ECHS Senior Reflections 2016

Senior Reflections

CLASS OF 2016

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02 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

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Congratulations 2016 Graduates of

Effingham County High School

LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT RANDY SHEAROUSE Congratulations Seniors! Yes, you made it through four of the most important and yet most challenging years of your life. You survived your freshman year when you thought high school was a gigantic crowded school and finding out which lunch table to sit at was tougher than Algebra. You survived your sophomore year when you had to make a good grade in Science or your parents wouldn’t let you take your driver’s test and get your license. You survived your junior year when you had to get a part-time job so you could put gas in your car, but you still managed to pass English. And finally, you’ve survived your senior year and it’s time to say goodbye to your favorite teachers, Friday night football games, mesh bookbags and school uniforms.

For many of you, your high school years have been filled with good times and good memories. And for some of you, this day couldn’t arrive fast enough.

But hopefully, for all of you, you’ll leave the Effingham County School System with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to survive in the real world. Whether you’re going on to college or entering the workforce, I hope – as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, you “do not follow where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Your high school graduation marks a new beginning, a time when you can pursue your dreams or change course and redefine yourself. You’ll have opportunities to make choices and decisions that will affect the rest of your life and influence those around you. Instead of being the recipient of change, you’ll have the ability to create change – in yourself, in your community and even in the world. Good luck in your journey!

LETTER FROM EDITOR JEFF WHITTEN Dear members of the class of 2016, Congratulations on making it through kindergarten, grade school, middle school and high school. It’s quite a feat and I salute you.

Now, as you may have noticed, you’re getting a lot of advice from us older folks. Graduation is when everybody old like me thinks it’s important to tell you what you ought to do.

We do this because we’ve been there and done that and made our share of mistakes, so that makes us wise - or experienced, at least - and we want you to benefit from our experience and not make the same dumb mistakes we made.

My two cents is pretty simple.

Please don’t ever take anything, or anyone, for granted.

Please live your life like you only have one, because in the end, that’s all you have.

That’s what I hope you take away from graduation day and carry with you for as long as you’re able. Know that everything and everyone has worth, even when it doesn’t seem like it.

We’re all part of a greater whole.

And it goes by oh so fast. You won’t believe it now, but life goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute, you’re finishing high school, the next, you’re wondering how it went so quickly and wishing those young whippersnappers would quit playing their music so loud and driving so fast.

Of course, you’re the future. Yes, you should be proud you’ve accomplished what you have so far. The world is now officially your oyster. Go out and do great things, no matter what you decide defines your greatness.

04 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

But please, do whatever you do with kindness. Remember always to be a good person. Live a life others will want to have lived and one that you can look back on some day and feel you left no good deed undone, no opportunity for making an impact unfulfilled. Live like you want to be thought of, so that others will say of you, “now there goes someone special.”

Let them say of you, “there goes someone who cares.”

Let them say, “there’s someone who lived life to the fullest.”

Unfortunately, we’re giving you a world that has problems, but what are problems but opportunities by another name?

Yours’ can be the generation that solves everything, ending hunger and natural disasters and war and poverty. Yours can be the generation that finds answers to every question.

That might not happen, and probably won’t. But the fault isn’t in failing, it’s in not trying. So there’s that.

And there’s this.

All of us have worth. All of us are loved by somebody. All of us matter. There can be no white without black, no cold without warmth, no us without them, no we without you. Your parents raised you and gave you shelter and food and love, your teachers taught you, your coaches coached you, your friends sustained you.

But I’d also be willing to bet you helped raise your parents, teach your teachers, coach your coaches and sustain your friends. You impacted them. That’s how it works. It’s how it’s always worked. It’s what makes life and you and us and everyone and everything special, and it doesn’t last forever.

Now, go out there and live your life.

Effingham County High School Yancy J. Ford, Principal

1589 Hwy 119 South Springfield, Georgia 31329 Telephone: (912) 754-6404 www.effinghamcountyrebels.com

May 9, 2016

Dear Class of 2016, We’ve come through four great years together. We’ve shared some blissfully happy and exciting times along with some excruciatingly sad times. But now our paths will separate and I want to give you some “food for though” to carry with you as you set out on your journey through life.

