Wingspan | Summer 2017

WINGSPAN SUMMER 2017 / VOLUME XI / ISSUE 2 / MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

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CONTENTS 4 6 10 14 26 30 36 39 42

F E AT U R E : MU R R AY INNOVATIO N C ENTE R W H AT ’ S N EW: INNOVATIO N G R A NTS C H R IS T IA N LIFE A C A D E M I CS : INNOVATIO N IN A LL LEV ELS AT H L E T IC S A RT S ON CAMPUS ALUMNI C L A S S O F 2017 A C H IEV EM ENTS

MISSION: Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.

VISION: Mount Paran Christian School will become the exemplary Christian school in the Atlanta area as defined by the development of Christ-centered servant-leaders and quality academic preparation. COVER: Third-graders Alex Abnet, Gabriel Hester, and Joey Verna experiment on the snap circuits station in Makerspace.

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F RO M T H E H E A D MA STER —

We’re asking the right questions, I believe.

What does education need to look like today to prepare scholar-servants for 2025 and beyond? How can we speak Truth into the deceptions of a culture which sadly does not recognize, much less honor, Jesus? How can we send informed Christians into a dysfunctional world and inspire them to be countercultural and transformational? Which professions will thrive, and which will not? Where will the needs and demands be? Where will opportunities for enhanced influences exist?

How do we shape difference-makers today for a world yet unknown to us?

Mount Paran Christian School stands committed to an exemplary academic program in the context of a Christ-centered mission. There is no stress between our two goals: challenging, relevant, and forward-thinking academics in an unapologetically Christ-focused environment; these goals are intertwined and inseparable. While it is our task to continue to ask the right questions to prepare our students for the future that unwittingly lies ahead, we rest confidently in the fact that our God has gone before us preparing for the unknown future which we simply cannot fathom. So innovate we will; pray and seek His guidance, we must!

As head of school, I am extremely proud of the MPCS professionals who strive beyond the ordinary and obvious. I am also blessed by the professions of faith of these same co-laborers. The combination of faith and future-thinking is what assures the success we all seek.

WINGSPAN Summer 2017, Volume XI, Issue 2 published biannually for families and friends of Mount Paran Christian School PUBLISHER Dr. David Tilley EDITOR/DESIGNER Tiffany Westbrook ASSISTANT EDITORS Kelly Barton, Pam Copeland, Mickie Roberts CONTRIBUTORS Shea Buehler, Kathy Bridges, Steve Bohlmann, Caroline Bradford ‘03, Cary Brague, Pam Copeland, Cindy Gibbs, Dr. Trici Holmes, Connie Jennings, Kathleen McCook, Donna McCoy, Paul Montaperto, David Morgan, Jennifer New, Mickie Roberts, Dr. Bonnie Stephens, Catina Taliaferro, Randi Terry, Dr. David Tilley PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamie Bogner, Chancy Cannon, Carly Harvey, Tiffany Smedley, TCPics, Tiffany Westbrook ©Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152, 770-578-0182, www.mtparanschool.com 3

Feature

TOMORROW IS NEAR LY T E N YE A RS A F T E R I N I T I AT I N G T HE IMAGINE TOMORROW C A P I TA L C A M PA IGN, M PCS HAS EMBA R K E D O N THE FINAL OF THREE PHASES. THE NEW MURRAY INNOVATION CENTER WILL SERVE AS THE HUB OF TECHNOLOGICAL I N Q U I RY A ND M ETA C OGNITIV E DEV ELOP M ENT ON OUR CAMPUS WH ER E S T U D E N T S B E C O M E T H I N K E R S , L IFE-LONG LEA RNERS, A ND SERVA NT-LEA DERS.

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

BY DR. DAVID TILLEY AND JENNIFER NEW, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

HERE E N R O L L M E N T G ROW TH

Since arriving on the Stanley Road site 14 years ago with 138 students, the high school, which was designed to accommodate 250 students, has soared to an enrollment of 445. As our student body and programs have outgrown Dozier Hall, other buildings like the Murray Arts Center have housed various high school courses. While this growth affirms the quality of academic and co-curricular offerings, additional high school space is needed immediately for the growing population of high school students and for enhancement of academic programs in all grades.

P R O G R A M M AT I C G R OW TH A ND INNOVATIO N MPCS is dedicated to quality technology, math, engineering, science, and arts innovation through the continued development of the STEAM program. Moreover, MPCS is driving innovation in teaching and learning.

Space is needed to facilitate the blending of entrepreneurial skill-development and servant-leadership. It is the vision and practice of the school to develop innovative observers, networkers, designers, risk-takers, prototypers, and entrepreneurs. This will be facilitated by a makerspace and collaboration labs dedicated to creative and thoughtful development of ideas and designs. The new academic building will facilitate, encourage, and reward interdisciplinary approaches to learning and problem-solving.

is planned to connect to the existing Dozier Hall by a common lobby, will provide overdue space for STEAM. Classes will include fabrication and design labs for visual arts, physics, biology, microbiology, and biotechnology, as well as collaboration spaces for expanding engineering and integrative math courses. High school teachers in a variety of academic disciplines will be provided twenty-first century space and equipment to catalyze creative, project-based, intellectual inquiry and interdisciplinary instruction in conventional fields of study.

Having celebrated the completion of the other two projects, the third and final phase of the Imagine Tomorrow campaign will be the construction of the Murray Innovation Center. Completion of this campaign will see the fulfillment of the campus master plan. The total estimated cost of the innovation center will be $10-12 million to be comprised of construction and architectural costs, equipment and furnishings, and endowment. Over the course of the next year, MPCS will be seeking major gift support from those who share the school’s unique dream to truly provide academic excellence in a Christ-honoring environment. We continue to be incredibly grateful to the Stuart and Eulene Murray Foundation and others who have already committed a total of $3 dollars million towards this project. Faithfully, we aim to have at least $8 million raised by summer of 2018 and to have the total campaign goal met by summer 2019.

T HE DREAM This new facility will assist in the calling to develop MPCS students who are fully prepared to engage in and transform their world after MPCS – academically, spiritually, socially, and culturally. The MPCS staff embraces its God-given calling and stands ready to challenge its own status quo by venturing into uncharted worlds of innovation and exploration. The innovation center will not only be the facility in which this creative teaching and learning stratagem will be exercised — it will provide the space for renewing our commitment to the preparation of new leaders transforming the world for Christ. W

TH E M U R R AY I N NOVATIO N C ENTER The demands of space and shifting curricular emphases urgently require an additional academic facility on the MPCS campus. Our reputation as a rigorous academic institution with growth in exemplary programs uniquely positions the school to address the ever-changing vocational and life-experience challenges brought on by a technologically driven and instant-knowledge world. The newly envisioned innovation center, which

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innov Kindergarteners join junior, Espen Oswald, on the S.S. Citizen for their immigration “voyage.”

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What’s new

vators

BY PAM COPELAND, ASSISTANT TO THE HEADMASTER

Ellis Island. Bees. Computers. Bats. What could these possibly have in common?

T

hey are the winning ideas proposed to MPCS administration for the inaugural year of the Innovation in Teaching Grant. Funds raised each year from the PTF auction are typically used for classroom needs and technology. However, this year a unique approach to the use of these funds was established.

P T F C O N T R I B U T E D $ 1 0 , 5 0 0 T O W A R D “ I N N O VAT I O N G R A N T S . ” Through this program, teachers were challenged to explore fresh concepts to enhance student learning. Specifically, the grant application states that: “Faculty will engage MPCS learners through research-based curriculum that innovatively supports the MPCS mission; and student learning that emerges will lead to changes in inspiration, motivation, collaboration, and experimentation.” The amount awarded varied for use defined in the innovation proposal and was based on the cost to implement his/her idea. The grant proposals were presented to all teaching faculty for consideration and four were chosen for the 2016-2017 school year.

The first of the recipients was indeed a collaboration between kindergarten, fifth, and twelfth grades. Mrs. Amy Schwan, instructor of the Honors Government class for high school seniors worked with Mrs. Robin Condra, fifth grade social studies teacher and Mrs. Susan Brown, kindergarten teacher, to develop learning objectives appropriate for each of the grade levels, yet work together, with a focus on citizenship, immigration, and American symbols.

A traveling display of Ellis Island was the basis of the study and helped students learn about immigration and multiculturalism, even encouraging transparent conversations about diversity through a Christian lens. The older students worked with the younger ones to write and illustrate their own scrapbook storybook, having them printed and bound as a record of their study. Seniors buried a 2017 time capsule for the kindergarten students to unearth their senior year. Not only did the students in these three grade levels learn more about American history, but they also established mentor relationships and learned how to collaborate across grade levels.

Another fascinating study supported by the grant was born during a high school Environmental Science class. As students learned about the importance of honeybees to our food supply, yet are experiencing a dwindling population, an idea evolved to help the local environment by establishing a beehive on the MPCS campus. Mr. Justin Nelson helped the class explore information about bees and beehives and then they installed the first MPCS hive near Lake McDonald. Mr. Nelson collaborated with art teacher, Mrs. Jill Hooley, to teach students

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What’s new

grants about folk art technique, which they then used to decorate the hive. Future plans involve learning how to extract honey from the hives and then marketing and distributing their product through the high school business and entrepreneurship class.

Mrs. Jennie Chandler collaborated with the fourth-grade teachers in proposing use of a set of iPad computers to facilitate interdisciplinary learning in their classes. They plan to incorporate whole group and small group activities combining math, science, social studies, and language arts for limitless combinations of activities in exploration! Also, students in Mrs. LeAnn Curtis’ lower school ENCORE class became intrigued with a study of bats, so she proposed a plan for an expanded study of these fascinating mammals. Students not only used technology to research information, but they recorded video of live bats in their natural habitat and even built bat houses out of cedar wood to attract bats to their yards, helping with mosquito control.

Allowing students to gather data in unconventional ways gives them more involvement in their learning choices. As Mr. Steve Bohlmann, Academic Dean noted,

“ C H O I C E D R I V E S E N G A G E M E N T, C U R I O S I T Y, A N D I N S P I R AT I O N . ” These three ingredients make a successful learning experience… in any teaching recipe, and the PTF innovation grants are seeing this through. W

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WINGSPAN WINGSPAN || Summer Summer 2017 2017

H

AT YOUR

HAV E YO U N OT IC ED A N INFLU X O F C O NTEN T FROM

C H R IS T IA N S C H OO L O N VA R IO U S SO C IA L M EDI A.

successfully launched an official school blog called WingTips. The blog gives our school the opportunity to share thought-leading information about educational expertise, purpose, and passions.

