rita Aboukhaled Sam and Penny Aguirre John and Jennifer Alsobrook Jorge and Rebecca Alvear Anonymous (19) Michael and Anita Ashmore Mahmoud and Tangela Barrie Brad and Laurel Beckham

Ron and Theresa Betteker Ted and Meg Beveridge Marcus and Marcella Blocker Jim and Marla Boren Mike and Kathleen Braswell Walter and Donna Brown Glenn and Deb Brown Drew Bulkin and Patricia Pena-Bulkin Marvell and Kristi Butts Alex and Stacy Campos Barry and Leslie Canipe Emeka and Adanna Chijioke Frank and Christine Clark Machelle Clarke Christopher and Lois Collins Joe and Shannon Collins Marcus Cong and Angela Feng John and Pam Crawford Aaronde and Jennifer Creighton Paul and Kelly Crum Tommy and Melanie Cummings Buddy Weir and Tammi Cummings Linda Darko Lisa Davis Betty Dillon Alain Dominguez Kevin and MaryJo Dorse Brian and Ingrid Duva Chris and Pam Earley Greg and Jill Edwards Allen and Rebekah Gilliard Max and Fatima Gonzalez Richard and Beth Griffin Pamela Griffin Rob Hanson Scott and Teresa Harsh John and Marisa Hedgcock Ted and Rhonda Helms Jimmy and Karin Hidalgo Tommy and Holly Hidell Lawrence and Adrianne Holts Calvin Inge and Parisha Flucker-Inge Scott and Rachel Justice Matt and Stacy Keadey

Edward and Seda Kocharian Bob and Janine Kourieh Vijay and Meenu Kumar Kenji and Rachelle Kuramoto Michael and Susan Lake Hyder and Zehra Lalani Ben and Yvette Leslie Matt and Jennifer Lindskoog Fred and Maria Elena Link Guy and Pamela Logan John and Leigh Lowman Bob and Connie Lussier Kevin and Katherine Malone Robert and Nancy Martin Bryan and Lindsay Mason Rick and Ashleigh Maxa Tiffany McKinnie Robert and Rosie Merrick Michelle Merrill Mark and Lorri Milovich Kirk and Malia Mixon Gairy Moore Tracey Morrison Angela Naegele Paul Nguyen and Tiffany Dang Ben and Kelly Nguyen Chima and Ugochi Ohuabunwo Kim Osborne Peter and Beth Ostapiuk Jonathan and Regina Owenby Eric and Kiesha Parker Vipul and Kataki Patel Pete Pellegrini Patrick and Florence Phillips Jim and Sandy Read Stephen and Carol Rickaby Carl and Yolanda Robinson George and Kim Rosero Daniel and Vilsi Russell Jeff and Jackie Salvatore Sheila Sanford Chandler and Sam Scott Lisa Scott Myron and LaTeshia Seaton Patrick and Kris Shea Syed Shershah and Tayaba Fatema Cliff and Seana Simpson Kathy Staggs

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Annual Report

Tom and Julie Stewart Matt and Jenny Stinchcomb Rich Successful and Gisela Pearson Andy and Trish Sumpter Barrett and Erin Teague Rich and Deborah Thomas Chris and Jennifer Thomas Joseph and Tina Thompson Brian and Patty Thumann Aminu and Lisa Timberlake Andy and Patricia Todebush Denise and Paul Tso Mirtha Uribe Ed and Sandra Van Ness Lee and Tiffani Wallis Andrew and Nicky White Floyd and Jessica Williams Theodore and Shauna Wilson Seth Wiredu and Regina Koranteng Mike and Staci Wooten

10TH GRADE (95%) Harold and Allison Anderson Anonymous (19) Paul Bailey Brent and Heather Beckham DJ and Christy Belknap Darnell and Carlis Bender Charles and Leah Berry Peter and Kimberly Boehm Janine Bowen Chris Boyd-Witherspoon John and Laura Boyden Clayton and Donna Braswell Anthony and Tanya Bryant Michael and Susan Bryant Obie Bryant Jacquelyn Bryant Patrick and Hope Bussenius Jose and Karissa Cangiano Todd and Kristin Carlin

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Terry Carothers Thomas and Katie Chae Will and Jocelyn Challas Dan and Lisa Chase Jeff and Rosa Chu Craig and Melani Chumley Michael and Jen Clark Nic and Roza Clempus Blaine and Lianne Cole Dave and Lyndsay Comery Carl and Kim Craig Paul and Kelly Crum Christina Cutchins Ted and Catherine Davidson Chad and Holly Davis Shannon Dawson Sean and Susan Delaney Wilson Doan Marcus and Crystal Downs Chad and Chrissy Dybdahl Steve and Jackie Easley Lisa Ellis and Marshall James