Your elementary teachers, your middle school teachers along with our amazing ECHS faculty have all worked long and hard to prepare you to reach this special day of graduation. My first bit of advice for you is to never stop learning and questioning and being curious about our world: become a lifetime learner. I can guarantee that you will not get very far in life based just on what you already know. You are going to advance in life by what you add to that knowledge after you leave ECHS. Take advantage of every opportunity to continue to learn whether you choose to go to a four-year college, a technical college, training in the military, a specialty school or participate in on-the-job training. Think about learning as a way of life! Approach learning not as just a way to advance yourself, but rather as a way to help make our whole world a better place.

I won’t deceive you with the old platitude, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” That is simply not true. I prefer the US Army’s motto, “Be all that YOU can be.” We are all endowed by our creator with gifts that are unique to us. While we don’t have all the aptitude or the desire to be a nuclear physicist, a brain surgeon, a well-renowned artist, or a Wall Street banker, we can each be our best version of ourselves. Part of being our best self is being true to ourselves and not a second class version of someone else. Find the gifts you have and develop them to their fullest. Be the best person, the best student, the best parent, the best employee, and the best friend that you can be.

Start each day with a smile. Then wherever you go, no matter the weather, you bring your own sunshine for yourself and for others.

Last of all DO RIGHT and be honest. I can promise you that all of the important relationships in life - your marriage, your friendships, your employees, your co-workers, and your children - will be enriched if others can truly trust, without question, everything you do and everything you say.

As you and I both leave our much-loved ECHS, my best wishes for happiness, success, and joy go with you. May you be blessed by the life you choose to lead and may your life be a blessing to others.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Yancy J. Ford

Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 05

ECHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Tess DeMeyer

Personal Tessa Noelle DeMeyer, better known as Tess, grew up in Effingham County, moving from Rincon to Clyo when she was 6. We’ll let this talented young writer take it from there: “As a child, my parents, Holli and Sean DeMeyer, read me countless bedtime stories, made sure I knew all my sight words, and always found time to watch a Disney sing-along video with me every night. They supported my unending curiosity and let my imagination run wild in every direction. All of my grandparents, Carol Bishop, Charles Bishop, Reba Bishop, Glenda DeMeyer, and Wayne DeMeyer, have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and were present for all my life events, both big and small.

Although my older brother, Michael King, and I didn’t always get along when we were younger, he definitely toughened me up and taught me to roll with the punches (sometimes literally). We are much closer now, and I go to him for advice quite often.”

Tess was a gymnast and cheerleader until an injury shortened her career. She’s now a CrossFit enthusiast who spends most of her free time working out in ‘The Box’ at CrossFit GroundSpeed in Rincon. And, she’s a certified scuba diver.

School accomplishments: “As far as in school extracurricular activities go, I am currently president of the French Club and Vice President of the Calculus Club. I have been an active member of the National Beta Club since sophomore year, and I was inducted into the National Honor Society earlier this year. All of these clubs have provided me with numerous opportunities to serve my community including working with the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. I went on a week-long mission trip to Cleveland, Ohio with the First Baptist Church of Springfield the summer before my junior year. On this trip, I served as a cheer camp counselor for girls aged four to twelve. Through the Work Based Learning program, I was able to work as a media intern for the Effingham County Board of Education. I wrote articles for the district website about events happening at all the schools in the county, and a few of my pieces were published in local newspapers. Getting a byline has always been a goal of mine, so that was super exciting!”

Teachers who made an impact on Tess: Dr. Kim Brantley, Mrs. Lue Healy, Mr. Brad Arrington Tess on each: “I have looked up to Dr. Brantley since elementary school, and I very much consider her a mentor today. She gave me my very first B (on a progress report! Luckily I was able to bring it up by the end of the nine weeks) and taught me that it’s okay to be less than perfect. Any time I need to hear from an outside voice of reason, she is the first person I call.”

“I cannot thank Mrs. Healy enough for everything she has done for me during my senior year. I must have asked her to proofread hundreds of scholarship and admissions essays, and I feel like I was in her office every day this school year asking for letters of recommendation or transcripts. She really encouraged me to shoot for the stars when applying to colleges, and none of the thousands of questions I asked her went unanswered.”

“I was never the biggest fan of history until I took Mr. Ar-

06 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

rington’s class. He made the subject entertaining, intriguing, and enjoyable. I love that he provided me with multiple opportunities to speak my mind during class, and he always made an extra effort to connect with his students. Out of all the courses I took at ECHS, I feel like I learned the most in his class.”

Favorite subject: English Lit,Here’s why.

