The Cadence Summer 2018

GROWTH IN FINE ARTS

SUMMER 2018

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ALUMNI 22 WEEKEND

PRESIDENT’S 29 GALA

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R G M C A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S

Visual Arts -

GMC Prep Students show creativity -

P A G E

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F E A T U R E S

The magazine for GMC alumni and friends

Summer 2018 Georgia Military College Office of Institutional Development 201 East Greene Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: (478) 387-0230 Fax: (478) 445-2867

Read The Cadence online:

Mark Strom

Senior Vice President for Institutional Development Executive Director for The Georgia Military College Foundation Sally Thrower

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Growth in Fine Arts

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Alumni Weekend 2017: Award Recipients

LTC Jim Kjer: Alumni Spotlight CPT Kristopher Farrar: Alumni Spotlight Changing Lanes: Alum Callie McMullen MGen Bill Acker Named President Emeritis Alumni Weekend 2017: Recap

Save the Date: Alumni Weekend ’18 - Oct. 19-20

Performing Arts Series 2017-2018 President’s Gala 2017

Associate Vice President for Institutional Development Janeen Garpow

Director Alumni Affairs

D E P A R T M E N T S

Denise Wansley

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Campus News . . . . . . 37 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . 44 Taps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Business Manager - The GMC Foundation Eric Schmidt

Director of Development Services Jennifer Greer

Annual Fund Officer Ravonda Bargeron

Communications Officer Steve Rogers

Strategic Events Jennifer Jones

Executive Assistant Patty Baugh

Administrative Assistant

Institutional Development Team Support Contributing Writers Anna Lynn Garrett Jobie Shields Liz McRoberts Smith

Contributing Photographers Jay Bentley Jobie Shields Dylan Stephens

The images and information contained herein are the property of Georgia Military College. Unauthorized use of this material for commercial or other purposes that are inconsistent with the goals and policies of Georgia Military College is prohibited.

Sixth-grade art students studied contour and blind contour drawings; artist Pablo Picasso’s Cubistic style and Sandy Silberwieg’s selfies in pastels.

Students created their own self-portrait exaggerating facial features.

Cover self-portrait by GMC 6th-grader Avi Villarreal

The Office of College Relations is changing its name to the

Office of Institutional Development effective July 1, 2018.

Our location remains in the Alumni House, across from the South Gate.

Please stop by and see us!

Georgia Military College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and BAS degrees.

VISIT US ONLINE: alumni.gmc.edu

GMC’S FI N E ARTS PRO GR A M :

UNLEASHING CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE RESEARCH SHOWS ART EDUCATION SUPPORTS ALMOST EVERYTHING SOCIETY DEMANDS FROM OUR SCHOOLS: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY. TAKE A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF GMC’S FINE ARTS PROGRAM TO SEE HOW WE’RE WEAVING THE ARTS INTO THE CLASSROOM AND WELL BEYOND.

Wyatt Spivey always enjoyed sports. As a GMC Prep School freshman, he quickly worked his way up to first string varsity punter, played tennis, even considered becoming a men’s cheerleader down the road.

In 10th grade, he decided to take a short break from sports. And that’s when Wyatt discovered his true calling: theater. “I’m definitely a goofball, or at least that’s what my sister says,” he laughs. “I’ve always liked singing and doing goofy voices…and I watched my sister perform in plays, which I thought was really cool…so I decided to give it a shot.”

And what a shot it’s been. This fall, Wyatt is headed for Millikan University in Decatur, Illinois, on a full-ride theater

scholarship. He leaves GMC with 11 state championships (individual and team) and a heart full of gratitude to GMC’s Fine Arts program. He also leaves with a prized Literary state championship ring, in which he engraved the name of GMC’s Prep School Fine Arts Director, Mark Weaver.

“I put Weaver’s name in the ring because he showed me I could really make something of myself through art,” says Spivey. “If I’d gone to school somewhere else, I wouldn’t have known I was decent at performing and would’ve struggled to find the money just to go to an in-state school, where I would have majored in something I was less passionate about. Weaver showed me how to fine tune my talents, get in front of the right people and make

“EVERY CHILD IS AN ARTIST. THE PROBLEM IS HOW TO REMAIN AN ARTIST ONCE WE GROW UP.”

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PABLO PICASSO

T H E performing an achievable dream.”

And that’s what the GMC Fine Arts program does. It gives students a chance to explore and cultivate their creative side. It fosters teamwork, boosts confidence and nurtures a sense of belonging. And it prepares students for life after school, regardless of whether they continue in the arts.

A FINE ARTS RENAISSANCE

‘James and the Giant Peach’ performed by GMC’s JC Drama Club

Of course, fine arts isn’t just about theater. The Prep School Fine Arts program includes visual arts and instrumental music/band, as well as performing arts. In the Junior College, students can explore their artistic interests through both the music and theater programs.

With the full support of GMC President Lt. General William B Caldwell, IV, as well as our generous donors, the school’s Fine Arts program is enjoying a mini renaissance of its own.

“Honestly, whenever there’s a change at the top of an organization, the fine arts people get nervous because we’re often the first to be cut,” says Weaver. “But from day one, General Caldwell’s support has been unwavering. And he never misses a show, often filling several rows with his friends, family and people from the community.

That level of support feeds the whole Fine Arts department and inspires our supporters to do the same.”

Examples of growth in the arts are all around GMC. The Junior College now boasts not only a musical appreciation class, but a chorus class, as well. Students can also join the Chorus Club, which has recently grown from three singers to about 25. “In addition to performing, the Chorus Club travels with the GMC Fine Arts Club to New York City each year to see several Broadway shows and

‘MidSummer Nights Dream’ performed by the National Players

‘The Pajama Game’ performed by GMC Prep High School

‘Light Magic-Celebration of Earth’

A R T S

participate in a workshop with current Broadway artists,” explains Music Appreciation Professor and Musical Performance Coordinator, Moona Yu. “It’s a wonderful way to broaden our students’ exposure to the arts and give them the exciting opportunity to work personally with highly acclaimed performers.”

Another recent addition to the Junior College – and a brainchild of General Caldwell – is the GMC Men’s Cadet Glee Club, which was recently invited to perform a concert at Fort Hamilton High School in New York. And on the instrumental side, Yu, a concert pianist, coordinates and performs in various concerts with visiting musicians, including an annual chamber music fundraiser.

Meanwhile, Junior College Creative Director, Amy Zipperer, says she too has seen enormous growth in GMC’s Fine Arts program. “For the last several years, we’ve been able to offer a full season of theater, including visiting productions by reputable touring companies.”

Junior College theater students have also embarked on new collaborations and performances this year – with The Milledgeville Players, for instance – driving awareness of GMC theater across Milledgeville. Through those collaborations, students can work with seasoned actors and make new theater friends within the community. “Watching interest in our program grow within the community has been tremendously rewarding,” Zipperer adds.

The Prep School administration hired Visual Arts Director, Paige Barlow, to develop a new visual arts program to round out the Fine Arts Department. In grades six SUMMER 2018

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through eight, students now attend art classes, while ninth- through eleventhgraders have an art enrichment offering and seniors can enjoy an art elective.

“We’re giving students the opportunity to experience many forms of visual art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, photography, pottery, sculpture and general art,” says Barlow. “It’s been exciting to build a visual arts program from the ground up!”

Prep School band teacher and director, James Brewer, explains his program includes the middle school concert band, the high school marching band, the concert band, a jazz band and various competitions. Brewer says he’s seen an influx of middle and high school students becoming interested in music, with an increase of 40 percent in marching band members alone in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Prep School’s middle and high school musical theater programs continue to flourish, with the full-time addition of faculty member, Jennifer Morris, who heads the middle school musical, and co-directs and choreographs the high school productions. And next year, the Prep School will debut a fourth- and fifth-grade musical of their very own.

And the GMC creativity continues during the summer, with band, art and theater camps at the Prep School level.

Printmaking: linoleum carvings in Prep Visual Arts class

Photography study by Allie Kauzlarich

Aryana has a fondness for acrylic paints, while Arleda prefers Sharpie drawings. Both say they’ll continue to be involved in the arts next year as they head off to UGA and Kennesaw State, respectively, for college.

“It’ll be a great way to keep our talents fresh and meet new people!” says Aryana.

For both young women, art has become not only a source of confidence, but also of mindfulness. “We look at artwork differently now…we can break it down and really appreciate the techniques and hard work that went into it,” says Arleda. “And we look at the world differently now, too.

When we go outside, we used to see trees and buildings from a general perspective.

Now, we see the different textures, angles and colors…we pay a lot more attention to the details.”

Barlow says it’s exactly that level of analysis that makes art not only pleasurable, but practical. “It brings out problem-solving skills because you have to be able to visualize a project or performance from beginning to end, and break it into the required steps. It’s incredibly gratifying to see students become comfortable with learning, sharpen their problem-solving skills and really discover their interests.”

SHARING A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

Bryce Raburn began his percussion career at the tender age of two, with a wooden spoon and assortment of pots and pans.

DISCOVERING Over the years, he parlayed his skills into HIDDEN TALENTS church worship music, joined the GMC middle school concert band, then the high When twins Arleda and Aryana school marching band, where he is now a Lawson heard about GMC’s new visual junior co-captain. arts program, their reaction was tepid.

“Playing a musical instrument lets you be “We talked to some of the donors who you. It lets you express yourself without encouraged us to take the 12th-grade saying a word,” he notes. “Anyone who has elective, but we’re really not creative an artistic talent can share that gift with people,” says Arleda. “The only thing we Painting by Aryana Lawson others, and I definitely plan to share mine!” could draw was stick figures!”

Raburn credits band director James Brewer for re-energizing the Turns out, the Lawson ladies had hidden talents. “Ms. Barlow Prep School’s band program by “pushing us to give our all…and exposed us to different techniques and showed us we could then give some more all! He doesn’t settle for ordinary – he’s a interpret them any way we wanted,” says Arleda. “And we’re role model for how to become extraordinary.” actually pretty good!”

Naturally, Brewer shares Raburn’s passion for music – and for “LOGIC WILL GET YOU FROM A TO B. IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE.”

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ALBERT EINSTEIN

T H E

A R T S

WHY DO I LOVE THE GMC FINE ARTS PROGRAM? hard work. In a band, the artistic skills Brewer points out, no themselves, but we also “It has shown me how to be true to myself...in a world of conformity, single part is more help students grow and you should never be afraid to stand out and show who you really are.” important than the develop to be better

-- Student SARAH WILSON others. Each person has human beings, better to work hard to make members of society,” the entire group successful. “These kids work incredibly hard, not says Morris. “Speaking in front of people, working hard toward a just in band, but across all the fine arts. And they experience that goal, finding confidence, lifting each other up…it’s all there. The deep feeling of satisfaction of seeing their hard work pay off, art world is a very inclusive place…we are very accepting of all whether it’s on the marching field, in the concert hall or during types of people.” competitions. Even if they don’t continue to play an instrument, Wyatt agrees wholeheartedly. “The GMC Fine Arts program they’ve made lifelong friends and learned the value of a strong gives students a second family, a place where we all have each work ethic.” other’s back, which is incredibly important. In a school focused on discipline and FINDING rigor, the arts YOUR TRIBE program lets students have a big voice in Let’s face it, defining their navigating the social collective success, landscape of which is a great childhood and balance. And when adolescence can be students’ talents tough. But the arts, come to life, they much like sports, can gain social value, offer kids a true sense which helps them of competence and make friends outside belonging. the art world, even “We teach not just across generations.”

GMC Prep Band

Winter Fine Arts Gala - GMC Prep Middle School students pictured

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“WHY DO I LOVE THE GMC FINE ARTS PROGRAM? Case in point: Through performances I get to display my passion and emotion so that others will be able to understand and at donor events, get the feeling of what fine arts and acting truly is.”

– Student JESSE WILKERSON Wyatt has met a number of donors whose support has tennis – he’d tried them all. “But when I joined the One Act Play motivated him to reach even higher. “Ms. Beegee Baugh is one of and we won the state championship, something just clicked. That’s them…she is just awesome. Knowing she’s in the audience at our when I knew I wanted to do this for a living.” performances is really heartwarming and inspiring. It means so Yet as much as Hopkins enjoys singing, acting and writing, he much to know she’s a fan and supporter.” thinks his theater career might take him behind the scenes. In fact,

INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS Like Wyatt, Max Hopkins was a sports guy – soccer, wrestling,

he’d like to follow in the footsteps of his GMC teachers, all accomplished artists in their own rights, who’ve chosen to share their love of art with kids.

“I think I’d like to go into theater education, to help expose students to the fine arts, bring out their talents and discover the joys of it,” says Max, “Just like GMC did for me.”

‘Shrek Jr.’ performed by GMC Middle School

Wyatt Spivey and Max Hopkins during a Fine Arts field trip to New York

‘Footloose’ performed by GMC High School

“Theater at GMC is very important to me because I’m surrounded by people who are my second family and who are always here when I need them. We all support each other and always push each other to become better.

I love them with my whole heart.”

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-- Student SHELBY DUKE

T H E

A R T S

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS GMC JC CADETS PERFORM CONCERT IN NEW YORK

The GMC JC Cadet Men’s Glee Club performed a concert for Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. in February.

A music colleague of Moona Yu’s, who is the choral director at Fort Hamilton High School invited GMC to perform.

GMC’s cadets presented a full concert, which was followed by a question and answer session about our institution. The cadets represented GMC very well. What a wonderful opportunity they had to travel and perform for these students in Brooklyn.

JC CADETS SING GMC ALMA MATER The Alma Mater is the anthem of Georgia Military College.

Singing or reciting the anthem is but one more way for cadets and students to bind themselves to the traditions of our college. The tune of the Alma Mater, “Annie Lisle”, is the name of an 1857 ballad penned by Boston songwriter H. S. Thompson.