George Emmert and Cindy Patrick Jeff and Carolyn Facteau Matt and Jessica Fincher Andy Fleming and Claire Lee Vernon and Althea Fulton Mark and Lauren Gary Kelly Gibbs Michael and Oksana Gomas Murray and Suzanne Granger Mark and Sarah Hallock Steve and Cheri Hardin Tim and Lindsey Hardy Jeff and Erin Harsh Jack and Heather Hawkins Ted and Rhonda Helms Nigel and Stefanie Henry Mark and Nancy Herbert Jeff and Sherriann Hicks Jeff and Rachel Holsworth Joe Hoyle and Suzie Ellis-Hoyle Vinh and Pamela Huynh Carol Jackovich Chad and Tonja Jackson Thom and Jennifer Jacquet Seong Kwan Jang Vicki Jarboe Mike and Brenda Johnson Jeffrey and Tara Jones Bruce and Zahra Karinshak Ji Hee Kim Greg and Ginger Kindred Gathon and Cheryl King Elizabeth Lawrence Daniel and Michelle Lee Ezekiel and Kenya Lewis David and Diane Lin Jay and Jill Lowe Frank and Danielle Lucas Will Luckey Jeffrey and Tonia Malone Don and Terry Maness Amy Marler Whit and Barbara Marschalk Bryan and Lindsay Mason Greg and Shelly Mauldin Donald and Nga Maynard Derrick Moody Mark and Dimitra Moraitakis Mike and Carol Morris

Brian and Missy Nichols Rafael and Marina Ochoa Keith Osbon Samuel and Aracelis Otero Aaron and Rose Owens Angelo and Julia Panousis Daniel and Daniela Parasca Thomas and Regina Parker Mehryar and Lichong Pedram Jeffrey and Jacqueline Phelan Mothusi and Muna Phometsi John Patrick and Stacy Pignetti John and Sarah Pritchard Wallace and Nicora Prude Scott and Laura Pryor LaMarr and Lorrie Randolph Jason and Tiffany Rash Jean Rawls Chris and Mara Robb Mark and Angela Rountree Anton and Felicia Rowe Dusty and Crystal Rush David and Andi Rutland Allen Sakon Matthew and Mikki Schlueter Shane and Tiffany Sharpe Wes and Vanessa Shoop Bob and Carrie Shumard Rahim and Surraiya Sivji Eric and Jessica Smith Robb and Kelly Smith Bob and Suzanne Smith Mike and Lorie Stogner Richard and Rose Stratford Kevin and Narrene Taffe Marcus and Shaunette Taylor Ed and Amy Thomas Jack and Audrey Tolson Bill and Amy Trocchi Dell and Nicole Turner Garrett and Nicole Utley Jon and Juliette Viner Chinh and Huynh-Nhu Vo Chris and Laura Wagnon Chip and Becky Wells Herbert and Michelle Wild Shane and Julie Williams Jasper and Alecia Williams Bobby and Renee Wilmath

Dennis and Misty Wilson Dale and Julie Wiseman Rand and Sara Woolley

11TH GRADE (95%)

Milad and Rita Aboukhaled John and Jennifer Alsobrook Jorge and Rebecca Alvear Neville and Josette Anderson John and Lisa Angove Anonymous (30) Paul and Renee Babaz Jim and Therese Bailey Mahmoud and Tangela Barrie Matthew and April Beasley Jeremy and Ashlee Beauchamp Ken and Kim Blackshear Richard and Kim Blackwell Bruce and Cynthia Bower Walter and Donna Brown Lydia Brown-Rankine Bill and Tina Bruning Hasan and Farida Budhwani Paul and Leslie Bugg Charles and Margarette Burnette Scott Butler and Alison Bates Marvell and Kristi Butts Alex and Stacy Campos Jon and Tasha Carr Claudio Castaneda and Liliana Ramirez Todd and Marie Castleberry Juho Chong and Sun Namkung Tom and Betsy Clement Blaine and Lianne Cole Cary and Karen Coleman Joe and Shannon Collins Christopher and Lois Collins Brent and Julie Collins John and Pam Crawford David and Cyndi Curland Seth and Ann Davies Jad and Sonja Daye Burt and Sherri Deardorff Stephen and Sandi Dennis Mike and Michelle Dickinson TJ and Christy Dixon

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Annual Report Alain Dominguez Mike and Elaine Dorr Drake and Beth Durnell Chad and Chrissy Dybdahl Trip and Lori Eberhart Chris and Ginger Echols Antoine and Rita El-Khoury Scott and Monique Evans Jeron and Suzy Evans Cheryl Fairbanks Jim Fairbanks Pete and Kimberlee Finazzo Gisela Fritzen Barkley and Dee Geib Kelly Gibbs Tim and Cheryl Gilliam Javier and Meylin Gonzalez Brian and Lesley Gray Richard and Beth Griffin Ron and Micki Gulley Mark and Sarah Hallock Darryl and Terri Harmon Nate and Tonya Henry Jeff and Garrett Hiday Rick and Betsy Higgins Allen and Christy Hill Dale and Colleen Holly Chris and Leslie Hosfeld Vinh and Pamela Huynh Andre and Carol Jones Morey and Jelaine Joseph John and Cathy Kahn Matt and Stacy Keadey Clay and Julie Keller Bob Kincade Susan Kincade Woody and Meridy King Kenny and Ann Knipschild Jody and Nancy Lail Fran Lanza Brian and Angela Lewis Guy and Pamela Logan John and Leigh Lowman Will Luckey John and Wendy Martin Rick and Ashleigh Maxa Gerald and Laureen McFadden Steve and Ingrid McGaughey Fritz and Tami Miller