We highly encourage all families, friends, and alumni to subscribe to the WingTips blog. By adding your e-mail, you will receive our latest blog entries in a simple monthly message. Also, be sure to read our latest blog series, “Digital Citizenship,” concerning teens and social media.

Please take a moment to “like” or “follow” us on your favorite apps

Over the last year, MPCS has established a family of social media pages as well as a new blog platform. In an effort to more effectively share our mission, the school’s four key areas (Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Social Media Structure: Christian Life) are now well-represented on these social media apps: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Daily, weekly, and monthly news and events in each area are posted using these forums. In addition, MPCS

below. It’s truly the best way to stay connected to all that’s happening at the school and to never miss a moment. We encourage you to “like” and “share” our school posts on your personal feeds as often as you like.

Please @ mention the handles below with positive feedback. Your online interaction with us is an easy way to share the great news about all that’s happening at our amazing school. W

M P C S I N YO U R FA C EB O O K FEED ? O R M AYBE SOME I NT E R E S T IN G A RTIC LES P O P P ING INTO LINKEDI N ? HOW A B O U T C O O L P H OTO C A P TU R ES O N INS TA G RAM? I F SO, W E A R E T H R I L L ED YO U A R E FO LLOW ING MO UN T PARAN

MPCS

BY TIFFANY WESTBROOK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Overall School, Academics, Christian Life

@MPCAthletics

FACEBOOK The best of what’s happening at MPCS!

@MPCSArts @Mount Paran Christian School

Alumni

@Mount Paran Christian School Alumni

Overall School All Areas

TWITTER Day-to-day updates, event news, and area-specific posts

@mtparanschool

Overall School All Areas

@MPCSHigh

@MPCSChristLife

@MPCSMiddle

@MPCSArts

@MPCSLower

@MPCAthletics

@MPCSPreK

@MPCSAlumni

INSTAGRAM Weekly moments in pictures

@mtparanschool

Photo coverage of Academics, Arts, Athletics, Christian Life, and campus events.

Overall School All Areas

LINKEDIN Professional networking and news for parents, staff, and alumni

ALUMNI @Mount Paran Christian School ASSOCIATION

Alumni Association

@Mount Paran Christian School

SUBSCRIBE TO WINGTIPS @ BLOG.MTPARANSCHOOL.COM

WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

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Christian Life

MOU NT PARAN C HRISTIAN SC HOOL

CHRISTIAN LIFE by the

NUMBERS

MPCS IS SOARING TOWARD HIGHER ACHIEVEMENTS IN EVERY AREA OF THE SCHOOL: CHRISTIAN LIFE, MPCS is unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education and provides opportunities for students to become servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth ACADEMICS, ARTS, AND ATHLETICS. OUR STATISTICS “BY THE NUMBERS” SHOW HOW STUDENTS ARE as evidenced by statistics from 2016-2017.

CONVERTING A QUALITY CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION INTO AUTHENTIC SERVANT-LEADERSHIP.

WORSHIP Students at every grade level are provided weekly opportunities to practice their faith through worship.

MOU NT PARAN CH RIS T I AN S CH OOL

CHRISTIAN LIFE

MO UN T PA RA N C H R I S T I A N S C H O OL

CHRISTIAN LIFE CHRISTIAN LIFE MO UN T PA RA N C H R I S T I A N Sby CHO OL the

135 28

Chapel services held annually for preschool, lower school, middle school, and high school

NUMBERS

CHAPELS

LEADERS

in the student Chapel Band lead middle and high school students in worship on-stage weekly

446 STUDENTS

NUMBERS for students to become servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth by the NUMBERS as evidenced by statistics from 2016-2017.

by theMPCS is unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education and provides opportunities in high school grow deeper in their faith at High School Retreat and Spiritual Emphasis Days

MPCS is unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education and provides opportunities for students to become servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth as evidenced by statistics from 2016-2017.

MPCS is unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education and provides opportunities for students to become servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth as evidenced by statistics from 2016-2017.

WORSHIP WORSHIP

WORSHIP

MENTORING

Students at every grade level are provided weekly opportunities to practice their faith through worship.

The advantages of a PK3-12th grade school are countless opportunities for upperclassmen and adults to mentor younger students.

Students at every grade level are provided weekly opportunities to practice their faith through worship.

Students at every grade level are provided weekly opportunities to practice their faith through worship.

110 Chapel services held annually for preschool, lower school, middle school, and high school Chapel services held annually for preschool, lower school, middle school, and high school

135 28 135 28 CHAPELS LEADERS 446 STUDENTS 446 STUDENTS

SMALL GROUPS

PMI

of 700 middle and high school students meet once a month

Peer Mentoring Initiative freshmen are guided by 78 upperclassmen

135 28

Chapel services held annually forin the student Chapel Band lead lower school,middle and high school students CHAPELSpreschool,LEADERS in worship on-stage weekly CHAPELS middle school, and high schoolin the student Chapel Band lead middle and high school students in worship on-stage weekly

TUTORS

700

from middle school work with K-1st children at a local elementary school

162

in the student Chapel Band lead

middle and high school students 70 LEADERS 45 in worship on-stage weekly

446 STUDENTS

LEADERS

made up of staff and parents dedicate their time to facilitate small groups

11:1 EFFECT

high school students committed to mentoring K-5th graders every week

in high school grow deeper in their faith at High School Retreat and Spiritual Emphasis Days

in high school grow deeper in their faith at

in high school grow deeper in their faith at High School Retreat and Spiritual Emphasis Days High School Retreat and Spiritual Emphasis Days

MENTORING MENTORING

MENTORINGOUTREACH

The advantages of a PK3-12th grade school are countless opportunities for upperclassmen and adults to mentor younger students.

10

The advantages of a PK3-12th grade school are countless opportunities for upperclassmen and adults to mentor younger students.

WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

PMI

Peer Mentoring

SMALL GROUPS of 700 middle and

Students, parents, and teachers serve outside the walls of MPCS on short-term mission trips and at local ministries.

The advantages of a PK3-12th grade school are countless opportunities for upperclassmen and adults to mentor younger students.

TUTORS

from middle school

“Action and Truth” high school students

OUTREACH OUTREACH OUTREACH

Students, Students,parents, parents,and andteachers teachersserve serveoutside outsidethe thewalls wallsofofMPCS MPCS ononshort-term short-termmission missiontrips tripsand andatatlocal localministries. ministries.

Students, parents, and teachers serve outside the walls of MPCS on short-term mission trips and at local ministries.

42 42 42 1115 1115 1115 72 72 72

71 71 71

“Action and Truth” high school students “Action and Truth” high school students serve monthly at at Walton Adventure Centers, serve monthly Walton Adventure Centers, Gaines Park, and Calvary Children’s Home “Action and Truth” high school students Gaines Park, and Calvary Children’s Home serve monthly at Walton Adventure Centers, Gaines Park, and Calvary Children’s Home

MPCS students in in grades PK3-12 serve onon and MPCS students grades PK3-12 serve and offoff campus during thethe annual dayday of of service campus during annual service

MPCS students in grades PK3-12 serve on and off campus during the annual day of service

will mission trips toto willserve serveonon mission trips

ECUADOR ECUADOR GUATEMALA GUATEMALA ECUADOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DOMINICAN GUATEMALAREPUBLIC APPALACHIA APPALACHIA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC APPALACHIA will serve on mission trips to

Fifth-grade students minister to to preschool Fifth-grade students minister preschool students monthy at at Feed MyMy Lambs Marietta students monthy Feed Lambs Marietta

Fifth-grade students minister to preschool students monthy at Feed My Lambs Marietta

DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP

Biblical Biblicalintegration integrationhappens happensthroughout throughoutacademic academicclasses classes totobolster bolsterfaith faithand andstudent studentdiscipleship. discipleship.

Biblical integration happens throughout academic classes to bolster faith and student discipleship.

300 DISCIPLESHIPGROUPS GROUPS 300 DISCIPLESHIP 300 DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS 300 students in grades 4-12 300 students in grades 4-12 involved weekly involved weekly

300 students in grades 4-12 involved weekly

TEACHERS TEACHERS 101 101 TEACHERS 101

180 180 180

All 101 teachers incorporate biblical All 101 teachers incorporate biblical principles into coursework principles into coursework

All 101 teachers incorporate biblical principles into coursework

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

ALL arts groups and sports teams ALL arts groups and sports teams have group devotions and pray have group devotions and pray before performances or competitions before performances or competitions ALL arts groups and sports teams have group devotions and pray before performances or competitions

DEVOTIONS DEVOTIONS DEVOTIONS

180 morning devotions are shared 180 morning devotions are shared annually, 40 led by students annually, 40 led by students

180 morning devotions are shared annually, 40 led by students

1112 BIBLECLASS CLASS 1112 BIBLE 1112 BIBLE CLASS

1112 students in all grades take 1112 students in all grades take Bible as part of core curriculum Bible as part of core curriculum

1112 students in all grades take Bible as part of core curriculum

CHURCH CHURCH CHURCH

The MPCS student body is diverse in its Christian faith and church partners.

The MPCS student body is diverse in its Christian faith and church partners.

The MPCS student body is diverse in its Christian faith and church partners.

22 DENOMINATIONS 22 DENOMINATIONS

represented by MPCS students represented by MPCS students

22 DENOMINATIONS 150 CHURCHES 150CHURCHES

represented by MPCS students

who attend more than who attend more than

who attend more than

150 CHURCHES

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FAMILY SERVE DAY

Christian Life

“

F

BY CATINA TALIAFERRO, MEDIA CENTER SPECIALIST

O R W ELL OV ER A DEC A DE, ONE OF THE GREATEST DAYS E ACH Y E A R I S OUR DAY OF SERV IC E.

The entire staff and students stop our normal routine of work and classes and spend the day serving our community. Through this annual experience, we have formed great partnerships with ministries in our community, exposed our students to the needs of those around us, and have been able to focus on one of the things we want most for our kids — to teach them to show God’s love to others.

