BE STILL - King's Ridge Christian School Spring/Summer 2020 Magazine

KING’S RID GE CHRISTIAN SCHO OL

BE STILL

SPRING/SUMMER EDITION 2020

MISSION King’s Ridge Christian School is a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe.

VISION King’s Ridge Christian School will become the number one choice for a Christ-centered, academically excellent college prep school and a place for students to build character, discover their unique purpose and calling and grow to make an impact that extends far beyond the King’s Ridge Christian School campus.

PASSION Our passion is to bring every student into a personal growing relationship with Jesus Christ while equipping them to do with excellence all that God has called them to do.

BE STILL is published by the Office of Communications and is free of charge. For additional information, please call 770.754.5738 or visit our website at www.KingsRidgeCS.org.

Disclaimer: King’s Ridge Christian School makes every effort to ensure that all names and listings are accurate and complete. If an error has been made, please accept our sincerest apologies. ©2020 King’s Ridge Christian School

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KNOW THAT I AM GOD

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Trust.

This emotionally loaded word has been especially prevalent since early spring when COVID-19 shook our lives like a snow globe.

And the flakes haven’t settled quite yet.

Through the uncertainty of it all, God never ceases to remind us that when we trust in Him, life is always better - regardless of our present circumstances.

For me, it came in the shape of a photo.

For years, as we sped through one important milestone after another in my children’s lives, I’ve wanted a new family photo.

It was never the right time for whatever reason.

It took a pandemic and a generous soul to finally capture us at the “right” time and place.

A local real estate agent and amateur photographer decided to participate in #TheFrontStepsProject – a global social mission led by hundreds of volunteer photographers with a desire to give back during this unprecedented time.

So, one evening in March, she came to our house with a large camera, an even bigger smile, and in five minutes captured a priceless memory for me. Then she did the same thing for 189 other families. All money raised was donated to the Giving Kitchen which provides emergency assistance to food service workers in Georgia through financial support and a network of community resources.

The late Fred Rogers shared, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

No one knows how long these unsettling times will last, but may we always trust in God and give thanks for the helpers. They’re truly a gift from God. Michelle Azzi Director of Communications Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

— Proverbs 3:5-6

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CONTENTS

BE STILL LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL 4 TO KNOW 6 TO SERVE 28 TO BELIEVE 36 WHY KRCS? 52

CONTENTS

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LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

A few weeks ago, my daughter who is a senior at Baylor University, was completing her final project and asked if I would be a part of it. As you know, any dad loves to be asked to be a part of any element of their daughter’s life. Little did I know, she was making a video on the impact of COVID-19 on a Christian school. Because she was doing school virtually due to the pandemic, she wanted to track the impact it had on me as a Head of School.

I thought this might be an opportunity to share with you how we managed this journey, thanks to our incredible KRCS faculty, staff, and community.

I’m Dr. Jeff Williams. I’m the Head of School of King’s Ridge Christian School, a Christian school in the north Atlanta area in Alpharetta, Georgia. King’s Ridge Christian School is an independent Christian school, noncovenant; we have about 775 students between Pre-K and 12th grade.

Life as a Headmaster or Head of School during COVID-19 has been a unique challenge. First of all, it has been a great surprise, and by that I mean I’ve realized how unbelievable my faculty and staff are. They have transitioned from face-to-face education to a virtual experience, where they’ve done all their lecturing, all their class discussion, engagement, assignments, assessments, and everything else all online. It’s been unbelievable to watch!

Our sense of community has become even stronger. We’ve realized how important it is to be together; you don’t really value something until it’s taken away. Using Zoom, we are excited to see each other and interact. This makes us realize how much we really miss each other and how important and valuable community really is.

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This whole experience is going to change education, regardless. I don’t know what that looks like. I don’t know if anyone knows what that looks like. Every week I’m on Zoom conferences having conversations with doctors, with scientists, with other independent school heads in the city of Atlanta and state of Georgia, across the country, and even across the world. We’re all talking about what this looks like and how things are going to be different from now on.

It’s been a real challenge trying to manage a lot of people you can’t see face-to-face. I really miss seeing students on a day-to-day basis; watching them interact, watching them grow, watching them be stretched, watching them succeed, watching them have great moments. I miss going into a Pre-K classroom and seeing kids playing at stations or working together. I miss going to Middle School lunch and seeing conversations around a table or friends together. I love that; that’s what I live for. I’ve also missed it.

A lot of great things happen in the KCLI building I’m sitting in right now. But at this moment, it’s quiet, it’s clean, and it’s still. At some level I kind of wish for that when all the kids are here, but now that no one’s here, I realize how meaningful the independent Christian school is and how meaningful relationships are. How we’re meant for relationships. Now that we’re not together, I can’t wait to get back to that. I can’t wait to get back.