It has been adopted by numerous institutions over the years.

Six members of the 139th Corps of Cadets performed the Alma Mater, conducted by Professor Moona Yu, for a recording that was used on social media and sent to alumni and friends.

The cadets participated in a Broadway workshop with a Broadway artist from ‘School of Rock.’

Cadet singers: Eric Arnold, Christopher Mancuso, Luiz Dos Santos, Dominik Khuat, Donovan Poellnitz, and Demelio Tua

GMC cadets with Fort Hamilton High School students in Brooklyn, N.Y.

24-Hour Play performed by GMC Junior College

LET EACH MAN EXERCISE THE ART HE KNOWS. -- ARISTOPHANES

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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS GMC PREP LITERARY TEAM CAPTURES 4TH CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The GMC Prep Literary Team won the GHSA Team State Championship over 46 other competing schools in the Public division for Class A. As the hosts for both the Public and Private competitions, GMC welcomed over 600 people from 62 schools on our campus for the day-long event. Our team members really stood out from the crowd as they competed in their individual events which led to earning points toward the overall State Title.

The winners from this year’s state competition are listed below: State Champion Team: GMC Prep School Overall Team State Champion Rhetorical Essay: Tyler Gray State Champion Humorous Oral Interpretation: Jayla Lawrence State Champion Extemporaneous Speaking: Taylor Sherwood State Runner Up Boys Quartet: Shane Byous, Bryce Raburn, Jason Schneck, and Zach Williams

State Runner Up Personal Essay: Anna Caldwell State Runner Up Duo Oral Interpretation: Dean Kelleher and Lindsey Knowles

State Runner Up Argumentative Essay: Taylor Sherwood State Runner Up Dramatic Oral Interpretation: Sarah Wilson State Runner Up Girls Solo: Madison Sloan

GMC Prep Literary GHSA Team State Champions

GMC PREP ONE ACT TAKES HOME 1ST PLACE AT COMPETITION

Our cast and crew of The Pajama Game competed in the Area 8 GHSA Public One Act Play Competition. As each award was announced, GMC Prep took 1st place. The fabulous cast and crew performed the show at The Goldstein Center in November.

Pajama Game cast for One Act Play wins first place at Area Competition

The winners from this year’s state competition are listed below: Best Show: Champion Area 8 (State qualifying) Best Choreography: GMC Prep Best Ensemble: GMC Prep Best Set: GMC Prep Best Costumes: GMC Prep Best Actress: Lindsey Knowles Best Actor: Dean Kelleher Best Supporting Actress: Rylee Craft Best Supporting Actor: Shane Byous Area All-State Cast: Jayla Lawrence Area All-State Cast: Jason Schneck

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The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton sponsored their 9th Annual Photography Contest and Exhibition in March. Out of Aryanna Lawson 290 entries, GMC Prep School had three winners in the junior category. First place went to senior Aryanna Lawson for her photograph titled, “Under the Weather”; third to senior Allie Kauzlarich; and fourth to freshman Morgan Prosser.

PREP ART STUDENTS WIN BIG IN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

T H E

A R T S

SINCE 2013, THE PREP SCHOOL’S FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT HAS WON

SEVEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES.

2017-2018

2015-2016

State Runner-Up One Act Play “The Pajama Game” State Best Actress - Jayla Lawrence Area Champion One Act Play “The Pajama Game” Area Best Actress - Lindsey Knowles Area Best Supporting Actress - Rylee Craft Area Best Actor - Dean Kelleher Area Best Supporting Actor - Shane Byous Area Best Set, Best Costumes, Best Choreography One Act Play All Star Awards - Jason Schneck and Jayla Lawrence

Mark Weaver Fine Arts Director Prep Fine Arts

2016 – 2017

State Champion One Act Play “The Wedding Singer” State Champion Literary Team Area Best Supporting Actress - Kelsie Farley Area Best Actor - Wyatt Spivey State Best Actor - Wyatt Spivey State Best Actress - Kelsie Farley State Champion Boys Solo - Wyatt Spivey State Champion Duo Acting - Andy Watkins and Max Hopkins State Champion Boys Quartet - Max Hopkins, Jim Rowell, Wyatt Spivey, Nick Weldon State Runner-Up Rhetorical Essay - Tyler Gray State Runner-Up Dramatic Interpretation - Sarah Wilson Area Champion Boys Solo - Wyatt Spivey Area Champion Boys Quartet - Max Hopkins, Jim Rowell, Wyatt Spivey, Nick Weldon Area Champion Rhetorical Essay - Tyler Gray Area Champion Dramatic Interpretation - Sarah Wilson Area Champion Personal Essay - Lindsey Knowles Area Champion Duo Acting - Max Hopkins and Andy Watkins

Jenny Morris Prep Theatre and Dance Director

Paige Barlow Prep Visual Arts Director

GMC PREP ART STUDENTS DISPLAY WORK IN ATLANTA AND WIN AT CAPITOL ART EXHIBIT

State Champion One Act Play “Guys and Dolls” State Champion Literary Team State Best Actress - Hannah Rice State Best Actor - Wyatt Spivey* State Champion Boys Quartet* State Champion Rhetorical Essay* State Champion Boys Solo* State Champion Runner-Up Duo Acting - Sarai Map and Dean Kelleher Area Champion One Act Play “Guys and Dolls” Area Champion Literary Team Area Best Supporting Actress - Hannah Rice Area Best Supporting Actor - Wyatt Spivey Area Best Actress - Reagan Thornton Area Best Actor - Andy Watkins Area Champion Boy’s Solo - Wyatt Spivey Area Champion Girl’s Solo - Reagan Thornton Area Champion Boys Quartet - Nick Weldon, Max Hopkins, Jim Rowell, Wyatt Spivey Area Champion - Dramatic Interpretation - Nick Weldon Area Champion Rhetorical Essay - Audrey Harris Area Champion Duo Interpretation - Dean Kelleher and Sarai Mapp Area Champion Girls Trio - Hannah Rice, Lyssa Blair, Annaleah Phillips

2014-2015

State Champion Literary Team Area Literary Champion Team Area Runner-Up One Act Play “Little Shop of Horrors” Area Best Supporting Actor - Nick Weldon Area Best Supporting Actress - Trio: Sarai Mapp, Chryssl Jadol, Bronte Joseph State Champion Boys Extemporaneous Speaking - Roy Wood State Champion Girls Extemporaneous Speaking - Analese Bridges State Champion Girls Solo - Rebekah Veatch Area Champion Boys Extemporaneous Speaking - Roy Wood Area Champion Girls Extemporaneous Speaking - Annalese Briges Area Champion Girls Solo - Rebekah Veatch Area Champion Girls Trio - Rebekah Veatch, Reagan Thornton, Annaleah Phillips Area Champion Boys Quartet - Nick Weldon, Max Hopkins, James Cole Harbor, Wyatt Spivey Area Champion Girls Dramatic Interpretation - Peyton Mims

2013 – 2014 Wyatt Baugh

Two Prep School students were selected to represent GMC for their outstanding artistic talents at the state’s largest student art exhibit in February. It is the premier event for Youth Art Month, with a purpose to share the exceptional creative ability of Georgia’s art students with legislators and the public.Wyatt Baugh and Logan Mitchem displayed artwork at the Capitol Art Exhibit in Atlanta. Baugh, a seventh-grader, was selected after winning the “Best in Show” award at the Prep School’s first annual Fine Arts Exhibit in December.

His winning artwork was a portrait of his father in uniform, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.

Mitchem, a freshman, won a second-place award for her pencil value drawing of Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, President of GMC. Both pieces were displayed in the Twin Towers building in front of the capitol in Atlanta in February.

James Brewer Prep Band Director

Amy Zipperer Creative Director Jr. College Fine Arts

Moona Yu Professor of Music Junior College

State Champion One Act Play “Chicago” State Best Actor - Roy Wood State Best Actress - Sarah McTyre Area Champion One Act Play “Chicago” Area Best Actress - Sarah McTyre Area Literary Champion Team State Runner-Up Literary Team State Champion Girls Dramatic Interpretation - Peyton Mims State Champion Boys Extemporaneous Speaking - Roy Wood Area Champion Girls Solo - Sarah McTyre Area Champion Boys Solo - Andrew Wiemer Area Champion Boys Quartet - Andrew Weimer, Nick Weldon, James Cole Harbor,Max Hopkins Area Champion Girls Dramatic Interpretation - Peyton Mims Area Champion Boys Extemporaneous Speaking - Roy Wood

“Doing theater at GMC has taught me a lot about myself, but more about how to work as a team player to accomplish a common goal. It’s taught me that staying positive in these situations makes for a better environment. I’ve started applying this to life outside of theater, as well.”

-- Student LINDSEY KNOWLES

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P E R F O R M I N G

A R T S

S E R I E S

“Classic Nashville Roadshow” Alumni Weekend Concert Sept. 30, 2017

JC Chorus Concert Fall Concert Oct. 26, 2017

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

CLASSIC NASHVILLE Roadshow

“Light Magic: Celebrations of Earth” GMC Prep School Theatre Dec. 5, 2017 Grant Parade

“The Pajama Game” GMC Prep School Theatre Nov. 2, 3, and 4, 2017 Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

Chloe Agnew and Atlanta Pops Orchestra Holiday Concert Dec. 7, 2017 Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

“Shrek Jr. The Musical” GMC Middle School Theatre Jan. 25-27, 2018 “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” GMC JC Theatre/Milledgeville Players Dec. 8-10, 2017 Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

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Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

P E R F O R M I N G

A R T S

GMC CADET MEN’S ENSEMBLE GMC JC Fine Arts Jan. 30, 2018

S E R I E S

“The Great Gatsby”

Production by The National Players

Feb. 3, 2018

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

“Night of Chamber Music” Guest Artist Series Mar. 8, 2018 Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

82nd AIRBORNE “All American” Chorus

Mar. 15, 2018 Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

GMC High School Theatre Apr. 25 - 27, 2018

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

The Swing Dolls Spring Concert April 19, 2018

“James and The Giant Peach” GMC JC Theatre May 11-12, 2018

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts

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A L U M N I S P OT L I G HT

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP FOR PHILANTHROPIC GIVING

Patricia Baugh Thompson, Jim Kjer and Mike Perez with GMC ’73 Scholarship recipients for the 2017-2018 school year

ALUMNI JIM KJER (HS 1973) After serving 23 years in the U.S. Army, Jim Kjer has worked behind the scenes at GMC, diplomatically deflecting accolades while dedicating his time, talent and financial support to GMC. From serving on the GMC Foundation Board of Trustees to mentoring cadets, he simply puts his actions where his values are.

True to form, humility shapes Jim’s message. “My goal is to bring attention to the school and its programs. There are so many organizations that don’t appreciate or use donations wisely, but GMC isn’t one of them,” he says. “Supporting this school gives you an opportunity to see real positive results.”

That’s a certainty Jim knows from firsthand experience. “GMC had the single biggest influence on my life, other than my parents.

It reinforced what my parents taught me…do the right thing…be honest…actions carry consequences. That’s why I’m so confident

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that putting your experience or your gift behind GMC is one of the most solid investments you can make.”

Jim has definitely walked his talk. For twelve years, he served on the GMC Foundation and didn’t miss a meeting. He was a member of the Investment Committee, helping shape the financial future of the Foundation’s funds and also the Rules and Nomination Committee.

In February 2014, Jim and a core group of classmates - Mike Perez, Ben Plexico, and Patricia Baugh Thompson - kicked off the GMC ’73 Scholarship, which honors all ‘70s era alumni who have passed away. Sadly the number of deceased is more than 115, but the scholarship is a way to pass on their spirit to current Prep School students. In a little over three years, this core group raised more than $54,000, which, when combined with matching funds,

totals more than $151,000. Those gifts were enough to fund multiple scholarships from 2014 - 2017, and to establish an endowment that now funds eight scholarships every year (two for grades 9 through 12) in perpetuity. To date, eighteen scholarships, at a minimum of $500 each, have been awarded.

Several times a month, Jim meets with three Junior College cadets he mentors. “The Cadet Sponsorship Program initiated by General Caldwell gives you an opportunity to reinforce what the school teaches,” he says. “And it’s gratifying to spend time with the cadets, whether we’re in the gym together, sharing a meal, discussing how to achieve their academic goals or just talking about life.”

or both. “I find it very satisfying to help young individuals who are motivated and want to make something of their lives. You hear so much about kids dropping out of school and low-performing students in the U.S. I can’t fix that big thing, but I can have an influence on a few individuals. Hopefully, we can impact their lives now and maybe pass on some of our desire to give back…so when they have the same opportunity in 10, 20, 30 years, the seed we planted will show itself.”

That’s exactly where Jim wants the spotlight – on setting a positive example, finding ways to make a lasting difference and inspiring others to do the same.

S C HOL A R SH I P The GMC ’73 Scholarship, established in February 2014, is a memorial to all GMC classmates from the ‘70s era (1970-1979) who have passed away. This Endowed Scholarship gives us the opportunity to remember our former classmates and help pass on their spirit, to deserving 9th-12th grade Prep School students, in the form of a GMC education.

As an Endowed Scholarship, the GMC ’73 Scholarship is self-supporting, using interest and dividends each year to cover the cost of multiple $500 scholarships.

The Scholarship, awarded annually to

As Jim points out, the options for lending a hand at GMC are many, whether it’s through donation, service

two Prep School freshmen, is a minimum of $500. These recipients retain the Scholarship for four years, through graduation, as long as the selection criteria continue to be met financial need, academic good standing, and a minimum GPA of 2.73.

Why do I give?

“GMC had the single biggest influence on my life, other than my parents.

It reinforced what my parents taught me… do the right thing…be honest… actions carry consequences.”

Thus, annually eight GMC ’73 Scholarships are awarded - two each to Prep School freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Since 2014, thirteen Prep School students have benefited from a total of 18 scholarships.

