COMMUNITY for a LIFETIME

BY MRS. AMBER IRIZARRY, COMMUNICATIONS CONTENT MANAGER

Students who attend one school from preschool or kindergarten through grade 12 are fondly referred to as “lifers.” Each year, approximately 25 percent of MPCS graduating classes are lifers, including the class of 2023. These students have the unique experience of being a part of a partnership, experiencing first-hand the benefits of right-fit academics, athletic development, cross-divisional mentoring, and being a valued member of the community.

Alumna Ana Buchan ‘22 loves the lifelong friendships she’s formed. “Growing up with people who become like family members creates such a strong bond that we will never lose,” she said. Class of 2023 graduate Jack Jones echoed that sentiment: “MPCS has allowed me to grow stronger in my faith. And, being a lifer here, I have been able to make life-long friends.”

There are strong academic benefits to being a part of a community for 13 years. “Teachers at every level are familiar with what is required at the next level, so they prepare you for success,” Mallory Jordan ‘21 shared.

The long-term bond of a school partnership extends beyond the classroom to extracurriculars. Alumni parent Holly Akins says that by being part of a team for several years builds a special bond: “The kids understand the MPC Way from an early age, and it carries with them into their high school sports and clubs.”

CLASS OF 2023 “LIFERS”

Perhaps the top reason families choose to remain at a K-12 school for all 13 years is that students are truly known and loved. Caroline Bradford ‘03 experienced an MPCS education first-hand and knew it was the sort of environment she wanted for her children: “Knowing my children are surrounded by teachers who love them the way Christ loves is why I loved being a student at MPCS and why I am thankful my children get to experience this as well.”

W hether families are celebrating their first "Eagle-versary" or their fifteenth, each student is truly known, loved, prayed for, and valued for the unique and special way God made them. W

VALEDICTORIAN: REID VAN DE VATE

For Reid Van de Vate, class of 2023 valedictorian, academic success comes as the result of diligent effort, marked by recognition as an AP Scholar, a Governor’s Honors Program Semifinalist, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and an Honor Roll recipient. He has also received the Georgia Merit Award, the AP US Government Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, and the Honors Pre-Calculus Certificate of Outstanding Achievement. He shares, “Being a pursuer of excellence means striving to do the absolute most that you can with the talents you are given.”

Never one to stay buried in his studies, Reid packs his schedule with activities, from extracurriculars (Beta Club, Key Club, Mock Trial, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring Initiative, Spanish National Honor Society) to tennis and community service. He regularly organizes monthly volunteer groups and says it’s part of living a life that is Christ-centered.

Af ter participating in a summer accounting internship at C.W. Matthews, Reid is planning to study business at Georgia Tech and pursue a career in this area. Reid said “I believe that it will be impossible for any large university to create the same sense of an accepting community as MPCS has. And, the teachers prepare you for college better than any other school could.”