I hope you will visit the KRCS website to see my daughter’s video, but more importantly, may we never miss, regardless of the circumstances, how good God is and how He is in control. We trust Him as we seek to fulfill our mission, vision, and passion at the highest level.

To God be the glory!

Dr. Jeff D. Williams Head of School

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TO KNOW

We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. — 1 John 4:6-7

INTERIM TERM 2020 21st-century education is at its best when broadening minds, extending boundaries, and teaching the necessary skills to critically examine our world. International travel is a powerful transformational learning experience. It develops empathy, self-awareness, understanding of cultural differences, and the capacity to challenge previously held beliefs. Our travel abroad enhances curriculum while creating opportunities for our students to better understand themselves as an integral part of God’s magnificent world.

During Interim Term, sophomores, juniors, and seniors choose from a selection of domestic or international travel, specific on-campus classes, or internship opportunities. Freshmen will choose on-campus courses which will involve service and a day of fun.

On Campus

Internships

Costa Rica

Ireland

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Spain

World War II

World War II I’ve always been fascinated by World War ll, so when I heard about this trip, I immediately wanted to go. I knew that reading and seeing pictures could only teach me so much, and I was in awe when I visited many of the locations.

Seeing the beaches at Normandy truly surprised me and gave me a deeper appreciation for the men who sacrificed their lives on D-Day. I was also taken aback the day we went to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. There was a hush over everyone, and when entering you could feel that something beyond our comprehension had happened. The feeling was indescribable.

While I learned a lot of new information about World War ll, I would say that seeing these places affected me more than any book had ever done. Interestingly, I have never had any of the teachers that were on the trip, but by the end, I got to know all of them. Also, most of the students on the trip I had never spoken to before, so I got to know most of them and made many new friendships. I would recommend international trips to others. They are a great way to experience a new culture with fellow King’s Ridge students. The personal and emotional experiences felt being present in these countries and sites are memories that will last a lifetime.

— Katie Garcia, Junior

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Internship Interim Term 2020 was a terrific opportunity for me to explore what I think might be a potential career path. As a sophomore, I am not entirely sure what path I might like to take, but I think I might want to explore broadcast journalism. My family has two close friends who work at Good Morning America in New York City. One is Kelly Hagan, who works as a producer, and the other is Lara Spencer, an entertainment anchor. My family asked them if I could spend some time with them during Interim Term, and they said they would be happy to show me the ropes.

I was delighted to be back in NYC. The energy and the vibrancy of the city is exhilarating, and I love all of the fabulous food. It was a little strange to stay in a hotel in the city because it was my home for fifteen years. On the first day of the internship I was instructed to sit in the audience, take notes on how the production was running, and watch for any technical difficulties. Lara Spencer, Robin Roberts, Ginger Zee, and Michael Strahan all gave me background on how the anchors get ready for their time slots on-air. Before their particular segments, anchors read over the hard copy scripts of their lines to prepare.

The set was much more chaotic than it looks on screen. There is a lot of running on and off of the set for segments and a lot of prompting from the audience manager, Tom. The anchors spend a lot of time getting their research ready and making sure their script is well-written. The producers edit the scripts and make sure that the key points are mentioned before the time on-air runs out.

Producers continuously cut or change segments while the show is live. Michael Strahan interviewed George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman from the movie 1917, and he had to prepare all of his questions and talking points earlier that morning. The crew was terrific and built the set in under five minutes for each segment. They are the invisible backbone of the show.

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On the second and third days, I spent more time with the producers. They showed me a running script and how it was put together, how it was constantly edited, and how to choose stories that would hopefully appeal to the public.

They also taught me how to load the scripts onto the teleprompter. I spent a short amount of time in the control room, meeting the executive producer, and watching how he runs the entire show. That was a big deal because no one is allowed in the control room outside of the producing staff.

For me, the most informative part of the internship was talking to Paula Faris about her career and the steps necessary to be successful in the industry. She gave me some excellent advice about what to major in at college, what jobs I should start with, and what I need to learn to work my way up to being an anchor. This was very practical information for me.

I ended my internship at The Lambs Club, which is a cool corporate media hangout.

I am thankful for the time spent at GMA because it gave me exposure and experience in the career I hope to work in one day. Internships during Interim Term are great opportunities for students to explore career paths they may be interested in pursuing. — Reese Polkinghorne, Sophomore

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Father-Daughter Dance “A father holds his daughter’s hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever.”

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Mother-Son Event “So there’s this boy. He kinda stole my heart.

He calls me ‘Mom.’”