One hundred percent of all — Jim Kjer (HS ’73)

donations go to the Scholarship.

Please donate to this very worthwhile cause and assist these motivated Prep School students who simply need some financial help.

JIM’S VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP • GMC FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER • INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER • RULES AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE MEMBER • CADET SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM MENTOR • GMC ’73 SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDER

Please help honor our deceased GMC Alumni from the ’70s era with your donation. Additionally, your gift will assist deserving GMC Prep School students in their pursuit of a GMC education.

To donate, call (478) 387-0230 or give online: alumni.gmc.edu/gmc73.

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A L U M N I S P OT L I G HT

GMC ALUMNUS TAKES CHANCE TO HELP CAPTAIN KRISTOPHER FARRAR (JC 2007) Captain Kristopher Farrar always knew he was destined to serve in the United States military. The details of his future service were not

future wife, Nicole Edwards Farrar, who

certain, but the core mission of the U.S. Army rang true in his spirit

served as a Regimental S5.

from an early age.

Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in

Fast forward many years from when Farrar first joined his high

Political Science, Farrar was commissioned

school’s JROTC program in Columbus, Ga., and he is now a part

at Columbus State University in May 2010,

of making history, as a leader of the 1st Security Force Assistance

completed his training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Brigade, the Army’s newest initiative to impact the war in Afghanistan.

and immediately set off to Fort Stewart,

Captain Farrar has certainly excelled in his roles serving in the Army,

Ferrar and wife Nicole

Ga. where he served in the 1st Brigade 3rd

and his success is something GMC is particularly proud of. All success

ID. He completed his first deployment from November 2012 to July

stories begin somewhere, and Captain Farrar’s starts here at GMC.

2013 in Afghanistan, where he worked in Village Stability Operations.

Captain Farrar enrolled at GMC Junior College in 2006, and received

It was in that role where Captain Farrar learned about working with

his associates degree in Criminal Justice in 2007. Farrar was a recipient

local nationals, delving into the structure and inner workings of the

of the State Service Scholarship, allowing him to go to school and

Afghan Military. Once he returned to Fort Benning as an Executive

serve in the Georgia National Guard. While at GMC, Captain Farrar dove

Officer, Captain Farrar enrolled in the Maneuver Captains Career

in headfirst in campus activities, serving as President of the SGA, Head

Course. He then moved to Fort Polk, La. and served as an infantry

of Honor Counsel, and Editor in Chief of the GMC newspaper. Captain

company commander with the 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division for

Farrar excelled as a Cadet as well, serving as Regimental Sergeant

24 months.

Major and was named runner up for the “Soldier of the Year” award for the Georgia National Guard in 2007.

It was also at GMC where he met his

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It was Captain Farrar’s deployment to Afghanistan that has helped propel him to his current role - as a leader in an unprecedented unit for

the U.S. Army, the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB).

“The SFAB was recruiting for Post Command Captains that had expe-

readiness of foreign armies. In the past, training missions for foreign armies were ad hoc, but now the SFAB is a permanent force structure

rience and were complete with duty assignments. I reached out to the

in support of the defense strategy. Soldiers will no longer be pulled from

Branch Manager and it seemed like a good fit for myself and my family,

their original units to perform training missions because the SFAB is

since I was complete with my developmental time and I could use the

specifically trained for those missions.

experience I gained in past positions,” shared Farrar.

The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade is the first of 6 units that

The soldiers within the 1st SFAB will show foreign forces all the different ways to combat the threats in their country, and will help them

have been designed to advise and assist foreign armies, so that they

to codify the systems so that they can be more successful on their own.

can be ready to contain guerrilla forces on their own, like the Taliban in

“I think this unit is going to make a true impact in the overall readi-

Afghanistan. The units are made up of soldiers who are already proven

ness of the U.S. Army. By allowing brigade combat teams to focus on

leaders, equipped with the best training to advise foreign armies in the field.

their mission, it will greatly increase the readiness of the overall force,”

“We are changing the dynamic of how we are fighting the war at this time. Advisors are getting the local forces to fight the war for them-

Farrar said.

History is officially being written, as

selves instead of U.S. or NATO forces to fight. This will help them stay

Captain Farrar and the 1st Security Force

ready for whatever threat may be out there,” commented Farrar.

Assistance Brigade are now serving their

These units are uniquely designed for the mission of helping the

first deployment overseas.

Ferrar

WRITE HISTORY WITHIN THE U.S. ARMY

SUMMER 2018

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CHANGING LANES REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

by Ana Garrigo

Army West Point Athletic Communications

Athletic Communications United States Military Academy

Calli McMullen started dancing when she was just two years old. track journey though. One Ballet is a passion she’s pursued for almost as long as she can fateful day during practice, the remember. team got in trouble with the Even when her family decided to pack their bags and move to a coach. small town called Milledgeville, Georgia, she continued to find a way “I don’t even remember what to dance. Ballet was something that she could take with her happened, but all of a sudden he anywhere. told everyone to line up. I didn’t While she was dancing, the time came for her brother to have any track spikes. I had cheer go to high school. Her family wanted her brother to go shoes. I was racing in cheer somewhere in this new town of theirs where he could shoes, and I was beating the grow and have incredible opportunities. The high people on the team. That’s schools in the area were the public school, a few when the coaches said, “Okay, private schools, and Georgia Military College. you’re not just a high jumper.

GMC, which “embraced a dual focus on You’re going to run.” advancing intellect and developing character,” Her journey started off was just what her family was looking for. slowly, mainly running short Being the younger sister, and watching her distance relays and training to brother have the chance to grow and become a better track athlete. develop, when the time came, she decided It wasn’t until her sophomore this was the path for her as well. year of high school that things Calli McMullen (HS ’16) When entering high school, her horizons began to change and her broadened to include so much more than dance. coaches realized her potential in She took the chance to do a little bit of everything. She worked on the the 400 and other sprints. This discovery led her coaches to switch her yearbook, started cheer leading, and joined a gymnastics team. But immediately to the 400-meter dash. It was hard at first. She had to through it all, ballet was still her focus. learn how to change her movements from the elegant grace she had It was a part of her life she couldn’t give up. Despite all her other familiarized herself with, into the direct precise movements that running activities, she continued to dedicate summers and hours after school demanded. to her passion. She learned advanced ballet techniques under “Ballet is more structured toward pointing your toes and being very incredible teachers. graceful,” she added. “Still strong, but graceful and soft movements.

“Dance not only demanded weekly practices, but we also had Track is very direct, very flexed feet.” practices on the weekends,” said McMullen. “Time management was When her senior year finally hit, she was a focused 400-meter such a huge part of it all. I had to sit down and plan my schedule, day runner with a lot of talent, and just starting out in the 200-meter dash. by day, to the hour because things were hectic. It was really fun, but Recruiters came and began to vie for her attention. Among them, the there were some days that were hard.” coaches from Army West Point.

Her hard work would soon pay off, but not in a way that she could She was ready for Army when they came though not only was she have ever imagined. an on-the-rise athlete at a military high school, she was also the Knowing her background in ballet and cheer leading, she was school’s Battalion Commander. singled out by a track coach from her high school. Knowing that she “That was the highest position in the high school and it was given to had the ability to jump from her previous training, they invited her to a senior,” McMullen said. “There is a battalion commander for the join the team as a high jumper. middle school and high school and there is the regimental commander Despite her other obligations, McMullen leapt at the chance to at the college. Some of my responsibilities were just checking in on tackle a new challenge. everyone in the battalion and doing daily inspections.

The invitation to join the high jumpers was only the beginning of her “Overall, I think it was a pretty challenging job, but I think it’s also a

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From Pointe to Point

CALLI MCMULLEN: 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A R M Y W E ST P O I NT T R AC K A N D F I E L D

PATRIOT LEAGUE INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: • First Team

All-Patriot League performer the 60m dash (7.58) • Won the 200m dash (24.72) • Anchored the 4x400m relay team placing first (3:51.10) • Won

ARMY VS. NAVY OUTDOOR STAR MEET • Anchored

the 4x100m relay team placing second with a time of 46.15 – Academy Record • Won the 100m dash (11.83) – Meet Record • Won the 200m dash (24.38) – Meet Record

PATRIOT LEAGUE OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: • Patriot

League Female Track Athlete of the Meet All-Patriot League performer • Won the 100m dash (11.69) – Academy Record • Won the 200m dash (24.13) – Academy Record • Anchored the 4x100m relay team placing first (45.69) • First Team

Army West Point Athletic Communications

very fulfilling job.

You have students that are filling these military positions and learning what it’s like to manage at that level.”

She knew that all of these factors would interest the Academies and was even warned in advance by a close friend and previous Battalion Commander.

“It was my senior year and I got a call from one of my friends who is currently a firstie at the Air Force Academy. He was a previous Battalion Commander, and he said, “You know Calli, as the Battalion Commander people are going to try to get you to go to an Academy.”

She could tell already that Army was the place she would end up.

“Being recruited for track, having the relationship with the Lt. General at the school I was at, who was a graduate from West Point, also helped. He was able to give me advice and point me in the right direction.

“I decided to run track at West Point. It was a huge decision, and I didn’t expect it to happen.”

During BEAST Barracks, the summer before her plebe year, she had a chance to meet the track coaches and introduce herself as a 400-meter runner. As the early stages of her collegiate track training went on, they quickly realized that she would shine in sprints and made the switch to the 200-meter dash, where she has achieved incredible levels of success. She consistently comes out on top and has set three season bests for the team this year alone in the 60, 200, and 400-meter runs.

McMullen’s list of accolades is already a long one after a short career.

She was named Patriot League Female Rookie of the Meet at the 2017 Patriot League Outdoor Track and Field Championships as the champion in the 100-meter dash. She earned first team All-Patriot League in the event and second team honors in the 200 meters and as member of the 4x100 meter relay team. Most recently, McMullen was a first team

RECORDS HELD: • Outdoor

100m dash (Individual event) 200m dash (Individual event) • Outdoor 4x100m relay (Team event) • Outdoor

AWARDS: Named “Women’s Yearling of the Year,” awarded to top female Cadet-Athlete for each class.

selection in the 60-meter dash and the 200 in this year’s indoor championship meet.

Now a sophomore at West Point, her main focus athletically is track and sprints. When she goes home, McMullen’s old teachers invite her back to classes, but the hours and energy she used to dedicate to ballet and dance, she now funnels into running and constantly getting better. She often sees parallels between the two sports and how each of her passions have helped the other.

“Being in dance I not only learned balance and technique, but I learned patience and teamwork building,” she said.

Her ballet schedule demanded classes a couple of times a week in the evening, but on the weekends she had rehearsals for hours for whatever show she was a part of. The dance coaches would make the class practice routines relentlessly until they got it right.

For track, she says the practices are more condensed, and it’s more structured, especially here at West Point.

McMullen couldn’t imagine her life without track now. It’s allowed her to grow and develop in a variety of ways. While she misses dance sometimes, she’s so thankful for the start it gave her and the new passion it helped begin. Overall, she thinks her experiences in both sports have helped her excel.

“To make a dance and to go on stage and have it come all together is so spectacular to me,” she said. “I remember being backstage and being so nervous, but then when the lights go up and the crowds out there, you hit the stage and just become calm and collected. It’s a similar feeling I have when I’m on the track too. Before my race, I’m freaking out and pacing back and forth. But as soon as I hit the track and get in the blocks, I’m fine.”

Track has become a huge part of her life. It has made her physically stronger as an athlete, and mentally stronger for her future role as an officer. Her time with track has given her a sense of self-confidence and has allowed her to evolve into a strong and successful athlete.

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R O T C

S C H O L A R S H I P S

CADET SPOTLIGHT

GMC PREP SENIOR WEIGHS SERVICE ACADEMY PREP OPTIONS

JC Cadet Lucy Pitts Earns

$100,000 Scholarship to Norwich University

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, Kaylon Farley, and Capt. Robert McKenna

“When I came to GMC, I thought I knew what leadership meant but I had no idea. Leadership is 24-7 and it’s something that can be built upon every day,” Pitts said. “I think my favorite part about GMC is the people here. The leaders that are here are so available to us. We have such high-ranking people that have had wonderful careers – they’re making themselves available to cadets for leadership development and mentorship. That to me has been so inspiring.” - Lucy Pitts Cadet Lucy Pitts, the Regimental Executive Officer and Chief of Staff for the 139th Corps of Cadets at Georgia Military College, has earned a $100,000 scholarship to Norwich University, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

Lucy comes from a military family and moved from Fairfax, Virginia to attend GMC Junior College. In May, Pitts will earn her Associate degree from Georgia Military College and will transfer to Norwich University in the fall of 2018.

Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell IV, President of GMC, says he has been enormously impressed by the growth and development he has seen in Pitts.

“We are all so proud of Lucy and her commitment to our country,” Caldwell said. “She is an incredible young lady who will excel as an officer in our Army. Her potential is unlimited.”

Pitts says her goal is to become an active duty nurse.

Congratulations to Lucy on this amazing honor!

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Kaylon Farley received an appointment to not just one, but two service academy prep schools, the United States Military Academy (West Point) and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

“It’s really a blessing, especially to have options,” Farley said. “You really don’t hear of too many people down in Milledgeville having offers from the Coast Guard Academy Prep School and the West Point Academy.”

Farley is the first at GMC Prep to receive appointments to two service academy prep schools.

“I am so proud for the young man,”said Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, President of GMC. “He’s worked so hard and has really committed himself. To see that

he’s now gotten appointments to two different service academy prep schools, it’s just wonderful.”

We have five of our Prep School students currently attending different service academies, both United States Airforce Academy, United States Military Academy, and United States Coast Guard Academy.”

Farley says he’s excited to join those distinguished alumni as he transitions into his college career.

“It’s nothing but God,” Farley said.