This year the format for Service Day was transformed. Out of times of prayer and discussion came the idea of evolving the experience to a Family Serve Day. This simple shift made Service Day not just a great time for our staff and students, but a time for families to serve together.

This new format fits more closely with the school’s mission to partner with our families. One of the greatest ways to influence a student’s life is through supporting his or her family. The goal of Service Day has always been for our students to become servant-leaders and serve on a regular basis. This year, the whole family came together to develop a passion for one of our local ministry sites and, hopefully, they will make time to serve on their own in the future.

New this year, all registration was completed online. This gave families the opportunity to choose the site they wanted to visit and coordinate with other MPCS friends and parents to volunteer at the same place. Within 12 hours of opening registration, 80% of our families had registered. A week later, 1,200 students, parents, and staff had signed up to serve at 43 different sites throughout our community!

Our families answered the call and Family Serve Day was truly a blessing for our school community and families. After the day was over our leaders and families had a lot to say:

“As a first-time Mount Paran family taking part in Family Serve Day, our family experienced through tangible ways an example of the verse in Ephesians 6:7: ‘Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.’ What a joy it was to serve together with our school community. May we be challenged — students and parents alike — to live out this day everyday.” —MRS. JOY CHAMBLEY “Our family was extremely blessed to serve together at Cobb Street ministries. I am thankful to be a part of a school family that knows the meaning of being the hands and feet of Jesus. When I chose to lead a team, I had no idea what this ministry did for our community. There is no doubt in my mind that God picked this ministry for me. I was able to bless hurting women and children. I had a full circle moment and I am thankful to Mount Paran for allowing me to experience this.” — MRS. TEISHA AULT “Our family had the opportunity to serve at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Acworth. As I painted their nails, we talked, laughed, and swapped life stories. My family enjoyed the experience so much, we have committed to continue serving there as a family, and also will encourage our church families to become involved as well!” — MRS. SABRINA MOORE

”

“We are creating family memories and we can continue the discussions about our day of serving.

Spiritual growth occurs as a family unit — we see our children and get inspired and they see a different side of mom and dad. We are now more apt to follow up with our site and pray for them as a family, offer financial support, or continue volunteering there in the future. We are part of a covenant school and by serving as a family we are demonstrating to our children what joining school, family, and worship is about.” — MRS. BERNARDETTE SIGMAN W

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Academics 9:1

AP STUDENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

took 397 AP exams (48% total high school) and scored 18% over national average with 75% scoring a 3 or above

HIGH SCHOOL

212

88

1

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

qualifiers in senior class (80%) (67% for Zell Miller Scholarship)

HISPANIC NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR

STUDENT M O USTATS N T PA R A N C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L TEACHER STATS NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

ACADEMICS

Faculty in preschool through high school are invested, exemplary educators dedicated to impacting student lives for the Kingdom and teaching every subject through the lens of biblical Truth.

Finalists in 2016-2017

ROBOTICS STUDENTS

in middle school advanced to super-regionals after winning first in regional competition

DUKE TIP

qualifying students in seventh grade (50%)

MOCK TRIAL

team members won district championship

13

ROBOTICS STUDENTS

3

21

in high school participated in two teams advancing to state championship and one team to super-regionals

Middle/high school teachers are state-certified and/or have discipline-specific degrees.

by the 80

40 17

100% CERTIFICATION Preschool/lower school teachers are state-certified and degreed.

94

NUMBERS 1:1 DEVICE

program participants in seventh grade pilot; grades 6-8 in 2017-2018

PERCENTILE ITBS

lower school test achievement national school norm composite

13 YEARS average experience for all MPCS faculty.

100% ORTON-GILLINGHAM trained faculty (phonics instruction) in grades K-2 by 2017-2018.

In addition to being unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education, Mount Paran Christian School is Cobb County’s exemplary college-preparatory PK3-12th grade school as evidenced by our scholar-servants and 2016-2017 academic statistics.

AP STUDENTS

took 397 AP exams (48% total high hool) and scored 18% over national rage with 75% scoring a 3 or above

212

88

1

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

qualifiers in senior class (80%) (67% for Zell Miller Scholarship)

HISPANIC NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR

28% GIFTED certified lower school faculty.

100% FOLLOWERS of Jesus Christ and committed to integrating faith into the classroom.

CLASS SIZE RATIOS

MPCS is truly a small school within a larger PK3-12th grade community.

TEACHER STATS ACADEMIC RIGOR Small class size at every level equals the development of higher-level thinking

Faculty in preschool through high school are invested, exemplary educators dedicated to impacting student lives for the Kingdom and teaching every subject through the lens of biblical Truth.

7:1

100% CERTIFICATION Preschool/lower school teachers are state-certified and degreed.

Middle/high school teachers are state-certified and/or have discipline-specific degrees.

13 YEARS average experience for all MPCS faculty.

PRESCHOOL

100% ORTON-GILLINGHAM trained faculty (phonics instruction) in grades K-2 by 2017-2018.

28% GIFTED certified lower school faculty.

16:1

GRADES 3-5

9:1 ACADEMIC RIGOR

In addition to instructional support programs offered at all grade levels, advanced curriculum offers comprehensive challenges to MPCS students.

HIGH SCHOOL 37%

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ADVANCED MATH

100% STEAM

37%

10:1

ADVANCED MATH

students in grades 3-5

38% ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS

100%

38%

STEAM

ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS

students in grades K-5

50% GRADES K-2 43% ADVANCED COURSES

100% FOLLOWERS of Jesus Christ and committed to integrating faith into the classroom.

14

In addition to instructional support programs offered at all grade levels, advanced curriculum offers comprehensive challenges to MPCS students.

students in middle school

HIGH SCHOOL MATH

17:1

students in grade 8 13% in grade 7

students in grades 3-5

79% HONORS/AP

students in high school take one or more of the 56 Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) courses

MIDDLE SCHOOLACCEPTANCES COLLEGE 100%

of high school graduates are accepted into many prestigious universities, recently including:

IN GEORGIA

Agnes Scott Covenant Emory Georgia Tech University of Georgia (20% of class)

TECH/DESIGN MIT RISD Michigan

IVY LEAGUE Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Princeton

CHRISTIAN

Baylor Belmont

28% GIFTED certified lower school faculty.

HIGH SCHOOL 100% FOLLOWERS of Jesus Christ and committed to integrating faith into the classroom.

100% FOLLOWERS of Jesus Christ and committed to integrating faith into the classroom.

STUDENT STATS NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS ACADEMIC RIGOR ACADEMIC RIGOR Finalists in 2016-2017

In addition to instructional support programs offered at all grade levels,

In addition to instructional support programs offered at all grade levels, offers comprehensive challenges to MPCS students. advanced curriculum ROBOTICS STUDENTS ROBOTICS STUDENTS advanced curriculum offers comprehensive challenges to MPCS students.

in middle school advanced to super-regionals after winning first in regional competition

13

37% 38% 80

MO U N T PARAN C H RI S T I AN S C H O O L

ACADEMICS ADVANCED MATH

students in grades 3-5

MOCK TRIAL

17

team members won district championship

by the

NUMBERS 50% AP STUDENTS

212

took 397 AP exams (48% total high school) and scored 18% over national average with 75% scoring a 3 or above

ADVANCED COURSES

in high school participated in two teams advancing to state championship and one team to super-regionals

21

100%

37% 40

DUKE TIP

qualifying students in seventh grade (50%)

3

1:1100% DEVICE

ADVANCED MATH STEAM ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS

STEAM

students in grades 3-5 students in grades K-5 students in grades K-5 students in grades 3-5

94

38%

program participants in seventh grade pilot; grades 6-8 in 2017-2018

ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS students in grades 3-5

PERCENTILE ITBS

lower school test achievement national school norm composite

50% 43% 79% HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

43%

88

79%

qualifiers in senior class (80%) (67% for Zell Miller Scholarship)

1 ADVANCED HONORS/AP COURSES HIGH SCHOOL MATH HIGH SCHOOL MATH

students in middle school students in grade 8 In addition to being unapologetically committed to a Christ-centered education, Mount Paran Christian students in middleSchool schoolis Cobb County’s studentsexemplary in grade 8 students in high school take 13% in grade 7 college-preparatory PK3-12th grade school as evidenced by our scholar-servants and 2016-2017 academic statistics.

13% in grade 7 one or more of the 56 Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) courses

HISPANIC NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR

HONORS/AP

students in high school take one or more of the 56 Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) courses

CLASS SIZE RATIOS COLLEGE TEACHER STATS ACCEPTANCES COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

MPCS is truly a small school within a larger PK3-12th grade community.

Small class size at every level equals the development of higher-level thinking Faculty in preschool through high school are invested, exemplary educators dedicated to impacting student lives for the Kingdom and teaching every subject lens of are biblical Truth.into many prestigious universities, recently including: of highthrough school the graduates accepted

of high school graduates are accepted into many prestigious universities, recently including:

7:1 PRESCHOOL

16:1

100%

100%

IN GEORGIA Agnes Scott IN GEORGIA Covenant Agnes Scott Emory LEAGUE 100% CERTIFICATION Preschool/lower school teachers are state-certified IVY and degreed.

Covenant Georgia Tech

IVY LEAGUE Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Princeton

10:1

Columbia Emory school teachers are state-certified and/or have discipline-specific degrees.

Middle/high University of Georgia (20% of class) Cornell Georgia Tech Dartmouth University of Georgia (20% of class) Princeton

TECH/DESIGN MIT TECH/DESIGN K-2 RISD 13GRADES YEARS average experience for all MPCS faculty.

MIT Michigan UC Berkeley UCLA Virginia Tech

RISD Michigan UC Berkeley UCLA Virginia Tech

17:1

GRADES 3-5

CHRISTIAN

Baylor Belmont Gordon Samford Wheaton

CHRISTIAN

Baylor Belmont Gordon Samford Wheaton

EAST COAST

100% ORTON-GILLINGHAM trained faculty (phonics instruction) in grades K-2 by 2017-2018.

EAST COAST MILITARY Clemson Air Force MILITARY Duke Coast Guard MIDDLE Air ForceSCHOOL Georgetown Naval Academy

9:1

Coast Guard Naval Academy West Point

28% GIFTED certified lower school faculty.

Clemson Duke Georgetown UNC Chapel Hill Vanderbilt Wake Forest William and Mary

UNC Chapel Hill Vanderbilt Wake Forest William and Mary

West Point

HIGH SCHOOL

100% FOLLOWERS of Jesus Christ and committed to integrating faith into the classroom.

SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS STUDENT STATS

$ $

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS Finalists in 2016-2017

ROBOTICS STUDENTS

in middle school advanced to super-regionals after winning first in regional competition

DUKE TIP

qualifying students in seventh grade (50%)

40

13

3

ACADEMIC RIGOR

average In addition to instructional support programs offered at all grade levels, advanced curriculum offers comprehensive challenges to MPCS students.

$5.0 m

21

80

program participants in seventh grade pilot; grades 6-8 in 2017-2018

team members won district championship

17

students in grades 3-5

94

STEAM

students in grades K-5

PERCENTILE ITBS

$5.0 m and still counting

$47k per senior

per senior

SCHOLARSHIP 1:1 DEVICE 100%OFFERINGS 37% TOTAL to date for 105 seniors, not including HOPE

ADVANCED MATH

MOCK TRIAL

$47k

ROBOTICS STUDENTS

in high school participated in two teams advancing to state championship and and still counting one team to super-regionals

average

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERINGS to date for 105 seniors, not including HOPE

38%

ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS

lower school test achievement national school norm composite

students in grades 3-5

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Academics

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, AND MATH

BY STEVE BOHLMANN, ACADEMIC DEAN

I

n Kathleen Cushman’s book entitled Fires in the Mind, from the perspective of learners she explores what inspires, what engages, and what leads to the development of exceptional mastery. At Mount Paran Christian

analytical, creation, and testing skills. Moreover, students are supporting the development of their thinking and technology skills through the use of a diverse set of tools including MinecraftEdu, LEGO® Robotics, Scratch, and Makey

School, similar explorations dominate our conversations with students and faculty. Specifi-

Makey. Mrs. Randi Terry, a faculty member facilitating this instruction, states that students “learn to figure out what they don’t already know and piece together the knowledge they do have in order to learn something new.”

Further complementing lower school classroom instruction is the opportunity to participate in engaging clubs. The Engineering for Kids Club and Girls Using Engineering and Science Skills (GUESS) both provide students with hands-on, engineering learning opportunities that support the development of design and coding skills. Of special note during the past school year, GUESS students addressed the engineering challenges associated with designing buildings capable of withstanding earthquakes.

In the middle school and high school, current STEAM instruction is being further refined through the initial implementation of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum. During the 2017-2018 school year, PLTW curriculum will support student learning in the following courses: Design and Modeling, Computer Science, and Introduction to Engineering Design.

A nationally vetted, proven engineering instructional model, PLTW provides extensive teacher training and support, leveraging a discovery learning orientation to provide students with experiences that are cohesively aligned across school divisions, authentic, and project-based in their design. Students begin with activities and projects and then progress to open-ended challenges requiring sophisticated problemsolving skills.

cally, we continue to reflect on the following:

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO THINK CREATIVELY AND INNOVATIVELY IN A WORLD THAT IS CHANGING RAPIDLY? AND WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT EQUIP LEARNERS WITH THE MINDSETS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL-SETS TO BE PERSONS OF CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE IN THE WORLDS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW? To provide a glimpse into how MPCS is addressing these matters of great significance, consideration of our curricular and competitive STEAM learning experiences offers clarifying insight.

Focusing first on our lower school classrooms, instruction in the engineering design process is systematically strengthening students

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STEAM

Innovating for the Future Through

Further enhancing 6-12 classroom instruction is the extraordinary influence and success of Eagle Robotics. Paving the way for successful high school competition, our middle school teams compete in the FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) and benefit from the guidance of high school mentors.

In high school and of special note, the 2016-2017 Eagle Robotics season marked the highest achievement in the history of the program. Twenty-two high school students participated on two teams. Both teams qualified for berths in the State Championship with one advancing to the Semifinals and the other to the South Superregionals. Moreover, both won Inspire Awards, the highest award given at any robotics competition.

In addition, students are gleaning realworld STEAM experience by working with Baxter industrial automation robots, donated to MPCS by CKS Packaging. They are also partnering with Win-Tech Inc. to fabricate CAD-designed mechanical parts for functional machines. Graduates are taking these skills to the next level at universities such as UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and MIT. Astutely characterizing the benefits of learning through Robotics, Jordan Moss, an Eagle Robotics team captain, offered the following observation: “Becoming great at robotics means accepting the fact that you will fail and fail often. The most important thing is not giving up when those failures occur; you have to take what you can learn from each failure and push forward with that new knowledge.

THE ACCUMULATION OF LEARNING FROM EACH FAILURE WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO GREAT SUCCESS.” And that is what MPCS seeks to foster through its STEAM instruction – the inspiration of creative, resilient, adaptive, and critical thinking minds. And all to the glory of our God! W

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Academics

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PRE-K FULL STEAM AHEAD

BY SHEA BUEHLER, DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL

I

N NOVAT I O N . We hear and see

it often. It’s the latest buzz word in the field of education. What does this mean for Mount Paran Christian School?

Recent studies show that the United States lags behind other countries in science and technology.

The current push in education is to produce future employees who will lead our country in expanding the science, technology, engineering and mathematical fields. Within the past decade, there has been a new focus in education for STEM (the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). However, the most recent addition to this focus is Arts.

In a journal article from Young Children,1 Heeda Sharapan states, “This new term STEAM can help early-childhood educators to build the foundation of science-related knowledge, using the arts to encourage children to express their ideas in a wide variety of creative ways.” With this philosophy in mind, a new way to address technology in pre-K is evolving.

Across school divisions, teachers and support staff at MPCS are expanding the STEAM program. Seeing the value in starting this program in the early years, preschool faculty is embracing a new look in our exploratory program. Instead of each exploratory class being taught independently, the preschool is moving to a center-based approach that will incorporate technology and art. In addition, we are creating a new focus

on science, math, and engineering outside of the regular classroom. By establishing a weekly STEAM class based upon the preschool thematic units, this exploratory will allow students to work in centers, engaging in hands-on learning and collaboration with their peers. Curiosity and imagination thrive in preschoolers, so STEAM will allow creativity in a safe environment.

You might ask, “What will this look like for my preschooler?” Nine units are planned where students will have weekly centers based on each of the curricular areas of STEAM. This new approach to these important areas of study will allow children to actively engage in weekly activities. It is intended to promote a love for learning and developing new ideas.

Some activities will be open-ended and will not have paper and pencil products but rather creations that will be each student’s own work. Activities will include: exploration walks, media creations, observation stations, age appropriate tools for investigation, water and sensory stations, creations stations, working on smart tables and iPads, building structures out of recycled products, investigating sinking and floating structures, and even working on broken toys. Being a problem solver is a critical part of being an innovator. Allowing students to have more unfinished activities where the emphasis is on the process and not the product will spark creativity.

STEAM belongs in the early childhood classroom. JD Chesloff’s article published in Education Week,1 writes that STEAM is imperative in the early-childhood experience. Chesloff states, “It is my feeling that you can’t start early enough: Young children are natural-born scientists and engineers… high-quality, early-learning environments provide children with a structure in which to build upon their natural inclination to explore, to build, and to question.” At Mount Paran Christian School, we couldn’t agree more with this position and we are excited to partner with parents to bring out their child’s very best. W

1

F rom STEM to STEAM: How Early Childhood Educators Can Apply Fred Rogers’ Approach by Hedda Sharapan. Young Children: v67 n1 p. 36-40. Jan 2012. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ975479 STEM must start in Early Childhood by JD Chesloff. Education Week: Vol. 32, Issue 23, p. 27,32.

March 2013. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/03/06/23chesloff.h32.html

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Academics

I

I N T E G R AT I O N O F A RT | T E C H | M U S I C

BY RANDI TERRY, TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Individually, music, art, and STEAM classes in the MPCS lower school bring excitement and smiles to the faces of our students who thrive in these creative, hands-on environments. Add in a collaborative project that moves through all three classrooms, and the energy becomes contagious.

Walking in to music class as a fourth grader at Mount Paran Christian School, you are greeted by Mrs. Cole and a full class set of guitars waiting to be played. Mrs. Cole teaches a different instrument to each grade level, and the chosen instrument in fourth grade is the guitar. Students first learn the anatomy of the guitar along with the history behind fretted instruments. They then learn how to hold the guitar, along with the correct finger placement to play beginning chords and simple, well-known melodies.

This year, lower school art teacher Mrs. Moore transitioned the experience fourth grade students had in their music class into her art classroom. She began with a biblical lesson on the importance of heartfelt worship through music. ​The lesson then traveled through art history with a study of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. In 1912-1914 Picasso created multiple works of art out of recycled materials and his favorite subject matter at the time was the guitar, creating the perfect connection for the art project. Fourth graders were asked to create their own guitar out of recycled materials such as cardboard, fabric, yarn, wooden sticks, and tissue paper.

WITH EMPHASIS ON DECISION-MAKING, CREATIVITY, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING, the students designed and built their own guitar.

While they were busy creating their guitars in art class, they were also preparing for the final step in their guitar journey by spending time in STEAM class learning to use a tool called Makey Makey, which lends itself to introductory lessons in electricity, basic circuitry, and allows connections between the computer and real-world objects.

When the students finished their art guitars, they brought them to the STEAM classroom and turned them into actual, working musical instruments. Students connected the guitars to their computers using the Makey Makey kit. They then created a program on the computer to play certain notes when the guitar and Makey Makey connections were touched. They coded this program in Scratch, which ​is a programming tool produced by the MIT Media Lab​.​As they coded, they drew on previous learning from music class, using their knowledge of music notes to help them create the correct guitar program. As students completed their programs and began testing their songs, their faces lit up with excitement and exclamations of “It works!” or “Come and see mine!” This project was a unique opportunity for experiential learning that extended beyond a single class and provided a model of collaboration.

What did students love about this year-long, collaborative project? Emmi Kate Arnold said, “I loved that we had the chance to try new things on the same topic, but in different classes.”

“I T WAS FU N MA K ING MY GUI TAR I N ART AN D T HEN HEARI N G I T PLAY MUSI C.” “I learned how multiple classes can work together” noted Brycen Kessock.