Ken and Elizabeth Miller Kerry and Monica Mitchell Kirk and Malia Mixon Miguel and Marilu Montoya Wayne and Phillippa Moss Andre and Annette Moxie William and Danielle Murphy Angela Naegele Skip and Sheila Nelloms Ben and Kelly Nguyen Paul Nguyen and Tiffany Dang Norm and Nan Nicholl Allen and Melanie O’Brien Marty and Nicole Olinger Peter and Beth Ostapiuk Valerie Paige Brett Payne Kelly Payne R.O. and Dorothy Powell Scott and Yvette Quisling LaMarr and Lorrie Randolph Jim and Sandy Read Lewis and LaJuana Roberts Allen and Angela Rossum Anton and Felicia Rowe Huey and Adamma Rowe-Anderson Houston and Jannet Scruggs Patrick and Kris Shea Harold Shinn Michael and Leslie Shirley Cliff and Seana Simpson Jim and Nicole Skelton Mehmood and Sameera Sohani Ron and Jackie Swann Jeff and Ashley Taylor Joseph and Tina Thompson Lan Tran and Rena Le Bill and Amy Trocchi Doug and Julie Vander Linde Francisco and Tere Villa Jon and Juliette Viner Phuong and Khanh Vo Allen and Kim Warren Darrell Watkins and Elizabeth Wilson Jeronn and LaToya Williams Nick and Betsy Winsness Todd and Shari Wright

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12TH GRADE (93%) Renod and Lisa Alston Duncan and Jill Angove Anonymous (22) Mario Asiain Diaz and Gabriela Ayala Marjorie Augustin Charles and Tanisha Barnett Clifton and Sheila Baskerville Charles and JoAnna Beasley Matthew and April Beasley Dede Bell Robert and Iris Bilik Jeff and Nancy Blandford Jim and Marla Boren Rick and Anne Boudreau David Bowling Mark and Pam Brasher Ulrich and Michelle Brechbuhl Larry and Cassandre Bride Todd and Mary Helen Bryant Charles and Margarette Burnette Chip and Kelly Carter Jeff and Rosa Chu Gold and Alexandria Chyrack David and Beth Clapp Frank and Christine Clark KC Cork Paul and Kelly Crum David and Cyndi Curland Mark and Allison Dawson Miceli De La O Mike and Michelle Dickinson TJ and Christy Dixon Doug and Sondra Dowdell John and Mary Ann Embleton William and Shaleta Evans Luis and Yanin Fernandez Tim and Pam Fordree Erica Gallon Kelly Gibbs Jola Golebiewska Bob and Susan Greene Mark and Regina Guinn Ron and Micki Gulley Rob Hanson Steve and Cheri Hardin Tim and Lindsey Hardy

Scott and Teresa Harsh Jack and Heather Hawkins Kenny and Erica Hayes Ted and Rhonda Helms Mark and Sophia Herrington Jeff and Sherriann Hicks Philip and Lauren Hollier Carl and Paige Hoover Selwynn and Paytie Howard Mark and Lisa Hutson Ken and Shay Irvin Tiffany Jackson Mary Jacobson Eddie and Teena Jhin Ken and Traci Johnson Eric and Sandy Johnson Xanthe Joiner Ken and Mildred Jones Lee and Elizabeth Jordan Neil and Suzi Kahn Owen and Marti Kenworthy Gidget Kettle Jaffar and Charlotte Khan Jay and Jill Lowe Rick and Susan Lowenstein Joyce Lucht Orrett and Tanisha Maine Tom and Cathy Marchiando Sloan and Denise Martin Tommy and Tina Martin Donald and Nga Maynard Kevin and Sharon McCarthy Graham and Debbie McCarty Nitin and Beena Meshramkar David and Suzanne Miller Kirk and Malia Mixon Gairy Moore Bartow and Leslie Morgan Tom and Wendy Nguyen San Nguyen and Hanh Le Michael and Carmen Nieman Raul Lopez and Audrey Ogueri John and Lola Oguntomilade Dustin and Karla Oh Kelly Payne Brett Payne Sherry Perez Phil and Missy Perry Tim and Mari Ann Perusek

Donald and Susie Phillips Michael Pitts and Shelley Pitts Tony and Shyronda Pleasant John and Sarah Pritchard Ahmad and Sherilyn Ptah-El Scott and Yvette Quisling Jonathan and DaShaun Rawls Gary and Mandy Richey Champ and Dee Anna Rittenhouse Lewis and LaJuana Roberts Eric and Stacy Robinson Gabre and Lisa Royes Jeff and Jackie Salvatore Ravi and Sushma Sarikonda Marsha Sawyer Marc and Pam Scheipe Jim and Brenda Schreiber David and Lee Shafer Edward and Jamie Shinn Mark and Janis Sims Hank and Jennifer Smart