“I love a good story,” said Tess,” “and I am very partial to telling long, drawn out, in-depth tales. Because of that, anything relating to English Literature is my cup of tea. I adore words and am fascinated by the way that something as simple as letters printed on a page can evoke such powerful emotions. I have been a book worm for as long as I can remember, and I hope to one day write novels that leave readers with lasting impressions in the same ways that Harper Lee, J. K. Rowling, John Green and Barbara Kingsolver did for me.

What she will miss most about ECHS: “Although it may sound a bit cliché, I will miss the familiarity of attending ECHS everyday. I have formed so many strong friendships and close relationships with teachers, and I can’t imagine that anywhere else will have the same close-knit atmosphere as Effingham.”

Plans after graduation: Tess will attend Brown University, and concentrate on Literary Arts with a focus in journalism. She loves college sports, especially football, so eventually, you might see her working for ESPN, or reading her work in Sports Illustrated.

“I’m also quite passionate about creative writing and plan to pen fictitious novels for young adults. I’m working on a children’s book right now!” she said.

High school in a word?

“Enriching.”

What Effingham County Schools webmaster Amy Burgin had to say about Tess’s performance as an intern for the school district: “Hands down, Tess is the most motivated and dedicated intern I have had the pleasure of hosting in this department. After a hectic start to the school year, which resulted in rapid and abbreviated training sessions, Tess demonstrated solidarity, independence, and skills that are reminiscent of seasoned journalists. Her efforts and accomplishments are working to build a stellar reputation not only within her school, but within her entire community. She is exceptionally bright, confident in her abilities, and embraces each learning opportunity with grit and grace.”

Aaron Abbs

Tristan Aceret

Alexis Achtziger

Kayla Agosto

Dyshawn Akins

Robert Allen

Mallory Ambrose

Tiffiny Andrews

Cyndi Archer

Dylan Ayers

Tara Babin

Dusty Baker

Sharon Barry

Ariana Bartley

Bryce Baslock

Brittany Bauer

Samantha Bazemore

Shaunae Beach

Avery Beacham

Courtney Beasley

Logan Beasley

Joel Begley

Landon Bell

Claire Bergner

Nicholas Bidwell

A’maure Bing

Stephen Blanks

Matthew Bowen

Emilee Bowers

Jondre Bowers

Arial Bowman

Shannon Bragg

Tristan Brantley

Alyson Branton

John Brazell

Sky Briggs

Breanna Brisendine

Skylar Brooks

Dylan Brown

Kayla Brown

Phillip Brown

Quentyn Brown

08 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Noel Bryant

Amanda Burgess

Kristen Burgess

Trevor Burns

Kelsey Butter

William Camp

Benjamin Carpenter

Jacalyn Carper

Mary Carroll

Madison Carter

Madyson Casey

Paul Catterton

Cory Caughron

Bethany Chambers

Shaun Chambers

William Chance

David Cipleu

Karlye Claxton

Megan Clear

Taylor Close

Brejion Coleman

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5805 Hwy 21 S. • Rincon, GA 31326 912-826-0927 • 877-826-0926 A portion of all Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty proceeds are donated to local charities.

www.RinconcoldwellBankeR.com Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 09

ECHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Arianna Fournier

Personal: Born in Wisconsin, Arianna has lived in Georgia for nine years and Wisconsin’s loss is Effingham County’g gain. Arrianna hasn’t let a genetic condition called Osteogenisis Imperfecta, which causes short stature and brittle bones, stop her from dreaming big, or accomplishing those dreams.

She says it’s her folks, Nicole and Jeremy Fournier, who have had the biggest impact on her.

“I genuinely have no idea who I would be without them,” Arianna said. “They have taught me to be the strong, successful and hopeful person that I am.”

School: When asked to list academic honors, Arianna notes she and partner Caitlyn Foster took first in the career health display at the Health Occupation Students of America State Leadership Conference, and the two then placed eighth in the nation.

Teachers who made a difference: Wes Perkins, Carolina Hutchinson.

Arianna’s favorite classes: “I love my science classes,” she said. “I find it fascinating. My love for science really stems from my condition.”

10 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

What she’ll miss most about high school: “I am going to miss chorus. I’ve come to that room every day for four years,” said Arianna. “It is going to be weird not coming to the chorus room again.”

Her advice for next year’s freshmen: “Learn to let things go ... and change isn’t a bad thing. When I look back to my freshman year, I’m not friends with all the same people,” Arianna said. “High school has taught me how to deal with change.”

It’s also not a bad idea to be nice to teachers, and just be a good person.