W

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Academics

BY KATHY BRIDGES, MEDIA CENTER SPECIALIST

IN TODAY’S CULTURE, INFORMATION IS READILY ACCESSIBLE ON LAPTOPS OR DIGITAL DEVICES. IT’S TIME FOR LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS TO MAKE A CHANGE FROM THE INFORMATION AGE TO THE IMAGINATION AGE. At Mount Paran Christian School, we have created exciting new “Makerspace” stations in the Myrick Media Center where lower school students explore various ways to express themselves and their ideas. Children have the freedom to do this individually or collaborate in groups of various sizes. Makerspace is a place where students have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use tools and materials, both physical and virtual; and develop creative projects.

We encourage all our students, no matter what their interests or skill level might be, to begin to recognize links between the enjoyment they experience while they are “making” and possible future careers in STEAM. Although Makerspace may seem to be just a place where students can play, it is important to see that this type of playing builds socialemotional competence in many domains: language skills, social skills, empathy, imagination, self-control, persistence, and higherorder thinking.

Two of our most popular stations that appeal to kindergarten through fifth grade and beyond are Osmo and Q-Ba-Maze. The philosphy is built on the belief that children learn best when engaged in creative play. Their educational game systems nurture social intelligence and creative thinking by unlocking

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WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

MAKERSS P A C E

the iPad to the infinite possibilities of physical play. Rather than kids staring at a tablet, this ground-breaking technology system bridges the physical and digital worlds by taking gameplay beyond the screen. Various educational games include Masterpiece, Newton, Tangrams, Numbers, Letters, and Coding and they foster the exploration of art, science, and math. It’s designed for anyone age six years old and up and is a favorite among even our youngest students.

The Q-Ba-Maze marble maze puts the laws of motion to the test. The unique design of the cubes allow for a limitless range of configuration options and the stunt sets let students add rolling, bouncing and spinning action to the steel marbles. Children are drawn to these colorful revolutionary cubes in which they can create endless paths and possibilities while bolstering precision engineering skills.

The students collaborate beautifully at this station to produce unique marbles mazes — no two are ever the same!

Makerspace provides a powerful set of opportunities for students of any skill level to jump-start their STEAM education. Schools like MPCS are beginning to see the value of incorporating Makerspace into students’ traditional, challenging curriculum. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovative movement and integrate it into our media center environment. With our various stations, we are supporting and encouraging the four C’s of twenty-first century learning: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking. We believe that the maker movement will offer new opportunities to help propel the next generation into a better and brighter future and equip them to skillfully serve in their chosen careers. W

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Academics

CONNECTED CONNECTED LEARNING PROGRAM

M

MPCS HAS LAUNCHED INTO HIGH-TECH, COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CONNECTED LEARNING PROGRAM. Personal learning devices and digitalized curriculum directly support our goal to create environments that equip students to think skillfully and innovatively with greater opportunities to expand real-world application beyond classroom walls.

During the 2016-2017 school year, seventh-grade classes piloted the 1:1 initiative with all students receiving tablet computers. The teachers involved passionately embraced new instructional approaches and a wider array of resources, and our students are the beneficiaries. The Connected Learning Program will expand this upcoming fall across the entire middle school with intentions to expand to high school the following year.

One direct benefit has been the teacher’s enhanced ability to provide students with immediate feedback regarding student understanding of content through formative assessment. For example, in math, Mrs. Wilder has been using GoFormative.com to interact with real-time student work which better enables her to provide immediate reinforcement or redirection of instruction. In language arts, Mrs. Varner has been able to “jump”

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BY PAUL MONTAPERTO, MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD

into student documents and provide instant feedback while students are creating rather than discovering later that students did not grasp the material. In science, Mrs. Settlemyer gives online quizzes which provide students with their scores immediately. This allows students to ask for additional assistance while the information is still fresh in their minds.

Mrs. Wilbur, social studies teacher, said, “We have gone past rote learning by investing in the how and the why of history by harnessing a new world of resources.” Seventh-grader Kendall Konieczny added, “We play a history game on our computers with questions that gives us a live-feed ranking which is fun.” Many parents stated they have never seen greater excitement toward school from their children and that they are even more willing to complete homework. Parents also shared that the use of the Surface Pro 4 has improved organizational skills and increased students’ sense of responsibility.

The skills and competencies that our students are developing through their participation in the Connected Learning Program transcend the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Relevant, rigorous, and relational learning is now more closely aligned with the future that awaits them in college and their career. W

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25

SPORTS

Athletics

FACILITIES

MPC athletes compete in a variety of sports in GHSA (high school) and NAML/Metro 10 (5th/middle school).

64 64

MPCS is is blessed blessed with with beautiful beautiful campus campus fields fields and and sports sports facilities facilities where where athletes athletes thrive. thrive.

MPCS

SPORTS

TEAMS

SPORTS

TEAMS

GIRLS GIRLS

BOYS BOYS

MOU NT PARA N CHR I ST I A N SCH O O L

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS MOUNT PAR A N CHR I STI A N SCHO O L

by the

1 64 2 2

1 CATHERINE STEELE SEWELL STADIUM NUMBERS

by the

2 TRAINING FACILITIES

state-of-the-art sports sports venue venue state-of-the-art seating 2700 2700 with with turf turf William William A. A. Cooper Cooper Field Field and and rubber rubber track track for for football, football, seating soccer, lacrosse, lacrosse, and and track track soccer,

include covered covered batting batting cages cages include and 6400 6400 sq. sq. ft. ft. Knox Knox Athletic Athletic Performance Performance Center Center with with full full and weight room, room, indoor indoor turf, turf, and and sports sports medicine medicine clinic clinic weight

NUMBERS

6 ATHLETIC FIELDS FACILITIES 4 TENNIS COURTS FACILITIES MPCS provides the total athletic experience for all Eagle fans with top-notch

(Adair and and Hughes) Hughes) for for basketball, basketball, 2 GYMNASIUMS (Adair

for baseball, baseball, football, football, lacrosse, lacrosse, soccer, soccer, and and softball softball for

volleyball, wrestling, wrestling, and and physical physical education education volleyball,

in the the Janas Janas Tennis Tennis Complex Complex in

MPCS is blessed with beautiful campus fields and sports facilities where athletes thrive.

MPCS provides the total athletic experience for all Eagle fans with top-notch MPCS is blessed with beautiful campus fieldscompetition, and sports facilities where athletes thrive. and abundant opportunities for student-athletes. sports training, competition, sports training, and abundant opportunities for student-athletes.

SPORTS

SPORTS

PARTICIPATION

MPC athletes compete in a variety of sports in GHSA (high school) and NAML/Metro 10 (5th/middle school).

MPC athletes compete in a variety of sports in GHSA (high school) and NAML/Metro 10 (5th/middle school).

64

Many MPCS MPCS student-athletes student-athletes take take advantage advantage of of sports sports opportunities opportunities at at MPCS. MPCS. Many

SPORTS

TEAMS

2 TEAMS 1 66 44 22 64 2 1 1 CATHERINE STEELE SEWELL STADIUM 2 TRAINING FACILITIES

SPORTS

GIRLS

state-of-the-art sports venue include covered batting cages state-of-the-art sports venue include covered batting cages seating 2700 with turf William A. Cooper Field and rubber track for football, and 6400 sq. ft. Knox Athletic Performance Center with full seating 2700 with turf William A. Cooper Field and rubber track for football, and 6400 sq. ft. Knox Athletic Performance Center with full soccer, lacrosse, and track weight room, indoor turf, and sports medicine clinic soccer, lacrosse, and track weight room, indoor turf, and sports medicine clinic for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball (Adair and Hughes) for basketball, for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball (Adair and Hughes) for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and physical education volleyball, wrestling, and physical education in the Janas Tennis Complex in the Janas Tennis Complex

1 CATHERINE STEELE SEWELL STADIUM

66 ATHLETIC FIELDS ATHLETIC FIELDS 44 TENNIS COURTS TENNIS COURTS

100% COACHES

2 TRAINING FACILITIES

GIRLS

2 GYMNASIUMS 2 GYMNASIUMS

BOYS

BOYS

in high high school school are are GHSA-certified GHSA-certified in

81% 85% 100%

HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL PK3-5th GRADE

student-athletes student-athletes student-athletes student-athletes

participate in in daily daily P.E. P.E. classes classes or or recess recess participate

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION FACILITIES

MPCS is blessed with beautiful campus fields and sports facilities where athletes thrive.

Many take advantage of sports opportunities at MPCS. ManyMPCS MPCSstudent-athletes student-athletes take advantage of sports opportunities at MPCS. Athletic skills skills are are developed developed in in students students through through many many unique unique academic academic offerings offerings each each year. year.

Athletic

3

FACILITIES1085

certified strength strength and and certified conditioning coaches coaches training training conditioning our athletes athletes our

Athletic performance performance and and physical physical Athletic 100% fitness classes classes in in high high school school fitness COACHES 100%COACHES MPCS is blessed with beautiful campus fields and sports facilities where athletes thrive. in high school are GHSA-certified in high school are GHSA-certified

81% HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL student-athletes 81% HIGH 85% MIDDLE SCHOOL student-athletes 85% MIDDLE SCHOOL 100% PK3-5th GRADE participate in daily P.E. classes or recess 100% PK3-5th GRADE student-athletes

student-athletes

participate in daily P.E. classes or recess

53

Christian coaches coaches investing investing in in Christian the character character of of student-athletes student-athletes the

skills clinics clinics offered offered skills

1 6 4 2 2

1 CATHERINE STEELE SEWELL STADIUM state-of-the-art sports venue

seating 2700 with turf William A. Cooper Field and rubber track for football, soccer, lacrosse, and track

6 ATHLETIC FIELDS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 4 TENNIS COURTS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball

26

WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

in the Janas Tennis Complex

Athletic skills are developed in students through many unique academic offerings each year.

Athletic skills are developed in students through many unique academic offerings each year.

9000

30

15

pounds of of weights weights pounds used to to train train MPC MPC used student-athletes student-athletes

sports camps camps offered offered each each summer summer sports

167

athletes involved involved in in team team service service opportunities opportunities athletes

2 TRAINING FACILITIES

include covered batting cages and 6400 sq. ft. Knox Athletic Performance Center with full weight room, indoor turf, and sports medicine clinic

2 GYMNASIUMS (Adair and Hughes) for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and physical education

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Middle and and high high school school teams teams have have achieved achieved high-level high-level finishes finishes Middle in area/region area/region and and state-level state-level competition competition in in the the past past five five years. years. in

100% PK3-5th GRADE 85% MIDDLE SCHOOL 100% PK3-5th GRADE

student-athletes

participate in daily P.E. classes or recess

FACILITIES PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MPCS is blessed with beautiful campus fields and sports facilities where athletes thrive.