Robb and Kelly Smith Mitch and Jennifer Stephens Nev and Veronica Street Pamela Street Shamarro Stubbs Janice Thomas Cornelius and Felicia Thomas Michael and Debbie Tobia Brett and Shannan Tracy Fernando and Maria Uribe Hans and Martina Veltmaat Jerry Vento Michael and Rosa Vestal Chris and Laura Wagnon Scott and Susan Walker Bob and Melanie Walton Ed and Lise Weaver Phillip and Catrina White David and Tammy Whitworth Herbert and Michelle Wild Floyd and Jessica Williams Michael and Rachael Young

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 4 9

Annual Report

GEORGIA GOAL Andy and Jane Adams Deborah Akindele Hannah and Young An Duncan and Jill Angove Joe and Renee Arnold Keith and Margie Asef Andrew and Bonnie Baker Tim and Pam Ball Scott and Alyssa Barbour Dilowe and Cheryl Barker Brandon and Lindsey Barron John and Debbie Bartolomei Robert and Jane Batten Terry and Alison Beasley Matthew and April Beasley Chris and Jean Bentz Ray and Susan Blackburn Lanny and Meg Blackwood Alan and Meredith Blinder Mark Bowling Mark and Gloria Boyd Steve and Jennifer Bragg Mark and Pam Brasher Clayton and Donna Braswell Courtney and Martha Braswell Billy Brookshire Frank and Pam Brown Todd and Mary Helen Bryant Doug and Kristi Buce Michael and Tina Bullard Russell and Regan Burnett Bill and Linda Burton Andrew and Dionne Butler Chip and Kelly Carter Bryan and Mary Carter Joe and Cheryl Chapple Steven and Nancy Charron Craig and Melani Chumley Jimmy and Amy Chupp Philip and Kim Civins Michael and Jen Clark

Tyler Clayton and Lauren Amos Newt and Leslie Collinson Chris and Misha Collinson Jim and Becky Combee Lanier and Allison Coulter Stephen and Jennifer Coxen Charles and Laura Crumbley John and Barbara Cubic Scott and Leslie Davis Nick and Ashley Davis Dana and Susan Davis Jad and Sonja Daye Charles and Andrea DeCook TJ and Christy Dixon Mike and Elaine Dorr Thomas and Elizabeth Duttera Trip and Lori Eberhart EcoVest Capital, Inc. Mark Edson Lawrence and Aimee Ertley Jan and Bob Espy Scott and Monique Evans Cheryl Fairbanks Matt and Jessica Fincher David and Beth Fincher Jack and Dawn Ford Dan and Lynn Foster Lee and Mary Scott Freeman Usman and Hiram Gandhi Steffanie Garner Brad and Amy Goodson Lavinia Griffin Randall and Robin Grunwell Jessica Guarneri Tim and Lindsey Hardy Sheri Harris David and Jennifer Harris Scott and Teresa Harsh

1 5 0 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Brett and Diane Harte Gary and Sheri Hays Tom and Bundy Heinselman Ted and Rhonda Helms Nate and Tonya Henry Mark and Nancy Herbert Rick and Betsy Higgins Allen and Christy Hill Sheree Hill David and Mendie Hogan Larry and Beverly Holmes Jason and Hollie Huynh Michael and Sandra Ichwan Carol Jackovich Janna Jenkins Mike and Brenda Johnson Richard and Elise Johnson Rusty and Kim Jones Lee and Elizabeth Jordan Monty and Melanie Joseph John and Cathy Kahn Matt and Stacy Keadey Gidget Kettle Greg and Ginger Kindred Alex and Liliya Kyrychenko Elizabeth Lawrence Adam and Shelley Lloyd Jon and Ashley Long B.J. and Karen Loyd Shripal and Gorande Makim Mike and Sandy Maltby Don and Terry Maness Pam Manley Dave and Dorothy Markert Sergio and Darlene Marti John and Wendy Martin Paul and Janis Mason Jonathan and Kip Matas Donald and Nga Maynard Tyler and Rachel McComas Jovar and Sheila McKellar Don and Susan McLaughlin Moises and Natalia Medina Steve and Sepeed Michaels

Eric and Courtney Middleton Fritz and Tami Miller Kevin and Kelly Mitchell Will and Julie Mizell Gairy Moore Mark and Dimitra Moraitakis Mike and Carol Morris Mark and Betty Morris Charlie and Michelle Moss Wayne and Phillippa Moss Fernando and Donna Nasmyth Paul and Jackie Neilson Brian and Missy Nichols Joel and LeAnn Nickelsen Bill and Decie Nygaard Ned and Kellie O’Brien Peter and Beth Ostapiuk Pete Pellegrini Steve and Toni Phillips Rodney and Erica Pierre David and Fayth Rama Jason and Tiffany Rash Jean Rawls Joel and Lori Reed Matt and Suzette Reeves Claudiu and Elisa Restea Don and Susan Richardson Chris and Mara Robb Scott and Dawn Roberts David and Savannah Roberts Steven and Lynne Roberts John Rosselot SAGE Dining Services, Inc. Allen Sakon Scott and Chris Salter Joseph and Corban Sandoe Marc and Pam Scheipe Matthew and Mikki Schlueter Mac and Duhi Schneider Jim and Brenda Schreiber Houston and Jannet Scruggs Donald and Carol Shaffer Mark and Carolyn Shaffer Don and Marian Sheffield