“Always be nice to your teachers, these are the people who will write recommendation letters for scholarship and college. The nicer you are, the better the letter will be,” she said. “This will better your chances of getting whatever you set out to get. They (teachers) also have to deal with a lot, and it’s always a good idea to just be a nice person.”

Plans after graduation: Arianna will attend Georgia Southern and major in biology.

After school, “I hope to become a prenatal clinical geneticist,” she said.

One word to sum up four years of high school: “Journey.”

Note: The following is from a story by Tara Aiken which is in the 2016 Effingham County High School yearbook. It’s being reprinted with permission.

Many of us think we are having a bad day if our hair isn’t just right or we have a test we didn’t study for. One look at Arianna Fournier, and I know I am not having a bad day no matter how I may feel. Don’t worry, this is no sob story about Arianna. This is a story about how Arianna is an amazing person with an optimistic outlook on life who always--ALWAYS-- has a smile on her face.

Arianna has a condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, known to most of us as brittle bone syndrome. Those who have the condition are often short in stature, have flexible joints that cause a lot of pain, suffer from scoliosis, have limbs that bow from breaking so much, and have weak teeth.

Arianna has Type 3, the second most severe type of OI. However, Dr. Pauli, her geneticist, says that Arianna is his patient with the lowest bone density but fewest breaks. You would think that all of these issues would hold Arianna back, but so far, nothing has put a hurdle in front of Arianna that she couldn’t cross.

Arianna walked at an early age, but didn’t begin receiving treatments of pamidronate (PAM) to help strengthen her bones until around age 2. The drug was actually experimental at the time, and Arianna was in one of the trial treatments. Until she began her treatments, it was difficult for Arianna to sit by herself or really walk on her own because of the high risk of breaking a bone. In elementary school, Arianna rode a tricycle for fatigue and safety reasons. She actually started walking full-time in middle school, although she had to have a paraprofessional with her at all times as a precautionary measure. Upon reaching high school, Arianna showed her inner strength when she insisted, “I can do this.”

Despite some misgivings on behalf of the administration, Arianna walked the first week with an escort but then began to go solo in the hallways.

In September of her senior year, Arianna underwent spinal fusion surgery to correct issues in her spine caused by scoliosis and lordosis; the surgery will also help prevent breathing issues in the future. The surgery lasted ten hours and was followed by a weekand-a-half stay in the hospital and three months out of school.

Arianna gradually built up her time back at school and was up to full-time by January. Most impressively, Arianna managed to stay on honor roll through all of her time out of school.

Surgery is not the only success Arianna has had in her life. In 7th grade, Arianna tried out for but did not make show choir.

She was excited to make it as a member of the show choir in high school and even more pleased when she was placed in the mixed show choir her senior year. She even accused her friends of playing a trick on her when they told her she had made it into the highest level of show choir. Arianna has also been active in HOSA and competed for three years. Her junior year, she and Caitlyn Foster won state and placed 8th in Nationals with a presentation on Orthopedic Surgeons.

As you can see, nothing can hold Arianna back. She hopes to one day be a geneticist or a genetic counselor. In her own words, “I want to show parents of children with this condition and the children themselves that they can accomplish all of their dreams.

This condition will not define you.”

Her condition has certainly not defined Arianna Fournier. She has continually pushed herself to do anything and everything she wanted to do and to do it successfully. In the process, Arianna has served as a role-model to me and many others by showing us how a positive attitude can make the best of any situation and help you accomplish all your goals in life.

Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 11

Taylor Colson

Clint Cooler

Lorenzo Cottman

Taylor Couch

Haley Coulter

Addison Cowart

Abigail Craig

Sarah Cranman

Lacey Crawford

Ashlyn Cribbs

Daniel Cribbs

Scott Cribbs

Danielle Criswell

Sean Czachowski

Jacob Dangerfield

ShriHari Dave

Wychovia Davis

Faith Deal

Amber Deason

Tori Defoe

Tessa Demeyer

Josey Denney

Katlyn Deyhle

Trent Dickerson

Autumn Disher

Kiana Dixon

Oneisha Dixon

Joshua Dodd

Danny Doe

Gabriel Douglas

Megan Driggers

Mindy Driggers

Brandice Edwards

Cameron Edwards

Trent Edwards

Austin Elenbaas

Asia Ellis

Austin Ellis

Jaclyn Emry

Abigail Engel

Carley Ennis

Leanna Exley

12 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Allyssa Fail

Garrett Feichtner

Tyler Floyd

James Ford

Steven Fordham

Lila Fort

Matthew Fortson

Caitlyn Foster

Arianna Fournier

Jason Fox

Aaron Frederick

Lindsay Freyermuth

Jalin Garvin

Alex Gaston

Sidni Godwin

Atiya Goethe

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Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 13

ECHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Atiya Goethe

Personal Atiya Goethe was born in Savannah, raised in Effingham County by parents Anthony and Wanda Goethe, who “have played an intricate part in my life as far as leadership, guidance and spirituality,” Atiya said.