Athletic skills are developed in students through many unique academic offerings each year.

strength and Athletic skills are developed in students through many uniquecertified academic offerings each year. conditioning coaches training our athletes

3

1085

Athletic performance and physical fitness classes in high school

3

1085 53

Athletic performance and physical fitness classesinvesting in high school Christian coaches in

30

53

6 4 1 167

1 CATHERINE STEELE SEWELL STADIUM

30

9000

15 9000 215 2

pounds of weights sports camps offeredused eachtosummer train MPC

the character of student-athletes

Christian coaches investing in character skillsthe clinics offeredof student-athletes

certified strength and conditioning coaches training our athletes pounds of weights used to train MPC student-athletes

student-athletes

sports offered each summer athletes involved in teamcamps service opportunities

2 TRAINING FACILITIES

167

state-of-the-art sports venue include covered batting cages seating 2700skills with turf William A. Cooper Field and rubber track for football, and 6400service sq. ft. Knox Athletic Performance Center with full athletes involved in team opportunities clinics offered soccer, lacrosse, and track weight room, indoor turf, and sports medicine clinic

6 ATHLETIC FIELDS for baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball 4 TENNIS COURTS in the Janas Tennis Complex

2 GYMNASIUMS (Adair and Hughes) for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and physical education

ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Middle and high school teams have achieved high-level finishes in area/region and state-level competition in the past five years.

Middle and high school teams have achieved high-level finishes in area/region and state-level competition in the past five years.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARTICIPATION 7 117 11 30 30 31 31 17 85% MIDDLE SCHOOL REGION/AREA CHAMPIONS 17 100% PK3-5th GRADE HIGH SCHOOL

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS NAML/METRO-10 including 1 individual state title MIDDLE SCHOOL Many MPCS student-athletes take advantage of sports opportunities at MPCS. HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS STATERUNNER-UP, CHAMPIONSHIPS NAML/METRO-10 STATE including 1 individual state title CHAMPIONSHIPS 3rd, or FINAL FOUR including 1 individual state runner-up STATE RUNNER-UP, 3rd, or FINAL FOUR including ELITE 81 individual state runner-up 100% COACHES ELITE 816 SCHOLAR-ATHLETES SWEET honored by the Marietta Daily Journal 81% HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLAR-ATHLETES SWEET 16 CHAMPIONS REGION/AREA

18 18

64 64

in high school are GHSA-certified

student-athletes

honored by the Marietta Daily Journal

student-athletes

participate in daily P.E. classes or recess

NEXT LEVEL NEXT LEVEL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Over the last five years, many MPC student-athletes have been recruited to compete at the collegiate level.

Over the last five years, many MPC student-athletes have been recruited to compete at the collegiate level.

Athletic skills are developed in students through many unique academic offerings each year.

1

as first-round pick by certified strength and DRAFTED MLB Cincinatti Reds conditioning coaches training

3DRAFTED 1 NCAA DIVISION 1 108537 37 NCAA DIVISION 60 STUDENT-ATHLETES 1 12% 60 53 STUDENT-ATHLETES 9000 GRADUATES 12% GRADUATES 15

our athletes as first-round pick by athletes recruited at this level MLB Cincinatti Reds

Athletic performance and physical fitness classes in high school

athletes recruited at this level

signed to play sports in college

pounds of weights

used to train MPC signed to play sports in college

sign athletic scholarships each year on average

Christian coaches investing in the character of student-athletes

skills clinics offered

30

student-athletes

sign athletic scholarships each year on average

sports camps offered each summer

167

athletes involved in team service opportunities

WINGSPAN | Summer 2017

27

Athletics

MPC FISHERS OF MEN

T

BY DONNA MCCOY, DIRECTOR OF AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AND FISHING COACH

This school year, MPC athletics embarked on the inaugural season of the Mount Paran Christian fishing team. Our school ventured into sport fishing due to several students already fishing through local bass clubs. Because MPCS is blessed with having Lake McDonald on campus, it was a natural fit to have our own fishing team. Athletic Director Mitch Jordan and Coach Connie Arnold gave the green light to proceed with this amazing opportunity for our school.

In order to get started, it was very important to find a tournament trail that had Saturday tournaments to reserve Sundays for church and family time. This led MPCS to the Georgia Bass Nation Tournament trail which is a top notch organization for high school anglers. In its first year, the fishing team has had an amazing season traveling throughout Georgia fishing the Bass Nation tournaments. Teams pair up by two with an adult boat driver for each of the all-day competitions. Our students have made new friendships with other anglers throughout the state and they all share a love for fishing.

MPC anglers have had the opportunity to spend time with a St. Croix Rods pro-angler on our campus and be a part of the Wreckfish Productions video series that will air later this year. Learning from a pro has given our team insight to what opportunities are open for their future in the sport.

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MPCS is one of only a few schools in Georgia that allow anglers to letter. More importantly, MPC anglers in grades 8-12 will have the opportunity to receive college scholarships for their achievements in high school. Our teams have received multiple top ten finishes and almost all of our fishermen qualified for the final State Classic tournament. One of our teams even received the highest recognition possible in the Georgia Bass Nation Tournament trail.

Mason McCoy (grade 10) and Carter Koza (grade 8) attended all of the tournaments this season and were awarded the prestigious title of “Anglers of the Year.”

With all of the attention and accomplishments from this first year, the team has stayed focused on our school’s mission. We want to continue to grow the sport of fishing at MPCS — and through our growth, reach out to other anglers and share our love of God with them.

This year, our most memorable moment was at Lake Lanier when we were getting the team together to pray. A couple of other young men from another school asked to join us.

IT’S A R EMI N DER OF OUR PURPOSE FR O M MAT T HEW 4:19: “AN D HE SA ID TO T HEM, FOLLOW ME AN D I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN.”

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A YEA R I N SP ORTS STATS VARSITY

• Competition Cheer State Champions (5th consecutive State title) • Boys Tennis State Runner-up • Swim Individual State Champion - 50 free • Swim Individual Runner-Up - 100 free • Boys Golf State 3rd Place • Girls Track Individual 3rd Place • Football State Elite 8 • Baseball State Elite 8 • Girls Tennis State Elite 8 • Volleyball State Elite 8 •B oys Basketball State Sweet Sixteen • Softball State Qualifier • Fishing Team State Qualifiers • Equestrian IEA Regional Qualifiers • Swim and Dive State Qualifiers • Track and Field State Qualifiers • Girls Track Region Champions • Coaches of the Year in Tennis and Golf • 8 Student-Athletes Will Compete at College Level MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Volleyball Metro 10 Champions • Girls Basketball 8th grade Metro 10 Champions • Girls Basketball 6th/7th grade Metro 10 Champions • Boys Basketball Metro 10 Runner-up • Baseball Metro 10 Runner-up • Boys Basketball 7th grade Metro 10 Final Four • Boys Soccer Metro 10 Final Four • Girls Track Individual Gold, Silver, Bronze

Strive for 5

BY MRS. CAROLINE BRADFORD ‘03, P.E. AND TENNIS COACH

When it comes to high school, numbers are often associated only with academia. Math or science class, the number of students attending college, the amount of scholarship money earned, etc. Their significance can often be overlooked when it comes to other areas of a school. However, this year athletics gave numbers a whole new meaning. Five. While it may be small, the number five is

THE NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE CHEERLEADING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS WON

State Champ, David Gray

by the cheerleading team, a task that only one other school in the state has accomplished.

When asked about the accomplishment, senior and three-time state champion Mary Katherine Watt said, “It is really a once-in-a-lifetime feeling. There isn’t much of an offseason for cheer, but a year’s worth of hard work is definitely worth it for that moment when we win. Those girls are my family, and that is the best part about it.” A team made up of ten underclassmen, two juniors, and two seniors made the winning combination. Coach Paige Johnson said, “This was certainly the hardest fought victory of the last five years, but this victory was substantial for our program in every way.” With a majority of the girls returning, the team looks to break the state record next year by winning its sixth consecutive State title. TH E C H EER LEADI N G PROGRAM BOAST S 12

DIVISION-1 COLLEGE CHEERLEADERS WITH 10 CURRENTLY STILL CHEERING.

Cheerleading wasn’t the only sport where numbers played a significant role. 20.78 seconds is the time it took for Junior David Gray to swim his way to the first individual state swimming title in the 50-yard freestyle. He followed up his state championship performance with a 45.18 second swim to secure a state runner-up position in the 100-yard freestyle just moments later. The varsity boys’ tennis team won their fourth consecutive area tournament and made it to the state finals for the first time in school history, and placed 2nd to cap off their amazing season. With 64 teams representing 16 sports, every teams’ ultimate goals are to represent Mount Paran Christian School with a Christ-like heart, playing for ONE purpose: to serve God. W

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Arts

M O UNT PARAN CHRI ST I AN SCHOOL

ARTS ARTS ARTS NUMBERS

M O U N T PA R A N C H R I S T I AN S C H O O L M O UNT PARAN CHRI ST I AN SCHOOL

NUMBERS the NUMBERS by by the by the

Arts opportunities abound in every performing and visual arts area for MPCS students in pre-K3 through twelfth grade at Mount Paran Christian School.

Arts opportunities abound in every performing and visual arts area for MPCS students in pre-K3 through twelfth grade at Mount Paran Christian School.

Arts opportunities abound in every performing and visual arts area for MPCS students in pre-K3 through twelfth grade at Mount Paran Christian School.

FACILITIES FACILITIES

The Murray Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility for performing and visual arts.

The Murray Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility for performing and visual arts.

FACILITIES

Visual arts studios across campus dedicated to 2D/3D art including pottery, photography, and graphic design

Studios designated for orchestra, band, dance, chorus, set production, costumes, and classrooms

The Murray Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility for performing and visual arts.