“I can see Him working in every circumstance in my life and this is just another proof that God is still watching over me and carrying me through this journey. I’m walking in God’s will and that’s what it’s all about.”

Davis Isley (12th) received the Project GO Scholarship to study Arabic for 6 weeks this summer at the University of North Georgia (UNG). He is our first to seek this scholarship and be accepted into the prestigious Strategic Language Institute. He will receive eight college hours toward his degree at UNG and plans to study abroad next summer to fully immerse in the Arab language and culture.

Allie Kauzlarich, GMC Prep Class of 2018, has been awarded a three-year Army ROTC Scholarship and she will attend Auburn University in the fall. GMC is proud of Allie and the success she will have at Auburn.

She represents our school well.

Brigadier General Curt Rauhut, MGen Bill Acker and LtGen William B. Caldwell, IV

Former Georgia Military College President

Major General Bill Acker Named President Emeritus During GMC’s 2017 Alumni and Friends Weekend, GMC’s President, LTG William B. Caldwell IV, read a proclamation declaring former GMC President, Major General Bill Acker, a President Emeritus of the institution. This prestigious title recognizes General Acker’s years of work towards moving GMC to new heights.

“It was a wonderful honor,” said General Acker. “Georgia Military College really surprised me. I think everyone saw tears in my eyes.

I didn’t expect to show that kind of emotion. I’m an old fighter pilot who has flown in combat. I really appreciate what they have done for me.”

General Acker graduated from Georgia Military College in 1950.

In 1977, he was awarded the GMC Distinguished Alumnus award for his service to humanity and dedication to GMC. He served 33 distinguished years in the Air Force before coming back to his alma mater. He served as GMC’s 19th President from 1985 to 1992 when there was talk of closing the school due to financial problems and a decline in student enrollment. His job was to keep the school from going under.

“There were a lot of people who thought the school was closing,” said General Acker. “I had a good staff that helped me to come up with some ideas on how to get some more money and

keep the school going. We managed to keep it going.”

After he was denied a loan from a local bank to meet payroll, General Acker found another bank that was willing to help him. He later showed his appreciation by choosing that bank to manage nearly a million dollars in endowment funds they raised. He also fought hard to increase state funding for the school, added sixth and seventh grades to the prep school, added four new college campuses, resurrected the football team, implemented new technology in the classroom, and began providing scholarships to African American students to increase diversity. Through his hard work, General Acker was able to pay down some of GMC’s debt and turn the school’s finances around. General Acker says he’s very impressed with the work both General Peter Boylan and LTG William B. Caldwell, IV, have done to expand the school.

“It’s an amazing difference,” said General Acker. “General Boylan just built it up and then General Caldwell came in and took it up another level. General Caldwell is an amazing president and is exactly right for that job.”

The 87-year-old says if he writes to students in the future he no longer has to sign his name as GMC’s 19th President. He can now sign his name with pride as President Emeritus.

Cory Bivins (12th) signed a 3-year Army ROTC Scholarship to attend Furman University’s ROTC program while simultaneously attending North Greenville University to play baseball. Cory was selected to the All-Region baseball team all 4 years of high school. Cory plans to major in Biology and become an Orthopedic Surgeon or Flight Nurse and serve in the United States Army as a commissioned officer.

Cory is shown with his parents

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Alumni20w R

the

Mar k you r calendar n ow!

Oct. 19-20

Prep Homecoming Game! Reunions! Dinner/Dance! Great events!

weekend 017 2018

Fun for your entire family!

& friends

WE LOVE OUR ALUMNI!

alumni.gmc.edu

A W A R D S GMC announces

2017 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS GMC alumni and friends gathered for their annual Alumni & Friends Weekend 2017, held Sept. 29-30, and honored five esteemed individuals with the Georgia Military College Alumni Awards. “These prestigious awards recognize those whose exemplary service and notable success are

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Alumni Achievement Award

GMC Service Award

LTC JAMES T. KJER, USA (RET.)

COLONEL CHARLES D. SIKES, USA (RET.)

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose lives have embodied the ideals of Georgia Military College including discipline, moral character, and learning, whose accomplishments have made a conspicuous and positive impression on those who will follow their lead, and whose lives are examples of extraordinary accomplishment.

The Alumni Achievement Award is given to an alumnus who by deed, or action, reflects and recognizes the importance of their education at GMC and exemplifies its Core Values of “Duty, Honor, Country” in their personal and professional lives. This alumnus’ interest and loyalty are evident to GMC through their contributions of time, talents, and/or philanthropic support to one or more programs benefitting GMC and/or the GMCAA.

The GMC Service Award is designated for alumni or friends of GMC who have rendered special service to the school, or any of its ancillary organizations.

Honorees show evidence of service and loyalty to GMC and their community through demonstrated involvement in campus and community organizations and activities.

This award is the highest recognition and greatest expression of appreciation extended to an individual by the GMCAA, given for outstanding service and volunteerism.

DR. GEORGE L. ECHOLS

George L. Echols HS 1948, JC 1950

Dr. George Echols graduated in 1948 from GMC high school and in 1950 from the junior college and is a true friend of GMC. George attended GMC from first grade through junior college and then Emory University before entering the military as an officer during the Korean War. Following his service in the U.S. Army he attended the Medical College of Georgia. His distinguished career as a pediatrician began as an intern in Asheville, North Carolina. He later returned to Milledgeville to practice for five years before moving back to Augusta for additional training. In Augusta he established his thriving practice, where he served as chairman of pediatrics at University and St. Joseph’s hospitals and was also appointed Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Echols is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and is a recipient of the President’s Award from the Medical College of Georgia. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics. After many years in Augusta, the Echols moved home to Milledgeville where Dr. Echols served as Medical Director of the Medical Surgical Hospital of Central State Hospital, followed by Medical Director of the Developmental Disabilities Division at Central State Hospital. Dr. Echols also served in the role of Clinical Coordinator for Nursing Home Services at Central State Hospital. Dr. Echols retired from Central State Hospital in April 2000.

Georgia Military College has been a part of the lives of Dr. George Echols and his wife, Polly, for more than five decades.

For it was on this campus where they first met, and where Polly’s mother, Bettie Zachary Farr, taught Latin, English and history for over 40 years. To honor Mrs. Farr’s legacy, George and Polly established the Bettie Zachary Farr Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a rising GMC Preparatory Junior or Senior who otherwise would not have the opportunity for a GMC education.

Dr. Echols has accepted many leadership roles for the school, including chairman for the GMC Promise campaign for a new prep school, president of the GMC Alumni Association, Trustee of The GMC Foundation and Chairman of The GMC Foundation Rules and Nominations Committee.

Their full life together has included four children and nine grandchildren. Now retired, the couple remains active in the Milledgeville community. Dedicated to Georgia Military College, they both continue to contribute their talents and treasure for the betterment of this institution and its students.

We are saddened by the passing of Dr. Echols in February.

Read his obituary on page 47.

an inspiration to others,” explained Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, GMC President. “These honorees truly serve as role models, representing the character and dedication to excellence that’s made a difference in the lives of others. GMC is deeply proud to call them our own.”

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Jim Kjer HS 1973

Jim arrived at Georgia Military College Prep School in August 1968 as an 8th grader with great motivation and a desire to excel. He shined in all aspects of cadet life at GMC, from academics to athletics. Through his participation in athletics, he was a three-sport letterman for three years, and he received numerous Dean’s List awards over five years. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his high school class with his freshman year in college already completed. At graduation he held the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant, the highest rank for a high school cadet in 1973. Jim continued his studies at Georgia College and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army by LTC Oliver at GMC in 1976.

His next challenge was as a brand-new Field Artillery 2LT in Lawton, OK for the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in route to his first assignment in Germany, as a Pershing Missile Officer.

He then was detailed to command a Team as a 1LT, a position normally held by a Captain and for the next 23 years, Jim never looked back. His assignments included: two FA Battery commands, Battalion S3, Support Brigade Operation’s Officer, General’s Aide and numerous other assignments in Germany, Korea and in the U.S. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army, Jim and his wife, Maggie became more involved in GMC and in the GMC Alumni Association. In memory of his parents, Jim named the computer lab in Boylan Hall. Jim has also been a 10-year member of The GMC Foundation with his initial appointment to the Investment Committee by the late Bill Craig, former Chairman of The GMC Foundation.

Five years ago, Jim started his latest endeavor to support the GMC Prep School by giving back with a new twist. Before approaching the Senior Management Team at GMC, Jim started calling classmates with the idea of giving one yearly scholarship to a worthy prep school student to honor his classmates from the ‘70s era who have passed away. This scholarship, open to prep school students (grade 9-12), was the beginning of the GMC ’73 Scholarship. The initial intent of the GMC ’73 Scholarship was to be endowed within 5 years and offer one annual $500 scholarship. Jim’s effort was so successful that the GMC ’73 Scholarship was endowed in 10 months! This current school year, the GMC ’73 Scholarship will offer scholarships to eight students. Once the student is awarded the scholarship it is automatically renewed as long as the student continues to meet the scholarship’s criteria. This accomplishment of starting this scholarship in such a short period of time is quite a testimony to Jim’s tenacity, drive and heart for his alma mater.

Charles D. Sikes HS 1965, JC 1967

COL Charles D. Sikes attended GMC as a Barracks boarding student from Metter, Georgia. He graduated from GMC high school in 1965 and went on to attend GMC Junior College, where he commanded “E” company and served as the Cadet Battalion Commander. Upon graduation in 1967, COL Sikes received the U.S. Army Superior Cadet Award and the NS Meyer Award Sabre.

He was commissioned into the U.S. Army and entered Active Duty in February of 1969. He served in Vietnam from November 1969 until 1970 with USARV in the 593rd General Support Battalion as the MACV1 Compound Commander in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. Sikes returned to Fort Gordon in November 1970 where he served in the 95th Civil Affairs Group until he was released from active duty in April of 1971.

Employed for 30 years with the GBI as Special Agent in Charge of the Statesboro Field Office, he also served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 1972-1997, retiring as a Colonel. During 2008-2013 he served as a MPRI Law Enforcement Professional embedded with US military forces in Iraq & Afghanistan. Upon return he served as the Bulloch County Clerk of Courts in Statesboro from 2013-2014. He is a graduate of Georgia College, Georgia Southern University, the FBI National Academy and the US Army Command & General Staff Course.

In the spring of 2015, COL Sikes established ‘The Sikes Brothers Scholarship’ in honor of his brother and cousins, who also attended GMC in the 1950s, to be given annually to a graduating Georgia Military Prep School senior planning to attend the junior college as a cadet. At his own high school graduation, COL Sikes unexpectedly received a $100 scholarship for good citizenship and respect for authority. That scholarship meant so much to him that he decided to pay it forward and start a scholarship of his own to help a GMC student like himself.

COL Sikes has a passion for GMC and engaging others to get involved. To this end, he was instrumental in the Georgia Board of Public Safety selecting GMC to host their state-wide meeting. Because of his love for GMC, COL Sikes recently accepted a three-year term as a member of The GMC Foundation.

A W A R D S

Alumni weekend 2017

Alumni Weekend 2017

Community Service Award

Honorary Alumnus Award

MR. CHAD CHRISTIAN ROGERS The Community Service Award is given to Georgia Military College alumni who, through leadership, inspiration, teamwork, or hard work in the spirit of volunteerism or in their professional activities, have taken the lessons of GMC’s Character Education beyond the classroom and whose actions are characterized by a history of exemplary service resulting in unquestionable improvements within their community.

THE HONORABLE JODY HICE The Honorary Alumnus Award is given to an individual who is not an alumnus of Georgia Military College, but who has provided special or exceptional service to the school or to its Alumni Association, and who, by virtue of their service, are worthy of the designation of GMC Alumnus and all that the designation entails.

Chad Rogers JC 1999

Mr. Rogers was medically evacuated in January 2011 to Germany and then to Eisenhower Army Medical Center’s Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Gordon, GA, for treatment.

In November 2011, he was assigned to the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama for further treatments, recovery, and transition to retirement.

After seventeen years of service, he received a medical retirement from active duty as an Infantry Noncommissioned Officer in 2014.

Since retiring, he has been far from a man of leisure. He spends his time renovating his circa 1930s house, furthering his academics, writing about military antiques, adding to his extensive collection of antique military uniforms and performing volunteer services. The desire to preserve history has led him to organizations such as The Mossy Creek Foundation and East Tennessee Preservation Alliance. Both of these organizations work to assure that architecture and history are maintained even as the area grows and changes.

Mr. Rogers is involved with Club VIBES (Visually Impaired/ Blind Enhancement Services), Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, and is the Adjutant for both his American Legion and VFW posts. After the devastating wildfires in Gatlinburg, TN, last year, Mr. Rogers was actively involved in disaster relief efforts through several organizations: The Red Cross, All Hands Volunteers, and Team Rubicon. Mr. Rogers is member of the Civil Air Patrol. As a guest lecturer for the Blount Scholars and by conducting Staff Rides at local battlefields for local ROTC units, he is able to serve as an example and a mentor to young people.

Working as part of the Alumni Board of Directors at Georgia Military College since 2005, has increased his pride and joy in his Alma Mater. Mr. Rogers has also shown his interest loyalty to another Alma Mater, the University of Tennessee, by becoming a part of the advisory board at his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, in 2009. By 2017, he had been appointed Chairman of the Chapter Advisory Board and the President of the local Alumni Association for the fraternity.

With continuing loyalty to fallen veterans, in 2009 Mr. Rogers started working with Wreaths Across America (WWA). In 2015, he was given the WWA leadership position over the largest veteran’s cemetery in Knoxville. In this position, he is responsible for fundraising, media relations, planning, and execution of the wreath laying event held each year in early December, as well as coordinating the cleanup afterward. With a goal of making sure no Veteran is forgotten at Christmas, Mr. Rogers is busy with the WWA project early fall through January.