“They have molded me into the person that I am today. At a young age, I was enrolled in sports and dance to help me be a well- rounded individual. I played sports for the local YMCA and my middle school; I’ve also participated in several basketball AAU organizations. I danced at Britt’s Dance Company. My parents push education and we believe it is the foundation for achieving your goals. In addition, my parents have also set a great example for work ethic. Both of my parents went to college and got their degrees. My mother worked while she got her Master’s degree for teaching, and now she is a 1st grade teacher at Blandford Elementary. Overall, the most important lesson I have learned, so far, from my parents is that nothing is unachievable.”

School highlights: Highest GPA for Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition; member of National Honor Society of High School Scholars; recipient of Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholars; nominated for ECHS’ Principal Student Leadership Team; Most Improved Wood Wind instrument; honor roll.

Atiya also is vice president of Effingham County Beta Club; she’s current vice president of Effingham County Future Business Leaders of America, and, she’s assistant editor of the ECHS Yearbook.

What’s more, “I have had the pleasure of being first chair in the ECHS Symphonic band. Since my younger years of school, I have maintained Honor Roll,” she noted. “Before I stopped playing sports to focus more on my academics for high school, I was rewarded ‘Defensive MVP’ my 8th grade year for basketball. I’ve also been rewarded choral awards from being in chorus, such as ‘Most Spirited.’”

Teachers who inspired Atiya: “Mrs. Tara Aiken and Mrs. Kim Tyson have also been very influential in my high school career. I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Aiken as my 9th grade math teacher and current yearbook advisor. As for Mrs. Tyson, she is my current FBLA advisor and Intro. into Business & Technology teacher. These ladies have grown to be family to me. I refer to them as my school mother because I know if there is anything I’m in need of, rather it be homework help or advice in general, they will be more than ready to help,” Atiya said. “These two ladies are outstanding mentors to me. They never fail to advise me in the right direction and help me better myself and the lives of others. The relationship I share with these ladies are very special and unique to me because we possess that bond that teachers and students strive to achieve, and I honestly can’t thank these ladies enough for everything they do for me.”

Favorite subject: Calculus. “I’ve always had a knack for math,” Atiya said. “But my senior year has showed me that I possess a gift for how easily I can catch on, and pick up on the material I am learning. It’s a true blessing.”

14 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

What she’ll miss most about high school: “The competitiveness my peers present me with to have the highest grades and GPA,” Atiya said. “I’m very competitive, and I strive to be great in everything I do so this boosts up my motivation to excel.”

Her advice to next year’s freshmen: “My advice is to not neglect your grades your freshman year, or any year, because it will all come into effect your senior year,” Atiya said. “You should take every class serious and be conscientious of your grades and GPA because it will affect you in your academic career for the long run.”

Up next for Atiya: She’ll attend Georgia Southern to major in chemistry and minor in business. And then, it looks like she might follow her mother into education.

“As of now, I have a passion for teaching others,” she said, “and I have grown to like the Chemistry field. Therefore, I plan to teach Chemistry at some point in my future career.”

One word to sum what her educational experience was like: “Empowering.”

What teacher Tara Aiken said about Atiya: “Atiya is an outstanding student and an outstanding person in general. She is so self motivated to do her best that her drive often rubs off on those around her encouraging them to do their best as well. She works hard at school, as a yearbook editor, and at her job at Nike. She manages to juggle a load of AP classes with the responsibilities of yearbook and a job always with a smile on her face. The most impressive part is that she makes excellent grades while being a part of so many extra curricular activities, including being an active member of FBLA. I know that I can always rely on Atiya to get a job done or to make sure that others get their jobs done as well. I also know that whatever job I give her will be done well. She also always has a positive and upbeat attitude. I cannot say enough about what an outstanding person and student Atiya is.”

Bob Greenbaum

Tristan Greenleaf

Mary Greer

Alexis Griffin

Charles Griffin

Marquise Griffin

Rashad Griffin

Emily Haar

Erin Haddock

Cassie Hager

Harrison Hall

Chelsey Jung Halperin

Kayla Hancock

Jakayla Harden

William Harden Jr.