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Fine Arts

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Fine Arts

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Fine Arts

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Fine Arts GHSA LITERARY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND (PRE-COVID-19) March was an exciting month for the Upper School KRCS Fine Arts program. Eleven students in eight categories advanced to the state finals in the GHSA Literary Private A, Area 2 competition, which was to be held on Saturday, March 14, but due to COVID-19, the competition was canceled.

Extemporaneous Speaking, International: Lukas Holliger Extemporaneous Speaking, Domestic: AC Galbreath

Oral Interpretation, Duo: Haidyn Bye and Parker Wise Essay, Personal: Mackenzie Kester Boys Solo: Charlie Erbrick Girls Solo: Haidyn Bye

Trio: Anna Gunnigle, Emma Elizabeth Smith, Abby Williams

Quartet: Charlie Erbrick, Logan Rawson, Dylan Simons, Parker Wise

Overall Superior in Performance: Jenny Piacente, King’s Ridge Voices (Upper School) Director

Overall Superior in Sight Reading: Jenny Piacente, King’s Ridge Voices (Upper School) Director

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Athletics

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Athletics

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Athletics

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Athletics

Terry Crowder comes to KRCS from Denmark High School in Forsyth County, where he served as the school’s first head football coach. His extensive coaching career has included stops at North Gwinnett High School, Tucker High School (DC), Burke County (DC), Collins Hill (DC), Camden County (DC), Chattahoochee (HC) and Creekview (HC). He was State Runner-Up in 1997 at Burke County as the Defensive Coordinator and won his first State Title in 2003 as the Defensive Coordinator of Camden County. In 2010 as the Head Coach, Coach Crowder captured the GHSA Class-AAAA State Championship at Chattahoochee High School en route to a perfect 15-0 record. That year he was named AJC Coach of the Year, Atlanta Touchdown Club Coach of the Year, and Georgia Athletic Coaches Association State Coach of the Year.

Mike Power comes to KRCS as our new Assistant Athletic Director and Men’s Head Baseball Coach. Mr. Power holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial, a Master’s of Education degree in Health and Physical Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Mike’s impressive baseball background is highlighted by a 525-240 career coaching record, three state championships, and five state championship appearances.

Sixteen of his former players were drafted and nearly fifty have gone on to play at the college level. During his fourteen years at Roswell High School, Mike served as Athletic Director for the last seven years, making him a perfect addition to the KRCS Athletic Department. His experience and insight will position him to immediately create a positive impact on the KRCS community, specifically with our coaches and student-athletes.

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Virtual Learning Day 1 of Virtual Learning, COVID-19 Pandemic March 16, 2020 Dear King’s Ridge Christian School Family, This is an unprecedented time for education, indeed for our country and community as well. I want to reassure you that our leadership team is constantly assessing this rapidly evolving situation and making decisions to ensure the continued health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. I am confident that together – as a strong and resilient community – we will navigate these challenges in the days ahead, sustained by our God of grace, peace and hope.

While virtual learning will be and feel quite different for all of us, I assure you that we have invested a great deal of time and energy into the preparations for making these upcoming days of learning as impactful and meaningful as possible. Faculty have planned lessons, learned how to utilize technology, set up classrooms in their homes, prayed for you and your children, and prepared as best they can to teach remotely. We are ready, and we are excited!

Please know and understand that this effort will not come without some obstacles as we launch into this new learning space; we are all learning together.

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Virtual Learning We plan to collaborate on a regular basis in an effort to share what works well and what may need some tweaking, so that our faculty and staff can learn from one another and refine instruction as we move through the days ahead. Let’s commit to working together to make this time as successful as it can be.

I encourage each of us to stop and be still this week. Know that He is God, and He is in full control. Please utilize this time to be together as a family and focus on the importance of our relationship with God, our spouse, our children, and others. I share this brief devotional from Keeping God in the Small Stuff by Bruce and Stan.

Overcome Your Fears Faith is the antidote for fear.

Fear is an emotion everyone experiences. People fear tangible things like being hurt, robbed, or cheated. They also fear intangible things like rejection, failure, and giving speeches. Even though fear can sometimes be useful, it can easily become your greatest enemy and hold your life in an awesome grip. Fear can keep you from doing the right thing at the right time.

Remember the story when a storm threatened to capsize the boat in which the disciples and Jesus were sailing?

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Virtual Learning Jesus remained calm. He had faith that He would overcome the danger at hand, and He told the disciples that their fear came from a lack of faith.

If you want to overcome your fears, you must have faith that God can conquer them.

When he woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Quiet down!”

Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

And he asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?”

— Mark 4:39-40 Trust in the Lord.

Dr. Jeff D. Williams Head of School

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Virtual Learning

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Virtual Learning

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Virtual Learning

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TO SERVE

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. — John 13:34-35

Giving Back MOONLIGHT SONATA Seniors Learn You’re Never Too Old for Prom Senior citizens in Alpharetta were able to relive their high school years at the third annual event made possible by King’s Ridge Christian School.