Nominate your choice for the 2018

Alumni Awards!

We invite alumni and friends to submit nominations for the 2018 GMC Alumni Awards.

Jody Hice

This year we are proud to recognize United States Congressman Jody Hice, of Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, as an Honorary Alumnus of Georgia Military College. Congressman Hice was born in Atlanta and raised in Tucker, Georgia. He graduated from Asbury College, earned his Master’s degree from Southwestern Seminary, as well as a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice University.

Congressman Hice served as pastor in three Georgia counties for almost 25 years. Congressman Hice took office in 2015 and serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.

For the 115th Congress, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations for the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Hice has been a true friend to our Armed Services, and to those who serve. Ever the servant leader, he daily lives the core values of GMC…Duty, Honor, Country and Character Above All. This servant leadership inevitably brought him to GMC. He quickly developed a strong affinity for our school and the character-based education we espouse. During his tenure in the U.S. House, Congressman Hice has held three military academy days at Georgia Military College, and as a result has introduced GMC to the entire 10th Congressional District. During the past two years, the Congressman has appointed two GMC Preparatory School graduates to the United States Military Academy at West Point. In addition, he has served as a speaker for our preparatory school, Corps of Cadets, the 2016 Milledgeville Junior College graduation, and the 2017 Constitution Day Parade.

In 2015, Congressman Hice presented two statements on behalf of GMC in Washington, D.C. on the House floor.

He congratulated the institution on achieving a 100 percent graduation rate and exceeding the state and national averages for SAT and ACT score. Congressman Hice also recognized GMC’s 136th anniversary during the session.

Congressman Hice and his wife of over thirty years, Dee Dee, reside in Greene County and have two daughters and four grandchildren. Please join President Caldwell, along with all of our faculty and staff, in welcoming United States Congressman Jody Hice into the GMC family as we officially induct him into the Georgia Military College Alumni Association, with all the rights and privileges pertaining there to.

For additional information, please call the Office of Alumni Affairs at (478) 387-0230.

Mail your nominations to: Alumni Awards Office of Alumni Affairs Georgia Military College 201 East Greene Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 or email to: alumni@gmc.edu.

Please include supporting documentation

for the nomination using no more than 500 words. You may include: career highlights, achievements, community service, letters of recommendation and/or newspaper/magazine articles.

Specify GMC graduate HS and/or JC.

AWARD NOMINATION CATEGORY: • Distinguished Alumnus • Honorary Alumnus

• Alumni Achievement

• Emerging Young Alumni Leader • GMC Service Award

• Community Service Award • Military Service Award

• Fallen Heroes Recognition

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Military Science Building

Dedication

THE

KEMP WING I N I T I AT I V E

Old Capitol Building

(Right) Al Blackburn remembers COL Kemp

Former GMC Regimental Commander Lee Hemrick and General Caldwell at the MSD Dedication

COL Kemp’s family members - Lynn Turner, Ed Turner and Rose West give Kemp’s retirement saber back to GMC to display in the Kemp Wing.

GMC Alums inspect the refurbished cannons

State Representative Earl Ehrhart learns about historic military items at the MSD Dedication

For giving inquiries or to make your gift by phone, please call 478-387-0230.

To give online: alumni.gmc.edu/kemp

Alumni weekend 2017

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e ee e e

VICTORY HALL INVESTITURE

MILITARY SCIENCE BUILDING | GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE

HALLOF HEROES

NOMINATIONS:

Georgia Military College requests nominations for the first Investiture Ceremony for Victory Hall.

Annually, 3-5 Distinguished or Honorary Members of the Corps of Cadets will be honored in Victory Hall.

The first Investiture Ceremony will take place on December 7, 2018. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY JULY 31, 2018.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS:

• DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE CORPS OF CADETS 1. Was a member of the Corps of Cadets 2. Earned a diploma from GMC Prep and/or an Associate Degree from GMC 3. Served in one of the Armed Services 4. Distinguished self through demonstrated actions in the service to our nation and/or contributions to society • HONORARY MEMBER OF THE CORPS OF CADETS 1. Someone who provided immeasurable support for numerous years that resulted in significant contributions for the betterment of the Corps

Anyone (organization, faculty member, family member, or graduate of GMC) can submit a nomination, which must contain a stand-alone narrative providing sufficient detail of why the nominee should be inducted into GMC’s “Victory Hall.”

Download nomination forms at alumni.gmc.edu and submit by July 31, 2018 to:

GMC Alumni Association, 201 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061, or fax to: (478) 445-2867

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T H E

A R T S Georgia Military College

PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY M E M B E R

S H I P

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GMC PERFOR MING ARTS SO CIET Y !

Friends of the GMC Performing Arts Society play a vital role in the Foundation’s effort to bring world-class performing arts to our community. As a Friend, your membership supports the Holiday Concert, as well as the annual Spring Concert, and builds the endowment for the GMC performing arts program.

Giving demonstrates your appreciation for the importance of performing arts in our community.

Become a member and enjoy the benefits of supporting the arts at Georgia Military College.

_________________________________

www.pasgmc.com or call (478) 387-0230

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S

G A L A

Presiden5t’s Gala2 Recep5tion5 the 2017

Hana Wood and Dr. Brad Mathias with Stephanie and General Caldwell

The President’s Gala was held Friday, December 1 in the Legislative Chamber. This annual event recognizes and honors President’s Circle donors for their generosity and commitment to Georgia Military College.

The President’s Circle is a leadership group comprised of our most dedicated benefactors who understand the unique role GMC plays within our community. These philanthropic leaders ensure that we will be able to meet the needs of our school, and continue to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students each year.

Majia Thorton and General Caldwell

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A T H L E T I C S - Junior College

2018 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

GMC had 25 JC Bulldogs make their decisions on where to finish up their college careers and sign their letters of intent and scholarship agreements. Seven chose to celebrate the occasion with their GMC coaches who have helped mold them the past year or two.

JC Athletic staff are grateful for all the efforts to help guide our young men and help them prepare for future success!

The following GMC Bulldogs took part in a

signing ceremony (L-R):

Tristin Sellers – University of Virginia-Wise Ramero Rock – Charleston Southern University Jabari Ellis – University of South Carolina Aaron Dowdell – Georgia Southern University Raekwon Allen – Tennessee State University David Henderson – Tuskegee University Dameien Rodgers – Albany State University (GMC players signed but not shown) Khris Pam – University of South Carolina Kishawn Miller – North Carolina State Univ.

A.J. Beach – Appalachian State University Garrel Quainton – Fort Valley State University Major Bellamy – Tennessee State University Jamal Covington – Tennessee State University Aaron Dowdell – Georgia Southern University Todd Athey – Fort Valley State University Jarquavious Wortham – Western Carolina Univ.

Trent Levell – Morehouse College Dezmond Gee – Tuskeegee University Brandon Bawn – Western Carolina University Wallace Cowins – Coastal Carolina University Devin Hill – Kennesaw State University Deonte Jackson – Albany State University

A M ! ATHLETICS GMC R G O R N E W P WOMEN’S GOLF PROGRAM

2018

COMING IN FALL WOM EN’S

GOLF

THE LANDING

Competing Fall 2018

REYNOLDS PLANTATION

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Junior College - A T H L E T I C S GMC Men’s Soccer are “Back-to-Back GCAA” Champions For the second year in a row the GMC Men’s Soccer team wrapped up the GCAA Conference Championship by virtue of their win over Andrew College.The NJCAA Division I No.16 Bulldogs ran their season record to 12-2 and rode a 10-game win streak. The team displayed a well-balanced attack all year long as the defense dominated the opponents by only giving up 3 shots a game on goal and averaging .79 goals scored on a game. Head Coach Dave Sexton stated, “The team has worked hard all season, so it’s great that they have been rewarded with the Region title again this year.”

GMC Women’s Soccer are GCAA Champions The GMC Women’s Soccer team achieved a first in the history of its program.

GMC defeated Gordon State 5-3, making them GCAA 2017 Champs.

The two teams had recorded one win, one loss, and one tie in their three games against each other during the regular season. Each team scored six goals in those three fixtures.

After the match, a ceremony was held announcing GMC’s Adisa Nwawel as GCAA Player of the Year. Adisa is also the NJCAA’s leading goal scorer in the nation. The team represented Region 17 in the NJCAA National Championship in November.

Georgia Military College is proud Lab which opened in September of 2016 through the generous to announce its newest addition of a contributions of Harold and Brenda Mason. The Mason Golf Women’s Golf Team to the intercollegiate Performance Lab includes a full-swing golf simulator, 1,000-squareathletics department. Recruitment will foot chipping and putting complex, a team room, and study lounge. begin immediately for 10 women golfers They’ll also have access to several other local courses such as The for the Fall of 2018. As with the men’s Club at Sinclair, Reynolds on Lake Oconee golf courses, Harbor Club at program, GMC will also look to recruit Lake Oconee, and Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade.

GMC WOMEN’ a contingent of international athletes.

President of GMC, LtGen Caldwell said, “We are very excited to S GOLF GMC’s Women’s Golf add Women’s Golf to our athletic family. We have NJCAA DIVISION I program Team will join the studied this possibility for a few years now, and National Junior College are ready to make it a reality. Our Women’s Golf Athletic Association’s Division II program. GMC’s program will greatly enhance the opportunities we Athletic Director, Bert Williams, says this is an provide in athletics, especially to women athletes.” exciting opportunity for GMC students.

GMC offers an affordable, accessible, and “I am excited to get the institutional approval supportive environment for its student athletes to TO THE to bring on a women’s golf program,” said Bert succeed both on and off the golf course. Members ATHLETICS Williams, GMC’s Athletic Director. “We have been of the Women’s Golf team will also be able to PROGRAM highly successful with our men’s program winning compete for athletic scholarships. GMC’s Board NJCAA DIVISION I two national championships and we firmly believe of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Randy New, says the we can bring this program on in a manner to have it addition of Women’s Golf will take the game to be successful very quickly. Our fantastic indoor golf new heights. lab, our relationships with the Club at Lake Sinclair and with several “It’s a great day in the junior college athletics program at GMC and courses at Lake Oconee, on top of a second to none institution and I’m very proud to be a part of it,” said Mr. Randy New, GMC’s Board of city provide us an incredible situation to recruit for this program.

Trustees Chairman. “The opportunity to offer Women’s Golf is going Women’s Golf will be a tremendous addition to what we offer in our to allow a lot of young ladies the opportunity to move the game to a intercollegiate athletics department at Georgia Military College.” higher level. GMC’s Men’s Golf program has been wildly successful The Women’s Golf team will practice in GMC’s state-of-thein part to our good coaches and the support of Harold and Brenda art indoor training facility known as The Mason Golf Performance Mason. I’m looking forward to the success of Women’s Golf.”

GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE IS ADDING

WOM EN’S GOLF

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A T H L E T I C S - Alumni

THE GMC CONNECTION:

How GMC Unites Players and Coaches to Succeed At New Levels We say it here often at GMC: “Start here…go anywhere!” That phrase takes on a new meaning when exploring the impact of GMC’s football programs on the trajectory of both coaches’ and students’ lives, specifically regarding Coach Chad Lunsford and player Parker Williams.

Both got their “start” at Georgia Military College, although many years apart. Parker grew up knowing Coach Lunsford, when Lunsford worked with Parker’s father, GMC Junior College Head Football Coach Bert Williams. Now, their paths have crossed at Georgia Southern University, where Coach Lunsford is Head Football Coach, and Parker Williams plays on the Offensive Line.

Coach Chad Lunsford started from the ground up at GMC. Following his graduation from Georgia College and State University, Lunsford began working with the GMC JC Football team in 1996 as an equipment manager. A year passed and Lunsford worked his way up to coach the running backs, and a few years later he served as a linebackers coach.

In 2000, Lunsford moved to Appalachian State for a year, and then worked at Georgia Southern University before coaching at the

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high school level for a brief stint in Griffin, Ga. After a few years of learning and growing, Lunsford found himself back at GMC in 2007, where he coached linebackers and was the Special Teams Coordinator until 2008.

While getting his foundation working with GMC Football, Lunsford learned the importance of hard work as he immersed himself in every aspect of a football program. “At GMC there was no job too big or too small for anyone. I earned extra money by mowing and painting fields. It taught me a lot about work ethic in the business and appreciating new things in your career as you move up. You can’t forget where you came from,” shared Lunsford.

Parker Williams learned similar lessons as a football player on the GMC Prep team.

“The biggest lesson I learned from GMC athletics is that nothing is given to you. You have to fight for everything you want, whether that’s in life or on the field. No one will feel sorry for you, and I learned that the hard way when playing in college football. You have to be motivated to do the right thing and control what you can control.”

Hard work. Perseverance. Character. Integrity. Those values ring true at GMC, for coaches and players alike. Those values are what have taken both Lunsford and Parker’s dreams and aspirations and transformed them into reality.

Coach Chad Lunsford returned to coaching at Georgia Southern University in 2013, and he was officially named Head Coach in 2017, making him the 10th full-time coach to lead the Eagles in the modern era.

Parker Williams childhood dream was to play football at the collegiate level.

Inspired and motivated by his Dad’s passion for the sport, he excelled as a player on GMC Prep’s team and had his sights set on a college football career. While a student at GMC Prep he earned a spot on the Georgia Southern Football team as a ‘preferred walk-on.’ For the first two years he was on the scout team, but in 2017, he found himself in a position to play. Williams started in two games and played in the last six games of the season.

“Earning that starting spot for the

games, especially when we played at home was the proudest moment of my life. All of my hard work and dedication finally paid off and it was great,” shared Parker.

Coach Lunsford is not the only past GMC coach to be a Georgia Southern Eagle. His coaching staff includes Defensive Coordinator Scot Sloan and Defensive Assistant Coach Victor Cabral, whom Chad coached with at GMC, and Corners Coach Cory Peoples who played for GMC while Lunsford was on the GMC coaching staff.