Anjelina Harper

Jonathan Harrell

Aaron Harrison

Zane Harrison

Destiny Hartfield

Erin Harvey

Brendan Haviland

Megan Hayes

Cameron Henn

Amber Hilton

William Hodges

Faith Hogg

Hannah Horton

Jenna Horton

Callie Howard

Taylor Howze

Nolan Hubbard

Christopher Hucks

Brandon Hudson

Brant Huff

Jada Hurst

Perry Hurst

Abigail Hutsell

Karie Jackson

Marissa Jackson

Ryan Jackson

Elizabeth Jacques

16 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Connor James

Stefanie Jarvis

Emily Jenkins

Imani Jenkins

Nicholas Jimenez

Deasia Johnson

Dominique Johnson

Jakayla Johnson

Jaliah Johnson

Nystagia Johnson

Stefanie Johnson

Tyrique Johnson

Chloe Jones

Dayquan Jones

Kristina Jones

Leari Jenee Jones

Harrison Joyner

Jesse Joyner

Ashley Kaeser

Kaitlyn Kelly

Jasmine Kennedy

Chase Kessler

Jeffrey Kessler

Kaylee Kessler

Tiffany Kinard

Abbey King

Amber King

Zana Kirkland

Russell Knox

Lidia Kukucka

Jacob Lambert

Liam Lanaghan

Devin Landis

Brandon Lee

Hunter Lee

Jo’Esha Lee

Garrett Lewis

Naya Lilly

Logan Liverman

Alyssa Livingston

Avery Lockett

Joshua Long

Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 17

ECHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Chase Kessler

Personal Chase has lived in Effingham County his entire life, as have generations of the Kessler family. So graduating from Effingham County High School is something of a tradition. And there’s little doubt who’s had the biggest impact on Chase.

“I would have to say that the two most important people in my life would have to be my parents, Charlie and Patti Kessler,” Chase said. “They have pushed me to become who I am today. I give them all the credit for making me the bright and hardworking individual I have become.”

Education highlights: Chase has earned the Univesrity of Georgia Certificate of Merit, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, the Elk’s Most Valuable Student Scholarship and the National Beta Club Scholarship.

Teachers who made an impact: “Mrs. Wendy Fears, Mrs. Marianne Lancaster, and Mrs. Greta Coleman have been important mentors and teachers throughout my school days,” said Chase.

Favorite subject: “My favorite area of study would have to be math,” Chase said.

“Most people find math as being challenging and extremely difficult, and that is what I like most about it! I like the feeling you get whenever you know you have accomplished something that most people could not do or would not try. It gives you pride and joy knowing that you have achieved something difficult.”

What Chase will miss most about high school: It’s the people.

“The thing I will miss most about high school is the not seeing the people you grew up with everyday,” Chase said. “After each school year ends, we always say ‘see ya next year’ to the people we have grown up with and experienced everything with since elementary school. But now we can’t say that. We are all going are separate ways, and that is bittersweet moment for everyone! So the one thing I’m going to miss the most is not seeing the people I have grown up with for the past 12 years!”

Chases’s advice for next year’s freshmen: Be a part of things.

“My advice for incoming freshmen would have to be...get involved with extracurricular activities whether it’s sports, band, or clubs. Once you take that extra step and try to get involved with activities on campus, you will never regret it. You learn important skills (leadership, teamwork, community) that will help you as you move along in school and life,” he said.

What the future holds: Chase will attend the University of Georgia. He then plans to go to a medical school.

“My long range goals are to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

My reasoning behind becoming a heart surgeon is that both of my grandfathers has/had heart issues and I want to be able to provide opportunities for people to overcome these boundaries in life,” Chase said. “I want to find solutions to the problems that people think cannot be solved. “

18 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Summing up in a word his educational experience in Effingham County Schools: “Transformational.”

What teachers say about Chase: Amanda Stone, physics: “Chase Kessler is one of those students who comes into your class who has his goals set and wants to know what he needs to do in order to succeed. In science, he has always been the first to ask questions and help out peers.

Academically he always sets the bar for the class, displaying high standards of excellence in organization, understanding, and attitude. I have also been Chase’s sponsor in BETA club for the past 2 years and he is going on his 3rd year in the club. He demonstrates excellent community service efforts – always going above and beyond the minimum requirements. He has been a model community service representative. Also, just as an example to Chase’s attitude: I could tell him today that he has a 10 page paper due tomorrow, double spaced on an obscure topic such as the History of Modern Physics: From the Perspective of Religious Leaders; and he will not complain about the assignment but will turn in an immaculate paper along with a few on-target, humorous remarks that will make us all laugh.”