Author: 11alive.com

Published: 1:24 AM EST March 2, 2020

Aisha Howard, 11Alive reporter: “Here is a lesson that you are never too old for prom.

Senior citizens were able to relive their high school years at the 3rd Annual Moonlight Sonata in Alpharetta. Students from King’s Ridge Christian School threw the big party for the community with seniors from local assisted living facilities, getting a chance to make some new memories and party with live music, dancing and food.”

Man being interviewed: “I’m excited about it. We’ve been looking forward to it; myself, I’ve been looking forward to it all day. And not only does it give us a place to go and something to do, but it’s a special place to go and something to do, and when we heard about the music and all the activities, frankly we couldn’t wait to get here.”

Aisha Howard: “The Interact Club at the school raised the money for the prom - I love this story; he just seemed so excited about this event and ready for it.”

Chris Holcomb, 11Alive reporter: “That is great, and what if they had just kind of met up with people there and then asked to dance or if they really had dates and they had the whole wrist corsage and everything.”

Aisha Howard: “I know, and like he said there were multiple facilities that were participating, so they probably got to meet some new folks too.”

Chris Holcomb: “That’s true!”

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Giving Back

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BRAXTON CHADWICK From a Senior in High School to Senior Citizens, Free Flowers Arrive raxton Chadwick hopes to deliver 2,500 sets of flowers to senior facilities around B metro Atlanta.

Author: Matt Pearl Published: 5:26 PM EDT April 2, 2020

ALPHARETTA, GA — With the school year now over, it’s left students of all ages with way more time on their hands.

One Alpharetta student is using his time to help.

Braxton Chadwick is a senior at King’s Ridge Christian School. Next fall, he’ll head to Savannah State. And right now?

“I have nothing but time on my hands,” he told 11Alive’s Matt Pearl, “so why not provide a little joy?”

He thought about two other seniors: his grandmother in an assisted living facility, and his grandfather, who runs a greenhouse in Acworth with a month’s worth of canceled flower deliveries.

“It’s thousands, thousands of flowers,” Braxton said. ‘They were all set to go somewhere, a certain function, and now they’re all just sitting...looking good for no one right now. I was like, ‘Hey, do you mind if I get them from you and do what I want with them?’ And he said, ‘Go for it.’”

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Braxton started Bloom to a Room. People can donate a flower. Braxton will drop them off outside nursing homes and facilities around the area. The first one? His grandmother’s community in Alpharetta.

“We gave one for every room,” he said. “One of the ladies who works at the front desk, she said this is great, because she got to give everyone their meal that night, and add a little something to it with the flower.”

Braxton’s goal? He wants to deliver 2,500 flowers to senior citizens around the region.

“I know how much they really appreciate acts of kindness,” he said. “And this is a way to say, ‘Hey, we’re not forgetting about you. We’re just outside.’”

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2019-2020 KRCS ONE SPONSORSHIPS

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OUR PARTNER

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TO BELIEVE

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. — Romans 15:13

Congratulations King’s Ridge Christian School Class of 2020 May 21, 2020

To the Class of 2020: You represent the 14th graduating class, and we are excited to pay tribute to your amazing accomplishments during your years at King’s Ridge Christian School.

This class, without doubt, is a talented and creative group. Who could forget the phenomenal performances of Guys and Dolls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Newsies, and this year’s electrifying performance of Crazy For You! The 5th Annual Black & White Gala honors 38 incredibly gifted seniors, 35 graduating with honors in Fine Arts. A record number have signed with the following universities: Savannah College of Art and Design, New York School of Visual Arts, Berklee School of Music, and Texas State University. Among other accolades, KRCS Fine Arts had 12 Region Literary Winners advance to the GHSA State Competition. These winners were awarded Literary Champions for the third consecutive year.

Fifty-five of you, nearly 70% of your class, participated on 17 Varsity athletic teams this year alone. Six of you will compete in college athletics next year. In your four years as KRCS student-athletes, you have been a part of numerous playoff appearances in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer.

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• •

• • • •

94% of you have maintained a cumulative GPA of 85 or better Your 2019 AP scores resulted in: ○ 13 named AP Scholars by the College Board ○ 11 named AP Scholar with Honor ○ 6 named AP Scholar with Distinction Once your 2020 AP scores are completed, I know you will only increase these outstanding results.