Ken and Joyce Shumard Mike and Mary Beth Sierra Staffing Solutions Southeast, Inc Todd and Jan Stewart Matt and Jenny Stinchcomb Paul and Cherie Syiek Tom and Robin Tabor Claire Tardy Julius Green and Taryn Taylor John and Marsy Thomas Josh and Ashley Thomason Joseph and Tina Thompson Jim and Julie Tidwell Brett and Shannan Tracy May Tyan and Martin Leung Charles and Jan Vanwynbergen Dan and Brooke Voelzke Thomas and Shelly Vorpahl Derek and Dee Wade Neil and Lauren Walls Wesley and Darlene Washington

John and Jodi Webb Steve and Teresa West WestRock Company David and Laura White Don and Katherine White David and Tammy Whitworth Adam and Shannon Wickley Lemuel Wiggins and Greer Johnson Adam and Jessica Williams Floyd and Jessica Williams Grant and Leticia Willis Megan and Derek Wilson Dennis and Misty Wilson Robbie and Kristen Wilson Michael and Rita Wilson Brent and Kimbra Wiseman Dale and Julie Wiseman Shane and Michele Woodward Wells and Shelley Woodward Sang Yi and Nancy Kil Wendell York

Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program

TAKE

This scholarship allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income tax to provide financial aid for eligible students to attend GAC. Married couple filing jointly

Up to $2,500 Married people filing separately

Up to $1,250 Individual filing single

Up to $1,000 To submit your 2019/2020 GOAL tax credit application today, contact Tina Bullard at tbullard@ greateratlantachristian.org or 770-243-2207.

TO L E A R N M O R E , V I S I T : G OA L S C H O L A R S H I P. O R G

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SPARTAN? Senior Matt Golebiewski would say tell you it takes perseverance. This trait has served him well on the field and in the classroom. A senior, Matt feels prepared for his future thanks to the education he has received while a student at GAC. He is grateful for the people who participate in the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program because they have made attending GAC possible for him.

The Georgia GOAL program, created in 2008, allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect and pre-pay a portion of their state taxes to an independent school of their choice. Participants receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit back when they file their taxes. Contributions to the GOAL Program have directly benefited nearly 300 students at GAC since the program’s inception. Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program contributors bring worthy students like Matt to GAC by maximizing financial aid for those eligible, deserving students who hit above the mark.

No stranger to a challenge, Matt has disciplined himself through hours of football training and rigorous academics, such as his AP Psychology class. But even the strongest Spartan has his days.

“Whenever I am struggling, I know there is someone out there who is looking out for me. That always pushes me to do better and more. I know I can’t take this opportunity for granted. I need to leave a legacy and take advantage of this opportunity to the fullest. I will probably never meet the people who have contributed to Georgia GOAL but I am grateful and humbled.”

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 5 1

Annual Report

IN HONOR Gifts made between July 14, 2018 through October 24, 2019. Gifts made prior to this date were listed in the previous magazine.

In honor of Asantewaa M. Ameyaw

In honor of Tyler and Jordan Bride

In honor of Katelyn C. Choe

Anonymous In honor of Jack Barron

Mr. and Mrs. Larry B. Bride, Jr.

In honor of the Class of 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wheeler

In honor of Ava Britt

Mr. and Mrs. Ramesh Naik

In honor of John R. Batten

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Britt

In honor of Larry and Ann Clements

Mr. John Korn

In honor of Caitlin M. Brown

Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Clements

In honor of Erich P. Bauer

Anonymous

In honor of Caylin Coleman

Ms. Sally Bauer

In honor of Edward Bruce

Mr. and Mrs. Cary Coleman

In honor of the Bower and O’Reilly Families

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Scott

In honor of Ty Collins

In honor of Micah Bryant

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ciatto

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bryant

In honor of Jim & Becky Combee

In honor of Tyler Bragg

In honor of Mallory, Reagan, and Crawford Butts

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Brannon

Mr. Stephen and Dr. Jennifer Bragg

Mr. and Mrs. Marvell R. Butts

In honor of Dylan Brathwaite

In honor of Conrad Cason

Mr. and Mrs. George N. Brathwaite

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron M. Cason

1 5 2 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan K. Choe

In honor of Julia and Edward Davidson

Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Davidson, Sr.

In honor of Wyatt & Stella Davis

In honor of Arthur Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Davis

Anonymous

In honor of Payton, Parker, and Abby Polhill

In honor of Karys A. Delaney

In honor of Michael Humphrey

Dr. and Mrs. Sean Delaney In honor of Jordan B. Duong

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Stan J. Humphrey

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Duong

In honor of C. Mackenzie James

Mr. and Mrs. Peerless L. Price

In honor of Milton and Velera Eades

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. James, Jr.