Rhonda Shearouse, media specialist and the faculty sponsor for the Interact Club: “Chase is the president of Interact Club this year, and he is doing a phenomenal job. He is conscientious, organized, and is also very hard working. He puts in the time that is needed to keep our club of 90 plus members going strong. He is well respected by other students and leads by example. I appreciate his work ethic and positive attitude. I never have to worry about things getting done with Chase in charge. “

Reagan Lowry

Jonathan Luyster

Jackson Maennche

Dayjah Magaro

Hannah Marcinko

Emily Maroney

Heaven Maroney

Tobiah Martin

George Marx

Brooklynn McCall

Briyana McCarr

Ian McClurg

Anthony McDaniel

Emily McDaniel

Adam McDonald

Michael McDonald

Samantha McDuffie

Alaina McElveen

Kaelin McKay

Kristen McKenzie

Cheyenne Mcloud

Madison Meglan

Barry Miller

Hector Miranda

Tristan Mollohan

Madison Montaudo

Alexis Morgan

Sirena Morgan

Alexis Moriarty

Jeremy Morris

Nefretari Morris

James Morton

Dylan Muraco

Summer Murphy

Ashley Myrick

Desiree Nance

Lane Neidlinger

Johnathan Nesbit

Courtney Newman

Kerrigan Newman

Corrie Newton

Tahira Nimi

20 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Zaria Nixon

Guillermo Nunez Jr.

Devon Olding

Christopher Oliver

Erin Ondriezek

Zakeria Orr

Mikayla Overby

Briana Owens

Noah Parker

Steven Parker

Taylor Parsons

Raj Patel

Shinaben Patel

Sofia Perez

Marquis Person Jr.

Zachary Petrea

Ashley Pevey

Mason Pevey

Andrew Pierce

Joseph Pilat

Hanna Pippin

Congratulations Graduates

“Providing musical experiences to the community� www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org (912) 826-5300 Ext. 110 Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 21

Zachary Pittman

Kareem Polite

Kelim Polite

Taylor Poore

Allyson Porter

Kiana Porter

Zachary Porter

Randy Powell

Travis Prince

Candace Pristell

Holly Puckett

Brianna Pye

Tiffany Quarterman

Caleb Quattlebaum

James Quigley IV

Christopher Rafferty

Amanda Rahn

McKenzie Rahn

Roxana Ramirez-Torres

Kelsi Robb

Tymia Roberson

Daniel Roberts

MaKayla Robinson

Mikayla Robinson

Jason Roddenberry

Justin Roddenberry

Hannah Rogers

Makenzi Rogers

Rena Marie Ross

Jarrett Rowe

Carli Royal

Isiah Royal

Aaron Sabo

Sierra Sanchez

Ashley Sanders

Essence Sanders

Emily Schroeder

Kristen Schuman

Miguel Scroggins

Morgan Seckinger

Courtney Sellers

Anslee Sewell

22 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! VoteJonBurns.com fb.com/JonBurnsGA Jon@VoteJonBurns.com

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The City of Rincon would like to congratulate all graduating seniors from ECHS and SEHS!

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Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 23

ECHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:

Alyssa Livingston

Personal From Guyton, Alyssa is the daughter of Kris and Tonya Livinston. Her grandparents are Bruce and Robin Crosby.

School awards Alyssa has had a distinguished high school career. She’s been a finalist for the 2015 Governor’s Honors Program; received a University of Georgia Cerfiticate of Merit; been named Most Outstanding Musician and Most Outstanding Color Guard - both in 2016; won the Air Force Association Award; and was Distinguished 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Year Cadet with ECHS’ AFJROTC program. She’s also an FBLA Region Finalist and a competitor at state.

Teachers who’ve been important to Alyssa: Major Danny Burgsinter, USAF Ret; Mr. Will Alford, Mrs. Ivonne Osella.

What she will miss most about high school: “The extracurricular activities, specifically band, JROTC, and Drama Club, that I have been able to participate in,” Alyssa said.

“These clubs have led me to many friendships and taught me many life lessons. I cannot imagine my high school experience without my club participation.”

Advice for next year’s freshman class: “Try everything!” Alyssa said.”Join clubs, play a sport, take a fun class. Never let the fear of being alone stop you from trying something new. High school is a place to experience new things. If you never try, you will never know.”