50 seniors are in the National Honor Society Average SAT score for the Class of 2020 is 1190 (national SAT average is 1059 and state is 1058) Average ACT score for the Class of 2020 is 27 (national ACT average is 20 and state is 21)

You have made quite an impact on your school and community serving in many and diverse ways including the 3rd Annual Moonlight Sonata, Interact Club, Chestnut Ridge (Nursing Center), Vision Warriors, Operation Christmas Child, Meals by Grace, Live A Yes, North Fulton Community Charities, Foster Care Services, International Justice Mission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign, Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, and traveling abroad on mission trips.

You have been accepted to 261 different universities and in the fall, you will attend 39 universities in 18 different states. You have been offered more than $8 million dollars in academic, fine arts and athletic scholarships. Thirteen of you are “Lifers” which means you have been at King’s Ridge Christian School since kindergarten.

Congratulations, Class of 2020.

We are very proud of you!

To God be the glory.

Dr. Jeff D. Williams Head of School

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CAR PARADE Class of 2020

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Congratulations to the Class of

2020

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Celebrating Milestones In this edition of Be Still, we are celebrating our beloved faculty and staff who reached service milestones during the 2019-2020 school year at King’s Ridge Christian School.

Mary Beecham, Alumni and Public Relations Coordinator

5

Melanie Ellis, Director of Human Resources Melissa Erbrick, Lower School Teacher’s Assistant

years

Laura French, English and History Teacher Holly Krig-Smith, Director of Fine Arts Josh Kvam, Christian Education Teacher Monica Lewis, Dean of Student Achievement and Instruction Jennifer Li, Foreign Language Teacher Darcy Partridge, Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower School Jenny Piacente, Choral Director, Middle & Upper School; Fine Arts Academy Coordinator Tiffany Porter, Middle School Teacher Amy Zacha, Academic Support Counselor

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Celebrating Milestones

Lisa Brown, Lower School Spanish Teacher Leigh Denard, Fourth Grade Teacher

10

years

Thank you for your dedicated service to KRCS! Lynn Bridges, Lower School Teacher’s Assistant Chris Conrad, After Care Director Kelly Fitzgerald, Assistant Director of Admissions

15 TO BELIEVE

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DR. EDWARD J. SPURKA Please welcome Dr. Edward J. Spurka as the new Head of Secondary Education beginning the 20202021 school year. As a member of the leadership team, Dr. Spurka will provide strategic direction and implement systemic enhancements in curriculum, instruction, assessment and other school initiatives for 5th-12th grade.

Dr. Spurka was unanimously chosen from a national pool of impressive candidates. He comes to KRCS with more than 25 years of experience and dynamic leadership in delivering excellence in academics. Most recently he served as the Head of School for Pinecrest Academy.

Dr. Spurka began his career in education in Pennsylvania in 1992. He earned two degrees from West Chester University, including one in Special Education. Dr. Spurka moved to Georgia in 1995 to teach at South Forsyth High School. He later taught at Milton High School where he was promoted into school administration. Dr. Spurka spent one year as an assistant principal at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County and returned to Fulton County in 2001 as an assistant principal at Roswell High School (oversight of approximately 2,100 students per year). After two years at Roswell and earning his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Georgia, he was named principal. He served in that capacity for eight years before becoming the founding principal of Cambridge High School (oversight of nearly 2,000 students per year) in 2012. Dr. Spurka is a four-time recipient of the Governor’s High Performance Principal award, and he was twice named as the Outstanding Principal of the Year by the Georgia PTA.

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TEN THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME

DR. EDWARD J. SPURKA

Head of Secondary Education 1. I’m a huge Philadelphia sports fan - Fly Eagles Fly! 2. Favorite cheesesteak from Philly is Tony Luke’s.

3. My first teacher in the education program at West Chester University told me to never teach elementary school because of the way I held my pencil.

4. I received my doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Georgia - Go Dawgs!

5. I applied for the television show Survivor just before I was selected for my first principal position.

6. I was the founding principal of our neighboring school across the street, Cambridge High School.

7. I love inspirational movies like Remember the Titans and books like The Energy Bus. 8. I have only had one cup of coffee in my life; I prefer a Pepsi or Coke.

9. I published a book about parenting titled, The 15 “Principals” of Parenting.

10. I love teaching and learning and one of my recent accomplishments was to teach my one-year-old goldendoodle to walk off-leash.