“The work ethic we all learned while at GMC stays strong. We all came from humble beginnings. Everyone who has worked at GMC and has gone on to other coaching endeavors has put in much effort and hard work to get to where they are now. We are all very thankful for the experience we had together,” noted Lunsford when talking about the GMC experiences he and his fellow coaches shared.

Parker was grateful for his GMC connections when starting out at Georgia Southern.

“I have known Coach Lunsford for pretty much my whole life… he helped my transition when I first got to Georgia Southern.

To see a familiar face in the building really helped me not feel alone,” said Williams.

Both Lunsford and Williams note the strong bonds of friendship that remain within the GMC community. “The moments I remember most from GMC are those long bus rides to away games. The players and coaches stay friends no matter where we go,” shared Lunsford. “My favorite memories are of seeing the guys come together and work as a team, and then have success.”

“GMC is a real family. Once you have graduated from this special place, you will forever be a Bulldog,” noted Williams.

“Coach Lunsford is awesome. He has been through the fire with us — multiple coaching changes, winning seasons, losing seasons, etc. Coach Lunsford is the right man for this job. He gets the True Blue nature, he has a true passion for the school and the players. He has installed a new sense of energy in our program and our community. He is a true definition of a player’s coach. He gets what we are going through and will always have our backs no matter the situation. I am proud and honored

GSU Head Football Coach, Chad Lunsford

Alumni - A T H L E T I C S process here and get started in their occupational and educational careers with great preparation at GMC. Coach Chad Lunsford is a great example of that.

Kansas OC and Broyles Award finalist Doug Meacham, NFL DL Coach Robert Nunn (Jets), NFL Offensive Assistant Robbie Burns (Jets), Appalachian State DC Dale Jones to name a few and many others at all levels of high school and college football have come through Milledgeville and GMC. It would take too long to list the nearly 600 young men who have earned scholarships to continue on in college from our program, but we clearly make a difference,” shared Coach Williams proudly.

Regardless of where GMC Bulldogs end up in their lives and careers, they take with them special memories that only the GMC family can offer. We are proud to know that the GMC spirit lives on in a unique way in the Georgia Southern Football program.

Parker Williams in Georgia Southern University football game to be able to play for a great man and coach,” shared Williams.

No one is more proud to see GMC Bulldogs go on to succeed in other opportunities than Head Football Coach, Bert Williams. He plays an integral role in the development of both his athletes and coaches, molding them to be the leaders and athletes he knows they can be.

Williams has a passion for seeing his athletes and coaches take the lessons they have learned at GMC and apply them to future

endeavors. Coach Williams shared: “I’m not sure there is a better example of the personification of our school motto than what you see in so many of our student athletes. So many challenges are faced and overcome as these young athletes figure out the path and process to be successful in college and in life.

Our program and our institution truly make a difference in these young lives.”

“We have had many coaches and players go through a transformative developmental

Bert Williams, GMC JC Head Football Coach, and his son, GSU player, Parker Williams (HS’16)

Adam Harding surprises softball sisters Karlie and Kaylie Harding during UGA game In the middle of the second Adam Harding is a Sergeant inning of Georgia’s home in the U.S. Army. He’s been in game against Jacksonville service now for six years.

State on February 23, 2018 Once the trio met at home GMC Prep alumni Kaylie and plate, it was hard to find a Karlie Harding got a surprise dry eye inside Jack Turner Karlie Harding Kaylie Harding Stadium. With one sister they will never forget.

(HS’16) (HS’16) Their older brother Adam under each arm, Adam Hard(JC ’10) returned home and ing squeezed tight, cherishing surprised the twin sisters. Tears were rolling the moment. Then, the whole Georgia softball down their faces as the two left the team team stormed in for a collective group hug–all huddle and headed to home plate–to embrace in front of a thunderous standing ovation from their brother who they hadn’t seen in two the crowd. years.

The moment was wonderful, but there “I didn’t really understand what was going were still five innings of softball to be played. on when Coach [Harris-Champer] called us Throughout the course of the game, both out there,” Kaylie Harding said. “It was really Harding sisters made their way into the surreal, I couldn’t believe it.”

Bulldog lineup. Kaylie Harding said it’s the first

game Adam saw his sisters play since they were in ninth grade, five years ago.

Born and raised in Milledgeville, Ga., Adam joined the Army after finishing his studies at Armstrong State University. After a three-year training period, Harding was deployed to Iraq.

Harding returned from Iraq and was relocated to Fort Bliss, Tex. Once he arrived to Fort Bliss, he was immediately deployed, this time to Afghanistan.

Each deployment lasted nine months, and Harding returned back to the United States in September. At home, it’s Harding, his wife Julie, and their 3-year-old son Grayson, who loves to FaceTime with aunts, Karlie and Kaylie.

Harding attended the Advanced Leaders Course at Fort Benning in Georgia and has been promoted to Staff Sergeant.

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A T H L E T I C S - Prep School

CADET LYSSA BLAIR

GMC’s First Ever Ultimate Raider National Champion Original story published in UNION RECORDER, NOV 11, 2017

Georgia Military College’s Lyssa Blair can now a spectacle for Molena, the Pike County town my Lord, I’m about to do this’.” lay claim to a title that not very many can say of less than 400. The All-Service competition In past years, GMC has traditionally sent they’ll ever earn. pitted freshman and smaller-sized teams against seniors to compete in the Ultimate Raider, in The GMC junior is an Ultimate Raider. each other in a series of Raider events, while which teams are allowed only one representative Blair and her peers traveled to the Gerald I. Raider Nationals served as the Army’s official each for the male and female events. This year, Lawhorn Scouting Base in Molena in November championship of JROTC Raider teams across Van Dine selected Blair and Greer, two juniors, for the 2017 U.S. Army National Raider the country. The championship included a and the decision to put forth his two best Raiders Championships as part of the GMC Raider team. comprehensive physical team test, a rope bridge paid off in a big way.

She and her fellow Bulldogs did not event testing cadets’ ability to traverse a river “Unlike some of our past coaches, [Maj. Van disappoint. using only a length of cord, a cross-country Dine] can physically do everything that we do, “Our black team placed fourth in nationals, our rescue where cadets carry a weighted stretcher and he knew exactly what was going on,” said male team got third in the All-Service event, and simulating a wounded comrade through an Mary-Elizabeth Jones, who finished her fourth red team on Saturday took third in the nation,” obstacle course, a ‘Gauntlet’ obstacle course and final season on the Raider team. “He was said GMC Raider head coach Maj. Todd Van Dine. event wearing weighted rucksacks, and a 5K instrumental for our team this year.”

Van Dine joined GMC this past summer after team run in which teams are docked points After such a successful weekend against the 24 years in the U.S. Army and three years as for crossing the finish line with their slowest finest high school Raider teams in the country an ROTC instructor at the University of Florida, teammate more than 10 yards behind. The last in Van Dine’s first year, the outlook for GMC’s where he led the Gators to their first Raider state day featured the Ultimate Raider competition, Raider unit looks promising in the coming years. championship at the collegiate level. in which males and females carried a 35-pound After returning from paternity leave for he and “There were 1,500 cadets there, to give you rucksack through a 1.7-mile obstacle course. his wife’s first daughter, who was born the same an idea of how big it was. Aiden [Greer] came That’s where Blair shined. week, the Raider coach and his assistants Emily in second in the nation, and Lyssa [Blair] came “Winning was definitely a surprise to me,” Boylan and Jason Barbee plan to implement a in first.” said Blair of her first-place Ultimate Raider finish. year-round training regimen for cadets to stay The Raider competition pits Junior Reserve “I was really nervous the night before, and my in shape outside of the Raider season. He Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs against friends actually forced me to go to sleep so I also plans to recruit enough girls to create an each other in a battle of strength, willpower and would have enough energy. Finally I fell asleep, all-female Raider team, as well as to instill the endurance. and when I woke up in the morning I said ‘Oh values of character and determination into his Raider Nationals cadets. serves as the official “My favorite part Army championship about Raiders is the for the top Raider brotherhood that we programs in the possess,” said Davis country. Fifty-two Isley. schools competed in Like Jones, Isley is events such as onea four-year Raider who rope bridge crossing, plans to continue doing the gauntlet (a timedROTC and will attend obstacle course), The University of North cross-country rescue Georgia this fall. “Out of course, a physical my entire friend group, team test and a most of my closest 5K run. friends are all Raiders. …

GMC’s Blair bested The shared experience all other female of the Raider team and competitors while sucking wind when Aiden Greer of GMC everyone else is playing came in second Xbox over the summer among the males. really solidifies that With 30 teams brotherhood, and I know competing in the ‘Allthat if I ever needed help Service’ competition with anything, I’d just and more than 40 find somebody with that in the Army JROTC Raider tag on, and that Championships, the will be the case for the GMC Prep Junior, Lyssa Blair placed 1st overall in the nation in the female division weekend provided quite rest of my life.”

N AT I O N A L S U C C E S S !

representing the highest placements for GMC Raiders in the school’s history

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Prep School - A T H L E T I C S

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OUR RAIDER TEAMS TWO INDIVIDUAL RAIDERS MAKE THEIR MARK Congratulations to all three of our Raider teams for an incredible season. All three competed in the Raider Nationals in Molena, Ga. against cadets from across the United States! Our Male Team and Mixed Team (Black) competed against 400 cadets in the All-Service Raider National Competition placing 3rd and 4th overall respectively. Our Mixed Team (Red) competed placing 3rd overall among 1,100 cadets in the All-Army Nationals. The next day, our selected Male and Female Raiders competed as individuals in the Ultimate Raider Competition.

This is an individual competition with our best male and female Raiders representing GMC. Aiden Greer (11) placed 2nd overall in the nation in the male division and Lyssa Blair (11) placed 1st overall in the nation in the female division representing the highest placements for GMC Raiders in our history. Additionally, records

show that no school has ever had two Raiders place this high in the individual competition in a single year. We appreciation the dedication of coaches: Todd Van Dine, Emily Boylan, and

Jason Barbee. Their leadership throughout the season started back in mid-July. GMC is truly proud of all our Raiders!

COACH JAMES LUNSFORD NAMED PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASS-A BOYS BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR GMC’s own Coach James Lunsford was chosen as the 2017-18 Public School Class-A Boys Basketball Coach of the Year

by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sports Staff and his coaching peers.

Coach Lunsford is an exceptional coach and leader.

We are thrilled that he received this honor.

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A T H L E T I C S - Prep School

GMC Prep School’s Boys Cross Country Team are

Back-to-Back State Champions FOUR STATE TITLES IN THE PAST SIX YEARS!

State Meet Top Seven: Aaron Kirkland, 12th; Michael Barnes, 11th; Taylor Sherwood, 11th; Dylan Smith, 11th; Ethan Yopp, 11th; Jacob Kauzlarich, 10th

GMC Prep Varsity Boys Cross Country not only captured the GHSA Class A Public Team Championship for the second consecutive year, but Aaron Kirkland (12th) also captured the Individual Championship making this the second consecutive year for a GMC runner to earn

Boys XC team with state rings

this title. This makes four state titles in the past six years for our Boys Cross Country program.

Coaches Debbie Barsby and Rob Sherwood along with all of our Cross Country team members continue to be known as a powerhouse across the State!

GMC Bulldogs honored by Mayor and City Council

MOST GAMES WON IN THE HISTORY OF GMC BASKETBALL

(Above) City of Milledgeville Mayor Mary Copelan congratulates Coach James Lunsford and the GMC Prep’s boys basketball team on their season.

(Right) The 2017-2018 Girls Prep basketball team are recognized for a great season by the Milledgeville City Council.

The City of Milledgeville Mayor and Council honored the GMC Prep boys basketball team in March for their one-of-a-kind basketball

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season. The team was recognized for the most games won in the history of GMC basketball, being ranked in the top 10 polls, and

finishing with an undefeated regular season for home games.

C A M P U S

N E W S

STAR student and National Merit finalist, Tyler Gray with STAR teacher, Major Emily Boylan

STAR STUDENT IS ALSO

GMC’S FIRST NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST One of Georgia Military College Prep School’s goals is to prepare students for a successful college career through a character-based education. GMC Prep has had countless students over the years that have gone above and beyond in the classroom, including one senior who stands out in this year’s graduating class, Tyler Gray. Gray has received two impressive honors – he was selected as a National Merit finalist, and was chosen as Baldwin County’s STAR Student by the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the STAR Program.

Gray received National Merit finalist status based on his PSAT scores from his junior year at GMC Prep. This is an honor given to only 15,000 students chosen across the country, and Gray is the first GMC Prep

student to earn this national distinction being chosen as a finalist.

Three senior students are chosen each year as STAR students, based on their SAT scores, taken on a specific testing day, exceeding the national average. Grade point average also plays a factor in selection. Gray won the local competition, and represented the county in the regional event.

Being selected as a STAR Student, Gray was able to recognize a STAR Teacher who has inspired him in his academic development. He chose his Advanced Placement Biology teacher, Major Emily Boylan.

“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be recognized by Tyler Gray,” Boylan said. “To be thanked by one of your students is just heartwarming. Tyler is a positive force; a kind

spirit. His intellectual abilities are matched with strong moral character. Through day to day interactions, Tyler reminds me to be curious, to smile, and not get self-absorbed.

He reminds me that the greatest happiness comes from bringing happiness to others.

And Tyler has truly brought great happiness into my life.”

In addition to the academic success Gray has earned throughout his Prep School years, the day after Gray receives his high school diploma, he’ll walk across the stage to accept his associate degree from Georgia Military College. He is a dual enrollment student that will now have enough college credits to bypass most of his core work when he enters the University of Georgia in the fall.