In honor of Clayton Rhodes

Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott Justice

In honor of Josiah Kids

In honor of Kaeden Rigopoulos

In honor of Bob Espy

Ms. Marlene Ongweny Maina

Mrs. Rochelle Richardson

Mr. and Mrs. Claude D. Bartlett

In honor of Andrew Kahn

In honor of Monica Skidmore

In honor of Michael Fairell

Mrs. Barbara Newman

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Fairell

In honor of Zarina Lalani

In honor of Roosevelt Sloan

In honor of Parker Fairell

Mr. and Mrs. Aziz Farishta

Mr. and Mrs. Wyndol C. Milton

Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Fairell

In honor of Arden Leitch

In honor of David L. Fincher

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rayevich

In honor of Brooke Spiva and Wendell Spiva, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Dorr Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Phillips

In honor of Sam & Patty Mankin

In honor of Kathleen T. Fincher

Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford B. Polhill, III In honor of Kai A. Price

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Rhodes

Dr. and Mrs. David L. Fincher

Mr. Wendell Spiva and Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva

In honor of Alexander Marler

In honor of Nyla Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Clarance D. Adams

Ms. Annie Green In honor of Jillian G. Thomas

In honor of Eli and Renna Moraitakis

Mr. Glenn McNair

In honor of Howard Frye, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Moraitakis

Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian D. Tine, III

Anonymous

In honor of Ryan Mossadeghi

In honor of Kennedy and Denver Tolson

In honor of Rahmier Gardner

Mr. and Mrs. Kamran Mossadeghi

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Tolson

Ms. Tanja Boyd-Witherspoon

In honor of Tye L. Newton

In honor of Bertha Ulmer

In honor of Tyler J. Garrett

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin A. Gullatt Ms. Margaret J. Wilson

Mrs. Tracey Morrison

In honor of Douglas W. Gattis, Sr.

In honor of Louis F. Nguyen

Mr. Jerome Vento, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Nguyen

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Alexander

In honor of Lane and Michael Wade

In honor of Lillian G. Niolon Kachur

In honor of Charles L. Green

Mr. and Mrs. Simeon M. Niolon

Mr. and Mrs. James T. Duttera, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Green

In honor of Loiic & Zen Nko-Royes

In honor of Jeff and Cindy Warwick

In honor of Victoria Griffin

Mr. and Mrs. Gabre Royes

Mr. and Mrs. Blake J. Hartley

Mr. Tyler S. Bragg

In honor of Zoe O. Ogunniyi

In honor of Brooklyn Harris

In honor of Grant, Lance, and Lauren Wickley

Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Menefee

Mr. Oladapo and Dr. Modele Ogunniyi

In honor of Demetri Henry

In honor of Onyx Oh

In honor of Julie A. Williamson

Mr. and Mrs. Gabre Royes

Mr. and Mrs. Dustin K. Oh

Anonymous

In honor of Ansley and Jud Hill

In honor of Grandparents

In honor of Alex and Brandon Wright

Dr. and Mrs. David L. Fincher Ms. Pamela Fincher Ms. Yvonne Fincher

Mr. and Mrs. Bob New

In honor of Sebastian Tine Jr.

In honor of Mark Troy Vento

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wickley

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Cothern

Mr. Karthikeyan Muthiah and Dr. Mona Batra

In honor of Ansley Hill

In honor of Dennis L. Perry

In honor of Young Learners

Mr. and Mrs. H. Allen Hill, IV

Mr. and Mrs. Baron Reinhold

Mr. and Mrs. Leland C. Blackwood, III

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Stanley, Jr.

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 5 3

Annual Report

IN MEMORY Gifts made between July 14, 2018 through October 24, 2019. Gifts made prior to this date were listed in the previous magazine.

In memory of Bill Barnard

In memory of Dr. Frances Sterling Ellis

In memory of Bill Kester

Mrs. Angela P. Cain-Barnard

Anonymous

Anonymous

In memory of Moses and Lorine Bell

In memory of Ray Evans

In memory of Jack Kinser

Ms. Latrella G. Bell

Mr. and Mrs. Israel Sparks

Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Anderson

In memory of Annie Berry

In memory of H.A. Fincher

In memory of Guy Christopher Logan

Ms. Zulan L. Berry

Mrs. Kathleen T. Fincher Ms. Pamela Fincher Ms. Yvonne Fincher Mr. and Mrs. Morris M. Galloway, Jr.