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Alumni

BEYOND THE RIDGE BIRTHS

2016

Ralph Corser ‘13 and his wife, Emily, welcomed Rylee

Emory Collins graduated from Emory University with

Debra on January 4, 2020. (1)

a double major in biology and French. She is currently working full-time at the Centers for Disease Control

UPDATES

and Prevention and plans to attend medical school. (5)

2007

Chloe

Michelle Rafferty and Chris Love were engaged in March. (2)

Johnson

graduated

from

Georgia

State

University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Middle Level Education program with concentrations in social studies and science. She plans

2015

to teach science in middle school. (6)

Chynna Lau transferred from Auburn University to Georgia State University in 2018. She currently works at a family law firm and volunteers with the sports department at the YMCA. She is pictured here with Heaven Robinson ‘18. (3) Jenna Watry graduated from Florida State University and then embarked on The World Race, an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 countries through Adventures in Missions. Jenna only made it to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand before returning to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She hopes to resume her travels as soon as possible. (4)

Benjamin

Lewis

graduated

from

Northwestern

University in March and plans to work for ADDO, a consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta. (7) Austin McCormick graduated in 2019 as valedictorian of the Atlanta Police Academy’s Class 260. Academy training is a grueling six-month program which Austin says, “tests you constantly,” followed by three months of field training. Austin says he found police work to be exactly the right fit for him. “I chose to police in Atlanta because I want to help problem-solve and be there for people when they need someone to tell them it’s going to be okay.” Austin also participated in King’s Ridge Christian School’s Interim Term in January, advising students about self-defense. (8)

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Alumni

BEYOND THE RIDGE

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(7)

(8)

(6)

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Alumni

BEYOND THE RIDGE Anna Kate Newall graduated from the University

2018

of Georgia with a degree in advertising, a minor

Brighton Collins is a rising junior at Furman University

in communication studies, and a certificate in entrepreneurship. (9) Zach Pitts plans to graduate in December 2020 with a degree in psychology with a focus on animal behavior.

(10)

and will spend the summer working as a staff intern for Senator David Perdue’s re-election campaign.

Olivia Muscott transferred from the University of Georgia to Augusta University in Athens to complete her degree in nursing.

Alexandra Stampfl is graduating from the University of Virginia with a double major in computer science and

2019 William Kurtz is a freshman at Auburn University,

Spanish. (11)

majoring in finance.

2017 Caroline Barden is a junior at the University of Georgia.

Sean Lake is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in sports management with a minor in theatre.

Carly Malkiewicz and Kyle Wade were engaged in

Will Moore is a freshman at the University of Georgia, majoring in finance.

Mackenzie Wade debuted her new single, Overthink, at a virtual release party in May. She also premiered her new video, which was filmed at home while sheltering

April. (12)

in place. Listen on Instagram @max.rae.music. (15)

Shelby Suplee hit a walk-off RBI double for the win

Chris Williams has signed to play D1 football for the

against Central Michigan in her first career at bat as a

Bowling Green Falcons this fall. (16)

UGA Softball Dawg. (13)

Mallorie Worley represented Kappa Delta in the Miss

Sydnee Walker, a junior at the University of Oregon,

Clemson University Pageant in January. (17)

will be spending her summer in Atlanta working with the Turner Sports Social Media Team. (14)

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Alumni

BEYOND THE RIDGE

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Alumni

BEYOND THE RIDGE Cherie Hewlett ‘18 February 13, 2020 Today marks the end of my first month of interning with Special Olympics International (SOI) in Washington, DC. I worked with the Organizational Excellence department where we had two main priorities: to further develop opportunities for athlete leaders and to review census submissions from the 193 countries we partner with in order to analyze the global reach of our organization.

Even though it was only four weeks, I developed a completely new skill set and learned more than I ever imagined I would. Last week I was able to step away from the wonderful world of census data collection to participate in the annual Hill Day event. On that day, Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states participate in 350+ meetings with members of both the House and Senate to advocate for their continued partnership with Special Olympics.

The highlights of my time here have been the challenges my colleagues bring to me daily which help me learn and grow, as well as working with the athletes who have become my role models. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of my time here at Special Olympics International - Go Dawgs and Go SOI! Cherie’s time in Washington, DC, ended abruptly in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can certainly see her returning to complete the great work she began. – Ed.

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Legacy Luncheon

BEYOND THE RIDGE The 2nd Annual Alumni Legacy Luncheon was held on February 27, 2020, at South City Kitchen Avalon with special guest, John Deushane, President and General Manager of WXIA 11Alive and MYATL in Atlanta and “In the Burbs” co-hosts, Gina Ryals and Amy Lyle.

The luncheon offered an opportunity for the KRCS alumni community to join in celebration with current King’s Ridge Christian School parents to help support the Legacy Hall project. Forty-two parents, alumni, and friends attended, representing twelve of our thirteen graduating classes.

Thank you to all, both near and far, who participated this year and to those who have supported the Legacy Hall project. We are excited to share that the “Hall” is now complete!

Stay Connected Alumni and Public Relations Coordinator Mary Beecham oversees alumni relations at KRCS. Please contact Mary at mbeecham@kingsridgecs.org with contact information, updates, or any questions about our alumni programs.

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kingsridgealumni Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsridgealumni

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WHY KRCS?