1 1

Visual arts studios across campus dedicated to 2D/3D art including pottery, photography, and graphic design

4 4

Visual arts studios across campus dedicated to 2D/3D art including pottery, photography, and graphic design Kristi Lynn Theatre seats an

1

audience of 577 with hydraulic orchestra pit, SSL digital audio, and professional stage lighting

Kristi Lynn Theatre seats an audience of 577 with hydraulic orchestra pit, SSL digital audio, and professional stage lighting

Kristi Lynn Theatre seats an audience of 577 with hydraulic orchestra pit, SSL digital audio, and professional stage lighting

1 1

Studios designated for orchestra, band, dance, chorus, set production, costumes, and classrooms

27 27

1 1

Studios designated for orchestra, band, dance, chorus, set production, costumes, and classrooms

LeFevre SoundLab world-class recording studio with SSL Duality console and mixing suites

1

LeFevre SoundLab world-class recording studio with SSL Duality console and mixing suites

Black Box Theater seats 110 people for 360° dramatic performances with full sound and lighting tech Black Box Theater seats 110 people for 360° dramatic performances with full sound and lighting tech

4ARTS GROUPS27

Students have many opportunities to participate in a variety of performance groups.

LeFevre SoundLab world-class recording studio with SSL Duality console and mixing suites High school chapel bands involving 21 students who lead Students have many opportunities to participate in a variety of performance groups. worship for lower, middle, and high school chapels

ARTS GROUPS

3 3 6 6 8 ARTS8 GROUPS 11 11 12

Black Box Theater seats 110 people for 360° dramatic performances with full sound and lighting tech

High school chapel bands involving 21 students who lead worship for lower, middle, include and highconcert schooland chapels Orchestra ensembles bluegrass

Vocal ensembles include Orchestra ensembles include concert and bluegrass chorus and show choirs Vocal ensembles include chorus and show choirs

Student band ensembles include concert, marching, pep, percussion, jazz, and drumline

Students have many opportunities to participate in a variety of performance groups.

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Dance classes include ballet, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop, and pointe

Student band ensembles include concert, marching, pep, percussion, jazz, and drumline

High school chapel bands involving 21 students who lead high school chapels

12

worship for lower, middle, and Dance classes include ballet, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop, and pointe

6

Orchestra ensembles include concert and bluegrass

STUDENTS IN ARTS

Vocal include Middle and highensembles school students are enrolled in curricular and co-curricular courses in every creative focus area. chorus and show choirs

1

427

Music and Art Classes for all Pre-K3 - 5th graders

STUDENTS IN ARTS THEATRE PRODUCTIONS STUDENTSTHEATRE IN ARTS PRODUCTIONS 6 THEATRE PRODUCTIONS 29 6

Middle and high school students are enrolled in curricular and co-curricular courses in every creative focus area.

MPCS has a high percentage of students that participate in dramatic and musical theatre performances each year.

Middle and high school students are enrolled in curricular and co-curricular courses everypercentage creative focus area. that participate in MPCS has ainhigh of students

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Recording Arts

30

Dozier School of the Arts magnet program

48 Technical Theatre 50 Show Choir 65 Band 79 Drama 79 Commercial Arts 81 Orchestra

dramatic and musical theatre performances each year. ~ ~ has a high percentage of students that participate in MPCS dramatic and musical theatre performances each year.

Recording Arts

6 29 Dozier School of the Arts 30

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high school

48 50 Show Choir 65 Band 79 Drama 79 Commercial Arts 81 Orchestra

Technical Theatre

Dance Music and Art Classes for all Pre-K3 - 5th graders

20% 20% 20% 20% 50% 50%

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fourth and fifth graders

middle school

fourth and fifth graders

More than110 overall arts performances on and off campus annually 3000+ Murray Arts Academy dance, drama, and music classes and private lessons per year Music and Art Classes 427 More than110 overall arts performances on and off campus annually for all Pre-K3 - 5th graders 3000+ Murray Arts Academy dance, drama, and music classes and private lessons per year More than110 overall arts performances on and off campus annually 3000+ Murray Arts Academy dance, drama, and music classes and private lessons per year Dance

fourth and fifth graders

ACCOLADES THEATRE PRODUCTIONS ACCOLADES 6 THEATRE PRODUCTIONS 3 ACCOLADES 6

Bravo to MPCS for winning some major arts awards over the past 5 years.

MPCS has a high percentage of students that participate in dramatic and musical theatre performances each year.

Bravo to MPCS for winning some majorGHSA arts awards over the past 5inyears.

State Championships literary events in MPCS has a high percentage of students that participate in One Act Play and Women’s Trio dramatic and musical theatre performances each year.

Bravo to MPCS for winning some major arts awards over the past 5 years.

3

GHSA State Championships in literary events in Georgia School One Act Play and High Women’s TrioMusical Theatre Shuler Hensley Award nominations in 11 categories with 2 awards for Best GHSA State Championships in literary events in Choreography and 1 for Best Technical Execution One Act Play and Women’s Trio Georgia High School Musical Theatre Shuler Hensley high school Award nominations in 11 categories with 2 awards for Best in band, Execution chorus, orchestra, Georgia High School Musical Theatre Shuler Choreography HensleyAll-State andacceptances 1 for Best Technical Award nominations in 11 categories with 2 awards forvisual Best arts, and theatre high school middle school Choreography and 1 for Best Technical Execution All-State acceptances in band, chorus, orchestra, visual arts, and theatreand high school bands, choruses, and of middle All-State acceptances in band, chorus, orchestra,orchestras rated as “Superior” ensembles by the Georgia middle school visual arts, and theatre Music Educators Association fourth and fifth graders of middle and high school bands, choruses, and orchestras rated as “Superior” ensembles by the Georgia of middle and high school bands, choruses, andEducators Association Music fourth and fifth graders orchestras rated as “Superior” ensembles by the Georgia Music Educators Association overall arts performances on and off campus annually

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More than110 3000+ Murray Arts Academy dance, drama, and music classes and private lessons per year More than110 overall arts performances on and off campus annually 3000+ Murray Arts Academy dance, drama, and music classes and private lessons per year

BRIGHT FUTURES BRIGHT FUTURES BRIGHT FUTURES ACCOLADES ACCOLADES 3

Graduates of the Dozier School of the Arts are equipped to pursue careers in the arts.

Collegeinacceptances Graduates of the Dozier School of the Arts are equipped to pursue careers the arts. in

the Dozier School of the Arts are equipped to pursue careers in the arts.

Bravo to MPCS for winning some major Graduates arts awardsofover the past 5 years.

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GHSA StateBravo Championships literary events in to MPCS forinwinning some major arts awards over the arts pastprograms 5 years. in the Students accepted One Act Play and Women’s Trio past 5 years such as: into arts-related majors

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in the past 5 years Oklahoma City in 3 GHSA State Championships in literary events Students accepted 43 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Shuler Hensley University

One Act Play Women’smajors Trio intoand arts-related Award nominations in 11 categories with 2 awards for Best Penn State Students accepted in the past 5 years Choreography and 1 for Best Technical Execution Pratt Institute into arts-related majors Rhode Island Georgia High School Musical Theatre Shuler Hensley in the past 5 years School of Design Award nominations in 11 categories with 2 awards for Best All-State acceptances in band, chorus, orchestra, School of Art Choreography and 1 for Best TechnicalInstitute Execution of visual arts, and theatre

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arts programs in the past 5 years such as: College acceptances in Belmont arts programs in the City Oklahoma University past 5 years such as: Penn State Belmont Pratt Institute Oklahoma City University Rhode Island School of Design Penn State Pratt School Instituteof Art Rhode Institute Island of Chicago School of Design Texas School of ArtState Institute of Chicago Texas State

25 25

$2M $2M

All-State acceptances in band, chorus, orchestra, Arts scholarships from the classes of 2016 and 2017 and counting of middle and high school bands, choruses, visual and arts, and theatre orchestras rated as “Superior” ensembles by the Georgia Music Educators Association Arts scholarships from the classes of 2016 and 2017 and counting of middle and high school bands, choruses, and orchestras rated as “Superior” ensembles by the Georgia Arts scholarships from the classes of 2016 and 2017 and counting Music Educators Association

100%

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BRIGHT FUTURES

Graduates of the Dozier School of the Arts are equipped to pursue careers in the arts.

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Arts

Technical theatre students Jackson Roberts and Wade Curtis.

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BUILDING A BEAUTY

BY DAVID MORGAN, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

T

HI S APRI L, MOUN T PARAN CHRI ST I AN SCHOOL’S PRO D U CTI O N O F BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WAS N OMI N AT ED FOR 10 GE O R G I A H I G H SCHOOL MUSI CAL T HEAT RE “SHULER HEN SLEY” AWARDS , FO R W H I CH O U R DEPART MEN T COMPET ED WI T H 75 HI GH SCHOOLS AROUND TH E S TATE. With only six schools nominated in each category, MPCS scored in the top eighth percentile of each of the 10 areas in which it was nominated, which indicates the nominations alone were accomplishments for which our students can be proud.

In the eight-year history of the awards, MPCS is the first and only school to receive nominations in all of the five technical theatre categories in one year: Sound Design, Technical Execution, Lighting Design, Costume Design, and Scenic Design. Nominations also included: Best Choreography, Best Ensemble, Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Best Performance by a Featured Performer, Best Showstopper, and Honorable Mention for Overall Production. We were especially proud of Senior Abby Yake, who won the award for Technical Execution for her work as stage manager.

Large-scale productions such as Disney’s “Beauty” would not be possible without many volunteers and the help of the curricular technical theatre class. MPCS technical theatre students are trained in various areas of the production side of theatre. Through the multiple tech theatre classes offered, students learn proper and safe use of tools and materials and work on projects that teach them standard techniques and concepts, such as building a standard theatrical flat, or matching and mixing scenic paint. Through the hands-on experience that students get in class, after-school work-calls, and technical rehearsals, they develop skills that help them earn responsibilities for future productions. High school students are involved in all drama productions, ranging from the high school play and middle school musical in the fall semester to working on the high school musical in the spring.

STUDENTS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AFTER SCHOOL AND ON WEEKENDS, W O R K I N G M O N T H S I N A D VA N C E T O P L A N A N D C R E AT E the space in which the actors will be performing, as well as preparing to execute unique technical effects called for in the script. In Beauty and the Beast, the stage had to transform between locations in seconds. The beast himself had to transform from beast to prince, and a library full of books had to appear in the blink of an eye. In Broadway productions these effects are created with multi-million dollar budgets and professional crews. The students at MPCS attack each of these problems in creative ways by working together to develop innovative solutions that are cost-effective and visually stunning. The cast and technical crew of Beauty and the Beast rehearsed tirelessly to perfectly choreograph the movement of set pieces — and at the center of this dance, is the stage manager. Miss Yake facilitated communication between faculty, student actors, and crew while she coordinated scene changes, technical cues, and production numbers. All aspects of the actual production were timed to precision though her organization and patience.