Plans after graduation: Alyssa will attend UGA and will major in Arabic. She then wants to “Work as an Arabic interpreter or language officer for the CIA or NSA.” One word that sums up her high school career: “Active.”

What a teacher had to say about Alyssa: Maj. Burgstiner: “I have been teaching Air Force JROTC here at Effingham County High School for 17 years. Including my 2 years of teaching Air Force ROTC at the University of Wisconsin before retirement, I have been blessed with many outstanding students, including three this year. But I can say without any hesitation that Ms. Livingston is probably the best student I have ever taught. I have never said that about another student, and I don’t say that lightly.”

“As a freshman she impressed me so much that I promoted her to cadet officer rank in our second semester of school, the first freshman I have ever promoted to a cadet officer position.

She was our Outstanding First, Second, Third, and Fourth Year Cadet of the Year, a feat unprecedented since I’ve been here. Last year she was the only cadet officer I asked to hold 2 different jobs at the same time, and both of extreme responsibility. She not only succeeded at both, she excelled. She is currently our corps commander, helping to lead almost 150 students to earn the Air Force’s prestigious Distinguished Unit Award.”

“Her talents and accomplishments are not all related to JROTC, but they are many and varied. She is a member of the

24 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

school’s Drama Club and she had the lead role in their recent production of “Beauty and the Beast”. She was in the Symphonic Band playing first chair oboe, the National Honors Society, the Calculus Club, the Future Business Leaders of America, and was Captain of the Rebel Regiment Color Guard (for band).”

“She was the only student from this school of over 1800 selected to attend the Governors Honors Program last summer.

Her grades put her in the top 3% of her senior class, even more remarkable considering her chemistry, calculus, English, and microeconomics classes are all advanced placement classes.” “ Alyssa has a bright future, and is destined to be a success in her chosen field of endeavor. Her impact on the corps of cadets as a role model and leader will be felt for years to come. She will be greatly missed.”

Faith Sherrod

Dillon Silva

Paige Simmons

Hannah Sincavage

Shacoria Smith

Zachary Smith

Richard Sprague

Quevon Spriggs

Hunter Stafford

Christopher Stahl

Lorie Stephens

Haley Story

Cassidy Strickland

Walker Summers

Aalyiah Taylor

Emma Taylor

Sylvia Taylor

Janie Tebeau

Lierra Teel

Bailey Tenley

Drew Teston

Amea Thompson

Bailey Thompson

Ryan Thompson

Tyree Thompson

Hannah Traynor

Daniel Trowell

Phoenix Truitt

Gabrielle Usher

Trevor Usher

Joshua Vajk

Tyler Vales

Brook VanArsdale

Maci Varnell

David Vickery

Walter Vincent

Brook Walden

Wesley Waldron

Kyra Walker

Zakera Walls

Taylor Walsh

Cameron Walters

26 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

Bailey Ward

Sarah Ward

Lawrence Way

Patrick Welch

Victoria Westbrook

Christopher Whitaker

Jordon Whitaker

DeShaun Wilkenson

Austin Wilkes

Alexander Williams

Jaquan Williams

Kiarra Williams

Zharia Williams

Timothy Willoughby

Caitlin Wilson

Shelby Wilson

Samantha Wood

Trenton Woodard

Graeme Young

Trenessa Young

Alexandra Zaifert

Kiauna Allen Kevin Arnold Poppy Arnold Tenley Bailey Zaviay Bell Alissa Braddock Scott Burgess Harley Chambers Jesse Chambers Caleb Ziel

Effingham County High School Not Pictured: Jonathan Cheney Shayna Fama Weston Oliver Aailyah Chesney Jeneva Faulk Jeremy Pare Aaron Cowart Malaysia Ferrell Roschelle Pelote Austin Crouse Hunter Fingerlos Quadasha Perry Ny’Jay Dalton Marcus Jaudon Kiyanna Pollard Kristin Daniel Joseph McKenzie Conor Quill Brittany Dickey Jacob Mincey Jeremy Rawson Rashi Dillard Allison Morris Chandler Ray Bobby Elijah Kenneth Oliver Matthew Redhead

Luis Rosas Justiniano Kristopher Rubrecht Haylie Rush Janie Thompson Creed VanArsdale De’Andre Warren Brett Woodard Justin Wright Brian York Jr.

Victoria Zoll

Class Of 2016 | 2015-2016 27

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28 2015-2016 | Class Of 2016

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