A KRCS Lifer is a student who has been enrolled at King’s Ridge Christian School for thirteen consecutive years, culminating in graduation. The Class of 2020 has thirteen Lifers: twelve who enrolled in kindergarten and one who enrolled in Pre-First. Below they share favorite memories from their years at KRCS.

Yes, we know one of the Lifers is missing. He will make an appearance later!

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Ellie Ackerman I can’t begin to tell you how much my time at KRCS has meant to me. It was thirteen years full of memories, life lessons, and teachers providing knowledge, all pouring into me at one time. I believe all of these things account for, almost entirely, who I am today. From Mrs. Denard in Lower School to Mrs. Dilbeck in Middle School to Coach Smith in Upper School, a common thread in each of these teachers is that they took time to pour into me when they certainly didn’t have to. This effort of taking the time with kids is something I believe separates King’s Ridge from any other school. My teachers have impacted me more than any other person in my life. As a result, I have formed strong relationships with lots of them. I would not be who I am today without my journey at King’s Ridge Christian School.

Abigail Brannon Being a student at KRCS for thirteen years has been amazing and I’ve made so many memories I will carry for the rest of my life. Between sporting events, plays, club meetings, and help sessions, I believe I have spent more time on the KRCS campus than at my own home. The relationships I have with my teachers at King’s Ridge are very special to me. As a child, I told my mom that when I grew up, I wanted to be just like Mrs. Clinton. Another Lower School teacher that really impacted my life was Reading Specialist, Mrs. Mulvey. My freshman year I had Mr. Shell for history and his teaching style made history ten times better.

Mrs. Procopio was my geometry teacher, but also my go-to person anytime I had a problem. King’s Ridge Christian School will always be a big part of my life because it taught me how to be a better person, Christian, and leader.

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Frances Buchanan I started as a student at King’s Ridge Christian School in kindergarten, but actually spent more than thirteen years being a part of the KRCS community.

My two older brothers are also Lifers and graduated from KRCS in 2016 and 2018. My first memories of KRCS are not of attending kindergarten, but of standing in the lobby with my mom when the school was in a former grocery store, either dropping off my brothers, wearing my robe and bunny slippers, or picking them up in the afternoons. I loved seeing all the other students and families and couldn’t wait to join them when I was finally old enough to start school. There have been a lot of changes since those early grocery store days, but I will always remember the families and friends I met before I was officially a KRCS student!

McKenzie Callaway Having been at KRCS since kindergarten, this school feels more like a home than a school. Each grade, teacher, and classmate has influenced who I am today. My favorite memories include the times I spent with my school outside of the traditional classroom. Lower School field trips, Middle School mission trips, and Upper School Interim Term trips have given me some of my favorite memories because of the unique time I spent with my peers. Inside the classroom, I’ve had several meaningful relationships with teachers who not only cared for me as a student, but as a person.

Constantly investing in my personal life and my faith, Mrs. Sheets, Mrs. Ferrand, Mr. Smith, and Mrs. Volz are some of the teachers that have left the biggest impact on my life. King’s Ridge Christian School has given me so many incredible opportunities and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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Cambri Driskell Looking back, I would have never chosen a different place to be my second home. KRCS molded me for years, affected me through relationships I am beyond grateful for, and played a major role in the development of the person I am today; someone I am proud to be. More than any class or activity, regardless of how great all of those were, the spirit of Christ that was spoken and encouraged in me means more than I could have ever understood or foreseen as a five-yearold when I started kindergarten. The best part of KRCS is that His name is not only put in our school’s mission statement or said beliefs, but it breathes life into every aspect of the environment. We are leaving equipped with the resources, relationships, and foundation to strengthen our own walks in faith, regardless of the environment in our next stage of life.

Katie Keith I have so many favorite teachers after thirteen years, but I think Mrs. Volz has probably made the biggest impact on me. She helped me through a lot of really big things in my life and has always been someone I could rely on and come to with problems. One of the chapels that stood out most to me during my time at KRCS was one she led during my freshman or sophomore year about not becoming complacent in faith. That message has stuck with me since then. I never want to become complacent in my faith or any other aspect of my life!

The amazing field trips, Interim Term trips, and mission trips I’ve been on with the school have been incredible. I’m so grateful for the past thirteen years at King’s Ridge Christian School. I know the things I’ve learned will stick with me the rest of my life. I’ve loved growing up here and the friends and family I’ve made.