GMC Prep 7th-graders recently participated in an experiential learning experience for Environmental Education Week. The Prep School does this annually and this year, 69 students travelled to Jekyll Island.

The group spent 3 days, 2 nights at the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. This was the school’s first trip to Jekyll Island.

The students had the opportunity to learn about beach ecology, marsh ecology, and maritime forest ecology outside of the classroom. They also learned how to do water analysis on a freshwater slough by checking temperature, salinity, pH, and turbidity levels. They discovered the importance of dunes and wetlands in protecting the main lands from the forces of the ocean weather, and they were taught how beaches in general, and beaches of barrier islands in particular, are formed. On top of all the ecology they were learning about, they also had a chance to learn about orienteering, using compasses.

They also learned about reptiles and amphibians in a herpetology class.

7th-Graders Travel to Jekyll Island for Environmental Education Week

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C A M P U S

N E W S

GMC PREP SCHOOL

ATHLETIC

AUCTION

The GMC Kidd Center was transformed into the “Las Vegas of the South” complete with red carpet, delicious food, casino games, laughter, and great fun! Over 250 GMC Prep supporters attended the 10th Annual GMC Prep Auction to raise funds for our athletic, fine arts, and JROTC programs. For the first time this year, the planning committee chose a “Casino Night” theme and contracted with The Main Event Company in Atlanta. The committee secured donations to sponsor 13 game tables with games such as Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, and Texas Hold’Em so that participants were able to play the game of their choice with their “Bulldog Bucks” for the night and then purchase any extra “Bucks” if their luck was not quite what they had hoped. The silent auction items ranged from gift baskets to golf packages to vacation getaways; the bidding war that occurred over most of the items was something to watch! At the end of the night, each attendee was able to “deposit”

their money into the raffle for the “big ticket” item of their choice. The lucky winners walked away with prizes such as a new dog, a Disney vacation, a top-quality grill, and a vacation to Hilton Head. The best part of the event is that, at the end of the night, we had raised approximately $20,000 which will directly benefit our students in their various extracurricular activities! A huge thank you to all who helped in the planning and execution, donated items, purchased tickets, and/or attended – we hope that you always remember that you share in our students’ success because you support them with your time, talents, and donations!!

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k

Lu c

10TH ANNUAL

y a lad tonigh e t! b

C A M P U S

Will Robinson Road Race Check Presentation

Pictured top-bottom: Ms. Shannon New-Diaz, GMC Alumni Association; Ms. Suzanne Ratliff, GMC Alumni Association; COL Tom Torrance, President of the GMC Alumni Association; Capt. Michael Lumpkin, BCSO and Ms. Jennifer Jones, Executive Assistant

The Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office and organizers of the 22nd annual Will Robinson Race presented proceed checks to representatives of The Georgia Military College Foundation and the GMC Alumni Association. Each year, participants run, walk & stroll their way through a one-mile Fun Run and a stimulating 5K course to honor the memory of one of Baldwin County’s finest, William E. Robinson, IV, killed in the line of duty on December 17, 1995.

Will was a proud GMC Preparatory School graduate of 1987. Upon his death, his family established a scholarship in his name to provide the GMC experience to future law enforcement families. True to Will’s character, the endowed scholarship has been a blessing to many families and will continue for years to come - keeping his memory alive the way Will would have wanted it…service to others.

49th Annual GMC Bulldog Club BBQ

is Most Successful Ever

With the help of the faculty, staff, students, parents and volunteers the 49th Annual GMC Bulldog Club BBQ was the most successful yet. It was a team effort and meaningful to see 6th grade: 1,130 everyone come together and put 7th grade: 1,011 on a big event in the community.

N E W S

GMC Foundation is Top Fundraiser in Georgia Gives Day Campaign

We are very grateful to everyone who believes in our mission and rallied behind us in the Georgia Gives Day 24-hour campaign.

We are proud that $476,601 was raised on Georgia Gives Day/Giving Tuesday, making us the No. 1 fundraiser in the state!

These funds go to support scholarships and other endeavors which will enrich our students’ education and experience at GMC. The GMC Foundation was also ranked second in the state for total number of donors at 652.

This is the second time the GMC Foundation has been the top fundraiser in the Georgia Gives Day Campaign.

We thank our supporters for contributing to our student’s success!

# 1 in the state in total dollars raised!! # 2 in the state in total donors!!

To give employees an opportunity to contribute, College Relations offered Donuts for Dollars from 8-11a.m. and provided coffee and donuts in exchange for dollars toward GGD, encouraging 100 percent participation from each GMC department.

With the total amount of money 8th grade: 1,185 collected for tickets/donations 9th grade: 1,299 between presale and drive ups, we collected money for 6,219 plates!

10th grade: 482 Our totals per grade for presale 11th grade: 620 tickets: Top selling homeroom was 12th grade: 209 Nikki Grimes with 481 tickets sold.

Top high school seller was Tyler Other: 37 Crump sold 151 tickets.

Top middle school seller was Will Deason with 122 tickets.

The profit from the BBQ benefits the school. Thanks to our wonderful Bulldog Club!

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C A M P U S

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Georgia Military College Prep School Students visit Marine Lab in Key Largo Fourteen AP Biology students traveled down to Key Largo, Fla. for a weekend to experience marine life firsthand. The group of 11th-graders visited the Marine Lab. This is the sixth trip GMC Prep has taken to the lab.

Students were taught coral reef ecology and bleaching through a one-hour lecture.

They engaged in a water quality monitoring lab where the students learned to use tools to measure salinity, ammonia, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature.

Students discussed seagrass ecology before heading to Largo Sound to conduct seagrass surveys. Later that day, they snorkeled in Grecian Rocks coral reef and saw a Caribbean reef shark, green turtle, and a multitude of

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angelfish and damselfish. They analyzed their seagrass data and conducted species diversity indexing in the “rock shake” lab. They conducted another species diversity indexing at Rodriguez Key after snorkeling in the area, and studied mangrove ecology on a boat trip to Mangroves in Florida Bay. They discussed field identification of reef fish and how scientists conduct parrotfish surveys as coral reef health indicators. The students then filtered water collected from Rodriguez Key and used microscopes to search for microplastics in the water. AP Biology teacher Major Emily Boylan says experiencing this ecosystem issue first hand was important for the students.

“This lab really opened their eyes to the massive, growing accumulations of plastics in our oceans,” Boylan said.

On the last day the winds and currents precluded students from conducting the parrotfish surveys, but the students still

jumped right in and spotted all kinds of wildlife like great barracudas, hogfish, snappers, porcupine fish, and nurse shark.

Boylan says she loves seeing her students experiencing what they’re learning beyond the borders of the classroom.

“For me, this is a grand opportunity for the kids to see the beautiful diversity of life in the ocean, to appreciate its delicate balance, and recognize human impacts to these fragile ecosystems. I think for the students, this also serves as a huge bonding experience. Junior year is typically the most challenging in their high school career and somehow these students balance rigorous coursework with sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities,” Boylan said. “The trip gives them time away from all that and to just spend quality time with one another. For most, this is their first time snorkeling and/or visiting the Florida Keys and so I am constantly mesmerized by how the students jump right into the waters, fearless and excited. They form new bonds with the instructors who are highly experienced young marine scientists and I think inspire them to be deeply passionate about their work, whatever career path they may choose.”

C A M P U S

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GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED

ALL GEORGIA PHI THETA KAPPA SCHOLARS Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) me to stay focused is a premier honor sociwhile facing challenges ety that recognizes the and to accomplish my academic achievements goal with God by my of community college side.” students and helps them Laura Booth, grow as scholars and Academic Dean of leaders. At this year’s Phi GMC- Milledgeville, Anachebe and Okolo Theta Kappa luncheon, GMC-Madison, and five Georgia Military College students were GMC-Sandersville, is also the Phi Theta selected as All Georgia scholars: Raluchukwu Kappa Advisor at Georgia Military College’s Anachebe and Faith Okolo from GMC-FairMilledgeville campus. She says although burn, Adam Prskavec at GMC-Milledgeville, her student, Prskavec wasn’t able to attend Carlton Gibbs at GMC-Valdosta, and Masona the luncheon, she says just knowing he was Fofana at GMC-Warner Robins. selected as an All Georgia scholar is exciting.

“We are very proud of Georgia Military “I am so proud of his accomplishment,” College’s All Georgia Phi Theta Kappa Booth said. “He has made GMC and our scholars,” Col. Pat Beer, Dean of Students Phi Theta Kappa Chapter proud. PTK has at GMC, said. “Their academic achievement so many wonderful opportunities for our also represents our great faculty in preparing students and I hope more students will take our students to ‘Start here… Go anywhere!’” advantage.”

Dr. Naaman Josiah Pamoja, Department Fofana’s PTK Advisor at GMC-Warner RobChair and Assistant Professor of Social Sciins, Dean of Students and Assistant Director ences and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor at GMCof GMC-Warner Robins, GMC-Dublin, and Fairburn, says both Anachebe and Okolo GMC-Eastman, Paul McCord, says as a dual have worked very hard this year. enrollment student working towards her high “It was incredibly exciting to see all of school diploma, Fofana has nearly completed the time and commitment they invested in her Associate’s degree from GMC in Pretheir studies being recognized,” Pamoja said.

Nursing. McCord says she’s always been a “They worked tremendously hard throughout hardworking student so this accolade is no the course of their matriculation here at the surprise to him. college and they both spent numerous hours “Masona Fofana has been an exemplary on campus studying. The library was their student throughout her enrollment at GMC,” home away from home.”

McCord said. “She has excelled academiIn addition to being named an All Georgia cally and has demonstrated great qualities scholar, Okolo was also selected as a Cocaof character. She greets our staff happily and Cola Bronze Scholar, receiving a $1,000 proudly when she walks through our halls, scholarship. and she will certainly go on to accomplish “I feel blessed and inspired after receiving great things in the future.” this award,” Okolo said. “This honor has not As for Gibbs, his Phi Theta Kappa Advisor only motivated me, but has made me more at GMC-Valdosta, Bill Washburn says Gibbs zealous to accomplish my goals. I will also attended GMC-Valdosta as a home-school be prepared for obstacles while finding more student, and was dual-enrolled for two years. ways to succeed because success does not He achieved a 4.0 GPA while taking all upper sleep.” level math and science courses. Washburn Seeing their hard work paid off is what says Gibbs is now currently attending Mercer Anachebe says is rewarding.

University where he is in the inaugural class “My main purpose in life is more than for the Civil Engineering Major created this surviving with resilience, love, and empathy year. He says GMC has stayed true in the infor others, I want to thrive in everything I do,” stitution’s effort for students to “Start here…

Anachebe said. “This honor is here to remind Go anywhere!”

In November 2017, Professor Moona Yu performed her first piano solo concert in Seoul since leaving Korea in 1980. She let everyone know about Georgia Military College and how blessed she feels to be a part of it for the past 25 years.

The 139th Corps of Cadets was honored to welcome GMC Alumnus, Brigadier General Jonathan J. McColumn (JC ’84), Commanding General 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, United States Army Reserve, to campus. The General spoke to the Corps about Ethics and his experiences in the Army.

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C A M P U S

N E W S

PASS IN REVIEW Students, faculty and staff at Georgia Military College have been so fortunate to meet and learn from the many distinguished guests who have passed through campus this year.

They have served an important role sharing their words of wisdom to cadets, distinguished guests and at parades.

The Honorable Jody Hice CONSTITUTION DAY PARADE September 22, 2017

Mr. Hyrum W. Smith

MILITARY HONORS PARADE March 29, 2018

Senator Tyler Harper PRESIDENT’S PARADE November 1, 2017

Sheriff Bill Massee

ACADEMIC HONORS PARADE April 20, 2018

Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. MLK DAY CEREMONY January 12, 2018

Mrs. Beegee Baugh

MOTHER’S DAY PARADE May 11, 2018

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES Al Blackburn - February GMC Alumnus Al Blackburn (JC ’63) visited GMC Prep as the school’s special guest for the Distinguished Speaker Series.

He spoke to students and shared important life lessons with them: “You are very fortunate to attend GMC where core values are instilled in you. These values you will carry throughout the rest of your life. Learn in your vocation, focus and prioritize God, family, and job. Work at having a peace within yourself and all mankind”. Mr. Blackburn and his wife Bobbie were able to visit with students over lunch and learn about many aspects of campus life.

David Sinclair - March David Sinclair shared with our Prep School students his truly amazing life story, from his early days growing up in Glasgow, Scotland on a farm, to his formative years attending the Queen Victoria School, to his first engineering job in Australia, and finally his return to Scotland due to his father’s illness.

As one of the world’s premier demolitions experts, Sinclair’s wisdom was truly inspiring to our Class of 2018.

GMC appreciates the time and energy that the Sinclairs have invested in our students and our community.

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BG Reginald Neal

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE May 18, 2018

C A M P U S

Moody Air Force Base Honors GMC Students and Alumnus

Congratulations to two of our students and one alumni who were recognized at Moody Air Force Base as being the Airman of the Year, Civilian Category 1 of the Year, and Guardsman of the Year. We are proud of these individuals and their accomplishments.

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GMC PREP RAIDER TEAMS HONOR AMERICAN HEROES ON NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

Elisheba Coughenour, GMC student, AS Biology 23rd Wing; Airman of the Year, 2018 Kayla Blanton (Rains), GMC Alumnus (JC ’12), AS Pre-Nursing 23rd Medical Group; Civilian Category 1 of the Year, 2018

In December, GMC’s Prep Raider teams placed 578 wreaths on the graves at the Georgia War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day. The teams held a fundraiser earlier in the school year to

Jordan Vasquez, GMC student, AS Business Administration; Honor Guardsman of the Year, 2018

purchase the wreaths. The GMC Prep Raider teams, led by GMC Prep senior Davis Isley, funded one-third of the total number of wreaths sponsored.

Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization whose mission - Remembrance, Honor, and Teach - is carried out each year in part through the laying of Coughenour, Rains and Vasquez

wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day.

B L AC K H AW K H E L I C O P T E R S TA K E J R OT C ST U D E NT S O N FA M I L I A R I Z AT I O N F L I G H T S U.S. Army helicopters landed at the lower practice fields in March in preparation for GMC’s JROTC annual familiarization

experience for many of our cadets and faculty.

The experience was made even more special as Brigade

flights. For the past several years, GMC Prep has been honored

Adjutant Samuel Roberts (JC ’98) flew one of the Black Hawks.

to have the Georgia Army National Guard support our Army

The UH-60L Black Hawk is a twin-engine, medium-lift, utility

JROTC Battalion. This year, more than 130 cadets and 10 faculty

helicopter capable of performing a wide array of missions,

members were given an amazing ride on a UH-60L Black Hawk

including the tactical transport of troops, electronic warfare, and

helicopter. Each aircraft took off from GMC and flew north over

aeromedical evacuation. The Black Hawk first saw combat action

Lake Sinclair before circling around the old Plant Branch GA

during the 1983 invasion of Grenada and has since served in

Power plant and returning to campus. The 20-minute flight, with

every conflict, peacekeeping mission, and war that the United

doors wide open, was an exhilarating and once in a lifetime

States has participated in.

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C L A S S

N O T E S

’65

Chap Ashmore (JC ’65), C.D. Sikes (HS ’65, JC ’67), and Bob Lytle (HS ’66, JC ’68) served as guides for the “Wall That Heals” while it was in Metter, Ga. from October 18-22, 2017. All three were commissioned as a result of attendance at GMC during 1963-1968 and served in Vietnam during the 1969-1971 period.

’86

Ashmore, Sikes and Lytle

Colonel Marvin “Marty” Baugh (HS ’86) retired from the U.S. Air Force in August after 26 years of distinguished service.

Lt Gen Wendy Masiello presents Marty shadow box to Marty and Julia entered active duty in 1991 after graduation from the University of Georgia, serving the majority of his career in base-level and weapon systems procurement. His tours included two commands, two deployments, and a joint staff tour, culminating as the Defense Contract Management Agency Director for the Air Force Portfolio Division and Combat Support Center. His overseas deployments included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, and the NATO Medal. Marty is married to the former Julia Caldwell (HS ‘91) of Milledgeville, and they have three sons, Connor, Cameron, and Caeden. Marty and his family are transitioning to Huntsville, Ala., where he will join Aerojet Rocketdyne as the Director for Contracts for their Defense Sector, supporting solid and liquid propulsion systems for the Department of Defense, including the Missile Defense Agency.

’89

Bobby Christine (JC ’89) In September, Christine was nominated to be the United States Attorney for the United

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States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. He was confirmed by the United States Senate by voice vote on November 15, 2017 and sworn into office on November 22, 2017. He is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, having joined the Army National Guard at age 17 and earned his commission as an officer at age 19 before becoming a colonel. Christine has served as a combat engineer platoon leader, company executive officer, Judge Advocate General Trial Counsel, Brigade Judge Advocate, and State Judge Advocate. He earned several medals, including the Bronze Star, for meritorious service after spending time in Iraq as a Judge Advocate General and a combat engineer with the 265th Engineer Group.

BG Reginald G. A. Neal (JC ’89) of the Georgia National Guard was promoted in January from the rank of colonel to brigadier general.

Parachutist Badge. He is married to Letisha Hardy from Florida and they have seven children together Urekay, Annie-Dee, Aaron, Aabrie, Zaria, Trevor, Morgan, and two grandchildren Sophia, Adrian.

’04

Guardian Bank recently announced that Sam Warren has joined its ranks of personal and professional bankers. Warren is a 2004 graduate from Georgia Military College and a 2007 graduate from Valdosta State University, receiving his associate degree in business administration and Bachelor of Fine Arts, respectively, according to a bank press release. He furthered his financial education by attending Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia, matriculating in May 2016. Warren is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Lowndes and is active in the Wiregrass Cattlemen’s Association and the Lowndes FFA Booster Club. He attends Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

’05 ’92

Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Hardy Jr. (JC ’92) was commissioned in 1992 as a Second Lieutenant at GMC. He entered active duty in 1995 after graduating from GSU. LTC Hardy’s served with the Cavalry with the 3rd Armored Cavalry regiment at Fort Polk, La. (1995-1998), operations officer and transportation officer with the 101st Airborne. Following the Captain’s Career Course at FT Lee, he served in operations and transportation positions of increased responsibility at Fort Hood, Tex.; Osan Air Base in Korea, and back to Fort Hood, TX as a support operations officer in charge, battalion executive officer and brigade support operations officer. He then served as the material readiness branch chief and then supply and services branch chief for the 13th Sustainment Command to include serving in combat. His combat tours and major deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Camp Taji, 15th Sustainment Brigade, (2006-2007); Joint Base Balad, 49th Transportation Battalion (2009); Operation Enduring Freedom, Camp Eggers, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, 13th Sustainment Command (2012); and Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai Egypt, (2014).

His major awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters); and campaign service medals for service in Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea. He has earned both Air Assault badge and the

Joel Seagraves (HS ’05) recently passed his Professional Engineers Exam and is a Professional Engineer in Georgia and Virginia. He is a design engiJoel and Mari Seagraves neer with the Georgia DOT in the Gainesville office. He and his wife, Mari, reside in Watkinsville, Ga.

’08

Zach Seagraves (HS ’08) passed his Professional Engineers Exam and serves as a SEABEE in the US Navy.

He was Zach, Laura and Nason Seagraves recently promoted to lieutenant. Most importantly, he and his wife, Laura, welcomed their first child on December 16, 2017. Nason Lovett Seagraves weighed in at 8 pounds and was 20 inches long. Zach is stationed at NAVFAC Northwest in Bremerton, Wash.

’10

Nathan Seagraves (HS‘10) is serving on staff

C L A S S at Northridge Christian Church in Milledgeville as the Associate Campus Minister with KUDZU, Northridge’s ministry to students at GC, GMC, and CGTC.

’13

Logan Trust (JC ’13) experienced branch night as a cadet at West Point. He will branch Field Artillery and will graduate and commission in May.

’14

ship. The Kentucky rifle team claimed this win when it captured the NCAA finals at Charleston, S.C. Kentucky previously won the rifle championship in 2011. This victory ended a streak of five consecutive national titles by West Virginia University.

Robert Koontz (JC ’14) a cadet at West Point will branch Infantry and graduate and commission in May.

N O T E S

in the Air Force. Thanks to Delarrion for spending time with our cadets during his Spring Break.

’17

Jack Watkins (HS ’17) formal swearing in to the U.S. Army as an ROTC Cadet at The Ohio State football game.

Delarrion Milner (HS

Jenna Bethea

’14) is currently attending the United States Air Force Academy. He spoke to our 9th- and 10th-graders about life at the Academy and his future plans of flying jets

(HS ’14) is officially a 2018 NCAA Rifle National Champion! She is a member of the University of Kentucky Rifle Team and they recently won their second National Champion-

Milner

Watkins in center

GMC leadership attended the 2017 GA U.S. Service Academy Ball in Atlanta on December 30, 2017 and joined five of our seven GMC Prep Students, and one of the four GMC JC Graduates who were in attendance.

There are 67 GMC Junior College Alumni currently enrolled at the USCGA. Pictured are: LTG William B. Caldwell, IV, Alyssa Easley (HS 2017), Will Caldwell (HS 2017), Molly Jones (HS 2016), Niko Urias (HS 2017), Callie McMullen (HS 2016) and BG Curt Rauhut

Celebrate your class reunion during 2018

LET US KNOW WHEN YOUR CLASS WANTS TO CELEBRATE YOUR REUNION! Get your class together during Alumni Weekend!

What an easy way to reunite while the events are planned for you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

OCT. 19-20!

HS & JC 1968 – 50th Reunion “The Gold Brigade” HS & JC 1973 – 45th Reunion HS & JC 1978 – 40th Reunion HS & JC 1983 – 35th Reunion HS & JC 1988 – 30th Reunion HS & JC 1993 – 25th Reunion “The Silver Brigade” HS & JC 1998 – 20th Reunion HS & JC 2003 – 15th Reunion HS & JC 2008 – 10th Reunion

be here in ctober!

O

If you would like help with planning your anniversary reunion, please contact Janeen Garpow (478-387-4786) or alumni.gmc.edu.

& friends

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A look back 100 | 75 | 50 | 25 Years

1943 “Every boy participates in

1918 Featured in the 1918-19 Commandant, this quartet was known as The Barn Yard Four.

Members are: Maj. G. P. Donaldson, S. J. Boykin, P. H. Milton, Jr., and Randolph Strupper

1968 Cadets in assembly

1993 Varsity Cheerleaders win Grand Champions at summer camp.

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athletic activities on well-coached teams. Trips, teams, entertainments, parties, lectures, cultural activities make his school days varied and colorful. GMC is concerned with the whole boy, in his home life, his health, his academic experience, his social program—twenty-four hours a day.” (stated in the yearbook)

T A P S

“Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men.”

-- Quintus Ennius

James Travis “Jimmy” Paul, Jr. HS 1943, JC 1945 October 22, 2017

Nathaniel Ennis Smith HS 1959 September 16, 2017

James Boswell “Jimmy” Dolvin, Jr. HS 1966 December 12, 2017

Mr. Ivan T. Walton GMC-Fairburn student October 19, 2017

Aubrey Hall Simpson HS 1945, JC 1946 October 23, 2017

James C. “Jim” Tillman, Jr. HS 1959 November 29, 2017

S. Dwight “Chunk” Meeker HS 1966 October 21, 2016

Christiana “Christi” Webb Former student October 20, 2017

Rollin West Ivey, Jr. HS 1947, JC 1949 August 10, 2017

Calvin William Battle HS 1960 January 1, 2018

Robert Scott HS 1966 & JC1968 February 15, 2018

Wynnette Samper Former GMC Prep Faculty February 17, 2018

COL Franklin Jackson Bell, USA (Ret.) William Homer “Billy” McCoy JC 1952 HS 1960, JC 1962 February 26, 2018 November 27, 2017

John Allan Watson JC 1969 February 15, 2018

Roberto Galvi Current student March 25, 2018

Richard Dennis Veal, Jr. JC 1953 December 19, 2017

Jecavesia Hayward JC 2017 November 27, 2017

Albert Perry “Al” Hopkins, Jr. JC 1963 December 11, 2017

Georgia Military College is deeply saddened by the death of GMC Alumnus, Dr. George Lee Echols, Jr. who passed away on February 11, 2018 at the age of 85. GMC has been a part of the lives of Dr. Echols and his wife, Polly, for more than five decades. It was at GMC where he met Polly at the GMC Canteen when she was just 12 years old. Dr. Echols graduated from GMC Prep School in 1948 and then graduated from the Junior College in 1950. Dr. Echols and Polly married after she graduated from college. Dr. Echols has been associated with Georgia Military College as a student and an alumnus for over half the life of the school. His lifetime and service to the institution is part of what makes GMC so successful today.

Dr. Echols and Polly’s full life together has included a 45-year span of medical practice, four children, and many beloved grandchildren. But before all of that, Dr. Echols entered the military as an infantry officer during the Korean War, and then served three years as a weapons instructor. Following his military service, Dr. Echols’ career as a pediatrician began as an intern in Asheville, North Carolina. He later returned to Milledgeville to practice for five years, and then returned to Augusta, Georgia for additional training. There he established a thriving private practice.

He and Polly returned to Milledgeville in 1991 where he served as a medical director at Central State Hospital until his retirement.

Dr. Echols was a member of the Georgia Military College Foundation and was Annual Fund Chair for 2004-2005. He was also an active member and past president of the GMC Alumni Association. Dr. Echols and his wife also provided financial support to the college

Dr. George Echols A devoted supporter

George Echols 1932 - 2018 in many areas, including dedicating a GMC classroom to Polly’s mother, who taught at GMC for 40 years. To honor Mrs. Farr’s legacy, Dr. Echols and Polly also established the Bettie Zachary Farr Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to a rising GMC Preparatory junior or senior.

Dr. Echols received a number of accolades for his work and dedication to GMC. He was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award in 2006, designated for an alumnus who has attained notable success in his chosen field or profession, and whose achievement might serve as an inspiration to anyone considering entering that chosen

field or profession, or might serve as an inspiration to anyone to excel in his chosen field or profession because of the example set by the recipient of the award.

Dr. Echols received the President’s Award in 2012. The award is presented to an alumnus or friend of Georgia Military College who has rendered exceptional service to Georgia Military College, to the community and to the nation. The recipient will have demonstrated excellence in character and exemplary leadership, serving as an inspiration to others and exerting a positive influence over their lives. In 2017, Dr. Echols was also presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his constant efforts of service to humanity and dedication to his profession and to GMC. In 2015, the Echols family also added another milestone to its GMC history with the establishment of the Dr. George L. Echols Endowed Scholarship. His son Lee Echols, Vice President of Marketing for Atlanta’s Northside Hospital, established the scholarship in his father’s name for his nearly 80-year connection and commitment to Georgia Military College. The scholarship is awarded to a rising GMC Prep School freshman, and gives financial assistance to a student who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity for a GMC education.

Dr. Echols loved gardening, travel, and music, but those at GMC knew him best for his love of Georgia Military College, evidenced by his unfailing support and allegiance to accomplishing the school’s mission. Dr. Echols will be terribly missed by everyone at Georgia Military College, but his legacy will live on at the institution forever.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MACON, GEORGIA PERMIT NO. 280

GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT 201 East Greene St., Milledgeville, GA 31061 www.gmc.edu

Alumni weekend 2018

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

OCT. 19-20!

& friends

GMC Prep High School students performed ‘Footloose’ in April