Mr. Guy and Dr. Pamela Logan

In memory of Robert and Jane Betteker

Drs. Ronald and Theresa Betteker In memory of Alexandra G. Blackwell

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Blackwell Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Collins Ms. Sara Loud Mr. and Mrs. William Trocchi In memory of Louis Boudreau

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Boudreau In memory of Lisa M. Bowling

Mr. Stephen and Dr. Jennifer Bragg In memory of Edward Carlin

Mr. and Mrs. Todd D. Carlin In memory of John Chaffin

Mr. Thomas E. Bush In memory of John Clovis

Dr. and Mrs. David L. Fincher In memory of Marjorie Culver

Drs. Jeronn and LaToya Williams In memory of Jesse “Jay” Cunningham

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm A. Cunningham In memory of W. Bruce Curry

Mrs. Iris Curry In memory of Nathaniel and Verneka Dames

Mr. and Mrs. Kendall W. Knight, Jr. In memory of Ruben Daniel

Mr. and Mrs. Cory A. Anderson In memory of Eric Michael Doh

Mr. and Mrs. Serge A. Doh In memory of Dr. James B. Edwards

Mr. and Mrs. Randall R. Jackson

In memory of Barry Garner

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Keith Asef Mr. Jackie Bradford Dr. and Mrs. David L. Fincher Dr. and Mrs. William H. Franklin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. H. Allen Hill, IV Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Holzgrefe Mr. and Mrs. Randall R. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Perry K. Light Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Phillips Mr. and Mrs. John Webb Mr. and Mrs. R. Donovan White Mr. and Mrs. David M. Whitworth

In memory of Jesse C. Long

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

and and and and

Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs.

William J. Long Wayne Mitsch Ned O’Brien Thomas K. Savage

In memory of Dwight Love

Mrs. Donna S. Love In memory of Bill Luckey

Mr. William L. Luckey, Jr. In memory of Roger and Carnelle MacKenzie

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Campbell In memory of Ellen Manley

Mr. Jackie Bradford Mr. and Mrs. Randall R. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Lemen Ms. Rene H. Melson In memory of Nilas O. Manley

In memory of June M. Gattis

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Reginald D. Irons

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Alexander

In memory of Richard A. Mann

In memory of Sylvia Golebiewski

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dutton

Mrs. Jolanta Golebiewska

In memory of Mathew Marcus

In memory of Troy Grigsby

Phoenix Associates, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Prentiss McIntosh

In memory of Alaina Mathis

In memory of Andrea Henderson

Dr. and Mrs. Sean Sue

Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Brosius Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey B. Hicks

In memory of Monica O. Orosco and Ruby Robinson

In memory of Violet Hooper Barnes

Mr. Myles Orosco

Ms. Lorna McArthur

In memory of Judge James W. Oxendine

In memory of Charles and Corrine Huguely

Mr. and Mrs. Garrick J. Riley

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Oxendine, Esq.

In memory of John and Mitzi Janowski

In memory of Ann and Harding Paine

Ms. Jean M. Rawls

Ms. Sally Paine

1 5 4 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

In memory of Gary Penley

Mr. and Mrs. Casey Coffey In memory of Emma Lene and Lofton Phillips

Ms. Jill P. Southerland In memory of Tractor Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley T. Phillips In memory of Alvin Leamon Pilkinton, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy A. Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burnette Mrs. Kathleen T. Fincher Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. McMahan Ms. Mary L. Pilkinton Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Pilkinton Mr. and Mrs. William C. Pilkinton In memory of James R. Sabourin and Suzy Sabourin-LeCave

In memory of Tyler Stroud

In memory of Kenneth C. Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Sharp

Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Davidson, Jr.

Ms. Michelle Cheshier

In memory of Gene Tormohlen

In memory of Sean Emir Wilson, Sr.

Mrs. Kathleen T. Fincher

Ms. Kimberly M. Wilson

In memory of Walter and Marilyn Smith

In memory of Cindy Underwood

In memory of Margan Wright

Dr. and Mrs. Scott A. Barbour

Mr. and Mrs. Terry D. Giager

Mr. Leonard Wright

In memory of John Staebell

In memory of Sandy Whitmore

In memory of George and Shelbia Yates

Mrs. Rosemarie Staebell

Ms. Anique S. Whitmore

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Black

Matching Gifts Gifts made between July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Gifts prior to this date were listed in the previous magazine.

Aaron’s Foundation, Inc. Adobe Systems Incorporated Matching Gifts Program AT&T Axis US Services Bank of America Foundation, Inc. BCD Travel The Coca Cola Foundation Coulter & Sierra, LLC Delta Air Lines Foundation Duke Realty Corporation Eli Lilly and Company Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation Honeywell, Inc. IBM Corporation Johnson Controls, Inc Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. McKenney’s, Inc. Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Northwestern Mutual Foundation PwC Regeneron Pharmaceuticals SAP Software Solutions State Farm Insurance Companies

SunTrust Bank Synchrony Finanical Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. UBS Employee Giving Programs Vmware Foundation Voya Financial Wells Fargo Matching Gift Foundation WestRock Company White Rock Drywall

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 5 5

Annual Report

In Memoriam

GAC REMEMBERS HEROES OF THE FAITH Jane Blackman (1931-2019) Elementary School teacher who taught and tutored with kindness and high expectations. She dedicated 37 years of service to GAC.

Joyce Gatz (1978-2004) Served as Business Office Assistant Manager ensuring excellence in GAC’s financial innerworkings She dedicated 26 years of service to GAC.