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Olivia Maschino KRCS is not just the place I go to school; it’s my home away from home. I’ve built a family consisting of teachers, coaches, administrators, and friends. It’s bittersweet leaving to go to college because I am going to miss everyone so very much, but I am also excited to share everything I’ve learned at KRCS with the world around me. I am anxious to leave such a caring, Christian family and at the same time ready to build a new one wherever I end up in life. I hope all the teachers, coaches, and administration at KRCS know how grateful I am for them and their dedication to my life. I could thank them one thousand times over for the knowledge and love for Jesus Christ they have instilled in me and it still wouldn’t be enough. I consider it both a blessing and an honor to have been a part of King’s Ridge Christian School.

Megan Newall It is hard to believe that my time at KRCS is coming to an end. It started thirteen years ago when I finally got to go to school with my two big sisters! I proudly wore a variation of the same outfit for more than 2,000 days, but in those 2,000 days I made memories that will last me a lifetime. Some of my favorite memories were made on KRCS mission trips. It is where my passion to serve began and it is something I know I will always carry with me. I found family in my teachers and will never forget the impact they had on me from Mrs. Sheets and Mrs. Clinton in Lower School to Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Archer, and Mrs. Fiddler in Middle School to Mrs. Ashworth, Mr. Bowman, Mrs. Lile, and Mr. Adams in Upper School. I graduate thankful for King’s Ridge Christian School, even though my senior year was cut short due to the pandemic.

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Jason Nguyen My teachers at KRCS have had a positive impact on me at every grade level. Most recently, the teachers who have had a significant impact on me would have to be Ms. Fedas, Mrs. Volz, and Mr. Shell. From these not only knowledgeable but passionate people who enjoy the subjects they teach, I’ve come to understand a bit better what I want to pursue moving forward in my life. Having spent so many hours on campus, I can say that the aspect that distinguishes KRCS from other places would most likely be the opportunity it provides to discover how you want to be as a person. Although this is definitely true inside the classroom, I’ve also learned countless lessons on how to live morally and push myself to a higher standard just by observing other people. I believe this is a feature of KRCS that I’ve come to appreciate above all other things.

Annabelle Rogers My thirteen years at KRCS and the people who shared this time with me are what built me into who I am today. In Lower School, Mrs. Clinton taught the Bible through songs and fun storytelling. She opened my eyes and helped me create a relationship with God. The Middle School trips were something I especially looked forward to because it was a way to give to the community while being with my friends. When I moved to Upper School, I began to focus on the things that were important to me.

I want to thank every teacher, staff member, coach, parent, and friend who helped me along the way. I especially want to thank the amazing college counseling staff at KRCS. Without their help, I wouldn’t be able to say how happy I am to be attending the University of South Carolina next year. As both my friendships and I matured over the years, I found I had made friends I will never lose. All thanks to King’s Ridge Christian School.

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Anna Grace Stewart KRCS has been my second home since kindergarten. In Lower School, I enjoyed being a part of Tiger TV - Mrs. Williams and Mr. Littleton did an amazing job helping turn this experience into a memorable production. As for Middle School, the seventh-grade class trip to Disney was by far my favorite memory. From exploring Magic Kingdom with my friends to watching our own varsity baseball team win state in the middle of Hollywood Studios, every aspect of that trip was truly magical. For Upper School, my sophomore year basketball season really sticks out for me. Our team focused on winning, but also on coming together as a team. These are just some of the highlights of my time at King’s Ridge Christian School and some of the endless memories I will remember forever. I was truly blessed to be able to attend such an amazing school.

Millie Warner This school changed me mentally and spiritually. As a proud “one” on the Enneagram test, I have always been one to stress out over grades and consider a score of 100% “adequate.” During these past few years, many thoughtful faculty members have shown me that I am more than a number on a report card, and I have grown to enjoy life more because of them. In addition, KRCS is very accepting of all students, wherever they are in their spiritual journey.

While some of my favorite teachers, such as Mrs. McFadin, Mrs. Ashworth, and Mr. Bayless have moved on to different places, the presence of new faculty members render me excited to see KRCS grow. As an Academic Prefect, I loved working with every single teacher and administrator. I am proud to be one of the faces that represent this unique, wonderful school and home.

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Robbie Witt As a Lifer, I have spent all thirteen years of my school career at KRCS. My overall experience was great. I’ve had some years that were not as good as others, but then again, that’s just how life is. KRCS has helped me navigate those ups and downs and has, quite frankly, made me the man I am today. The wonderful staff at KRCS helped me grow by helping me and making me feel like I wasn’t another person lost in the crowd. I’ve made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. I’ve met people from all over the world, which I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting at such a small school. I’ve met teachers such as Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Sheets, Mr. Mayton, and so many more who have made me love learning and made me the person I am. While I’m excited to move on to the next chapter of my life, it wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for King’s Ridge Christian School.

WE LOVE PHOTOSHOP!

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

King’s Ridge Christian School is a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

2765 Bethany Bend Alpharetta, GA 30004 770.754.5738 www.KingsRidgeCS.org