John D. Clovis (1932-2019) Choral Director with a passion for music and personal connection with his students. He served faithfully at GAC for 24 years.

Norma Harper Miller (1940-2019) Served for 27 years, first as a beloved teacher then as Elementary School Principal. Norma lovingly led the Elementary through many years of growth.

Wesley M. Brown (1988-2019) Alumnus — Class of 2007

Jed A. McNatt (1956-2019) Alumnus — Class of 1974

1 5 6 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

Chirag H. Parikh (1975-2018) Alumnus — Class of 1993

WELCOME TO THE GACS BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHERRIANN HICKS

of The Hicks Law Group, has spent her legal career focused on adoption.

She is locally and nationally known for her experience in adoption-related matters and views adoption as a gift for all parties involved. Sherriann and her husband Jeff are both GAC alum and continue to give back to GAC in many ways.

Their three children have been involved at GAC as "lifers": Sydney '17, Jake '20, and Luke '22. Their family is actively involved at Campus Church.

STEVE KESTER

was previously CEO of Healthcare Consulting Benefits Review with earlier experience at Accenture and General Electric.

He is currently involved in a variety of business endeavors. Steve and his wife Kris have also been deeply involved in the GAC family for many years as their three children attended GAC: Lauren '11, Brett '19, and Sarah '19. Steve and Kris are actively involved at Gwinnett Church.

GACS Board of Trustees CHAIR: Fernando Nasmyth Andy Adams Joe Arnold Michelle Brechbühl Jim Combee (Chair Emeritus) Steve Eaton Steve Elrod Jeff Foxworthy Lee Freeman Bart Harper Sherriann Hicks Steve Kester Bill Long

Gary Long Don McLaughlin Allen Nichols Ned O’ Brien Steve Phillips Russ Reynolds Billy Schroer David Scobey, Jr. Carrie Shumard Jeff Street Dr. Todd Stewart Tom Tabor Jim Tidwell John Wood

GAC Foundation Board of Directors CHAIR: Steve Eaton

Andy Adams Joe Arnold Ed Bastian Ulrich Brechbühl Gary Chamblee Jim Combee Lee Freeman Bart Harper Carl Hoover Angela Lewis

Bill Long Fernando Nasmyth Terry Nichols Mac Schneider Billy Schroer Jeff Street Dr. Todd Stewart Tom Tabor Jim Tidwell Melanie Walton John Wood

The GACS Board of Trustees “guards the trust” for God’s school, charts the course, ensures the fiduciary stewardship, and sees that the institution has the resources needed to fulfill and expand its mission.

The GAC Foundation is a separate 501c3 organization under the auspices of Greater Atlanta Christian School. The Chair of the Board of Trustees serves as the Vice Chair of the GAC Foundation which supports the mission of GACS by financial governance of the school endowment for short and long-term benefit of the school, faculty, students, and total programs.

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 57

Annual Report

GAC Lifers: Class of 2019 These members of the Class of 2019 have attended GAC since kindergarten. We affectionately call them “Lifers.�

Grace Allen, Parks Barnard, Hannah Buck, Jessica Carothers, Katelyn Choe, Sam Collins, Laila Hancock, Audrey Hays, Savannah Hill, Summar Hill, Celeste Hosfeld, Victoria Huynh, Jack Jacquet, Abby Jenkins, Maya Joglekar, Cole Jolly, Elise Karinshak, Thomas Kenworthy, Sarah Kester, Shane Lussier, Jena Malone, Mary Grace Manton, Mason Martin, Christine Melley, Rosemary Osbon, Ashley Phillips, Josh Schoepf, Anna Shumard, Jaiana Simmons, Reagan Street, Alex Wright, and Jessica Wright.

1 5 8 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L

“

Being at GAC means working hard and creating lasting relationships with those around you.

ALLY PEREZ '20

Being at GAC means being able to build a better future with the help of those around you.

Being at GAC means having a wholesome community, to have like-minded peers and qualified teachers

THIEN-AN MAYNARD '20

TYLER CURLAND '20

Being at GAC means learning to persevere and fight to achieve my goals.

GABRIEL URIBE '20

Being at GAC means having a constant support system and people there to help you when you struggle. It means always having a friendly face for help or just someone to talk to.

COURTNEY HANFT '20

2 01 9 M AG A Z I N E 1 5 9

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Norcross Georgia Permit #11

GREATERATLANTACHRISTIAN.ORG | 1575 INDIAN TRAIL ROAD, NORCROSS GEORGIA 30093

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.

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1/29/20 ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

2/4/20 NEXTUP

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 JOHN 4:12

2/26/20 ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

3/5–3/8/20 HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

3/20/20 ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES

4/14/20 BLACK AND WHITE FINE ARTS EXHIBITION

IF THIS COPY OF GACS TODAY IS ADDRESSED TO YOUR GAC ALUMNI, PLEASE UPDATE THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION BYHEMAILING 1 6 0 G R E AT E R AT L A N TA C R I S T I A NALUMNI@GREATERATLANTACHRISTIAN.ORG. SCHOOL