Abby’s drive for excellence and creative problem-solving led to her winning this prestigious award for MPCS. The talent and determination of our students are leading them into college majors and careers in technical theatre. Abby is the first of many future MPCS students who will take home a Shuler at the start of a long career in the arts. W

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Arts

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE ARTS

BY CARY BRAGUE, DIRECTOR OF ARTS

T

he 2016-17 school year saw more than 100 entertaining, moving, and aesthetic events from students in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and worship arts. The level of student achievement across the board continues to raise the bar each year to which the next set of students will aspire.

Music performances included coffee-concerts, the Prism concert, the jazz ensemble performing at Gaines Park, public evaluations that earned music groups excellent and superior ratings, and worship music that culminated in the chapel band’s “Night of Worship.”

Dance concerts continue to reveal the unique artistry that combines athleticism with music, resulting in displays of gracefulness through ballet, entertaining joy through tap and jazz, and thoughtprovoking shapes and patterns through the language of contemporary and modern movement.

In six theatrical productions from grades four through high school, we were mesmerized by Our Town, entertained by Miss Nelson is Missing,

and wowed by Aristocats Kids, The Music Man, Christmas Spectacular and Beauty and the Beast, the latter of which was recognized for the second-highest number of “Shuler” nominations of any high school in Georgia. All this was achieved while the arts department implemented a new innovative online ticketing program, “itickets.com,” to handle thousands of tickets sales and distribution over the course of the year.

Visual art enrolls the most students of any arts class at MPCS and was no less stunning, with incredible displays of drawing, painting, pottery, photography, design, and sculpture. MPCS is propelling students to new levels of demonstrating how God’s gifts in the arts will someday make the world a better place, raising His name to all people. W

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Class of 2017 Arts College Signees: SAM ARRANTS - Kennesaw State University, Marching Band ISABEL BLACKBURN - Rhode Island School of Design,

Visual Art

EMILY FINCH - Georgia Southern University, Music NATALIE HAMMONDS - Baylor University, Musical Theatre JETT HATCH - Savannah College of Art and Design, Visual Art CATHERINE PYLE - Auburn University, Theatre Production LAUREN ROBINSON - University of Georgia, Film and Music

On Campus

LEFEVRE SOUNDLAB

BY KATHLEEN MCCOOK, DIRECTOR OF THE MURRAY ARTS CENTER

TU C K E D AWAY ON TH E TH IR D FLO O R O F T HE MURRAY ART S CEN T ER I S TH E L E F E V R E S O U ND LA B – A S TATE-O F-TH E-ART RECORDI N G AN D VI DEO P R O D U C T IO N FA C ILITY U NLIK E A NY S TU D IO I N T HE COUN T RY. Distinguished by an arsenal of technology, the LeFevre SoundLab is not only a much sought-after studio by national recording artists, but first and foremost a remarkable classroom for Mount Paran Christian School students. Under the instruction of studio manager Brent Maloney, students may take classes in various levels of audio engineering, songwriting, and music production, preparing them for postsecondary degrees in the recording industry.

The focal point of the audio suite is the SSL Duality™ audio recording console. Other standouts in the facility include the video-audio production suite and mixing suite with an SSL AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System.

In August 2016, the space was dedicated and named The LeFevre SoundLab, honoring Meurice and Peggy LeFevre, Ron and Lisa LeFevre Mulkey, and grandchildren – Taylor Mulkey Kinsey ’09, Madeline Mulkey ’12, Ian Williams ‘15, and Nathan Williams ‘15. The Mulkeys have been vital supporters of MPCS, with Ron having served as chairman of the MPCS Board of Directors for 15 years.

New Faces @ MPCS DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN LIFE, STEVE KYLE MPCS is pleased to welcome Mr. Steve Kyle as the new Director of Christian Life. Steve comes to us from Savannah, GA where he recently served as the Upper School Administrator at Bible Baptist School as well as being the former Christian Life Director. He brings experiences as a teacher, Assistant Athletic Director, and Activities Director at Hilton Head (SC) Christian Academy. As an ordained pastor, he is a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ with a powerful ability to convey the message of the Gospel. Steve is joined by his wife and two daughters.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION AND HEAD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH, STEPHANIE DUNN Mrs. Stephanie Dunn will be the new varsity girls basketball Head Coach and Assistant Director of Admission. Stephanie brings an impressive high school and college coaching resume to the MPC athletic program. For the past six years, she has been the Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Assistant to the Sports Information Director at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia. Prior to her time at Berry, she was Associate Director of Admission and Head Girls Basketball Coach at St. Pius X High School in Atlanta leading her team to three State championships and six region championships. She began her career as a player at UGA, competing in the Final Four under Coach Andy Landers.

We welcome Stephanie, her husband, and two daughters to the MPCS family. W

The name LeFevre is almost synonymous with Southern Gospel music. An innovator in Gospel and secular music recording, Meurice LeFevre founded Sing Record Company in 1959 – the first state-of-the-art recording studio in Atlanta. He studied with Nashville’s finest engineers, replicating RCA’s Nashville studio, and worked with engineers to create portable sound consoles with echo, equalization, and limiters along with Nuemann microphones to deliver optimum sound for television stations such as Ted Turner’s Superstation WTBS. Meurice was involved in the inception of The Gospel Music Association, where he served four terms on the Board of Directors. He was the first Chairman of the Board of the GMA Hall of Fame, co-founded the Atlanta Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and successfully secured a Grammy category exclusively for Southern Gospel Music, just to name a few.

MPCS is grateful to the LeFevre and Mulkey families for their continued support of the school and their passion for training up students in the recording arts. W

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On Campus

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W H AT I S A C O L L A B O R ATO RY ?

A C C O R D I N G T O W E B S T E R , T O “ C O L L A B O R AT E ” I S T O W O R K T O G E T H E R W I T H O T H E R S T O C R E AT E O R T O PRODUCE SOMETHING.

A “collaboratory” is a relatively new concept that gives name to a space at MPCS designed specifically for that purpose. William Wulf defined a collaboratory in 1989 this way: “A center without walls, in which the nation’s researchers can perform their research without regard to physical location, interacting with colleagues, accessing instrumentation, sharing data and computational resources, and accessing information in digital formats.” The concept of working in collaborative spaces has become almost the norm for many corporations and educational institutions across our country. This year, MPCS has embraced the idea by designing and opening the Weber Collaboratory.

Students and faculty use our Collaboratory daily to be inspired to think critically, share ideas, and conduct research in order to take learning and creating to the next level. Teachers take their classes to the Weber in order to provide space and technology for anything from group projects, research and instruction, presentations, and brainstorming.

Furniture on wheels is easily moved for project collaboration. The ability to manipulate an open space to spread out and use varied resources in order to accomplish a learning goal has been embraced all over campus.

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BY CONNIE JENNINGS, MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

The environment has been a blessing, providing for large-group experiences such as hearing speakers share about their climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Vietnam War presentations, roller coaster creation competitions, having “family meetings,” large-group project presentations, writing and peer editing, small group times and fun activities. There is not a day or hour that the Weber Collaboratory is not being utilized for in-depth learning and… well, collaborating!

I T I S D E F I N I T E LY T H E H O T S P O T O N C A M P U S .

“HOT” BECAUSE IT IS THE PLACE TO BE, AND “HOT” BECAUSE IT INSPIRES HIGHER ORDER THINKING. Students are not the only benefactors of this space. Administrators and faculty have made use of the Collaboratory for professional development, planning meetings, and even for a few competitive games. It truly is the perfect spot to think and plan creatively for units and opportunities that are best for our students.

Providing for collaboration is well-stated by Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” The same sentiment can be found in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Teachers at MPCS pray that we are able to inspire and instruct our students to work hard and work well together. The Weber Collaboratory helps us accomplish that goal. W

THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EXPERIENCE

BY DR. BONNIE STEPHENS, HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

MPCS high school students had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to video chat with Colonel Shane Kimbrough, Commander of Expedition 50 to the International Space Station. Colonel Kimbrough is also uncle to Hyl Kimbrough ’17 and Wood Kimbrough ’18. In what was a truly surreal experience, students gathered in the Collaboratory and spoke face to face in real time with the lead scientist for the Space Station. According to Senior Holly Jordan, “Part of what made it amazing was that we were talking to a man who was in an environment I can never truly comprehend. He was in outer space floating upside down... it was the strangest and coolest thing to see. Plus, [he] was an educated scientist who had trained hard to oversee numerous varied projects while dealing with the duress of being in outer space.”

In preparation for the video chat, science students researched the microgravity experiments aboard the Space Station and turned concepts learned in the classroom into questions centered around these experiments. Junior Anna Voss remarks, “Creating these questions allowed us to apply what we learned in class into a current research project which was extremely exciting!” By combining classroom concepts with scientific application, students were presented with a truly innovative learning experience. W

BY PAM COPELAND, ASSISTANT TO THE HEADMASTER

When you think of Boy Scouts, what comes to mind?

Uniforms? Camping? Pinewood derby-racing? Most likely, some common thoughts would be about young men learning to be responsible citizens, or learning service or other moral values.

Because these character goals tie very closely with the mission of MPCS, it is logical that the school would sponsor a charter troop of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Troop 2269 is very active at MPCS, thanks to dedicated leaders and growing participation among the boys in the program. At this young level of scouting, the focus is on fun experiences, such as hiking Kennesaw Mountain or visiting a fire station.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement that can be earned and is respected because of the level of work and perseverance involved as requirements. In addition to the badges, the Eagle Scout candidate must also complete a major service project and learn to lead other young men by incorporating younger scouts to work with him on the project, teaching them to follow directions yet work as a team.

MPCS is proud to have had several students recently earn the coveted Eagle Scout rank. New graduate, Andy Crain, completed his service project, a self-sustaining ecosystem, at Lake McDonald on our campus.

Another Class of 2017 alum, Alex Reyna, completed his Eagle project involving fish hatcheries to benefit Lake McDonald. Rising sophomore, Luke Spinetto, built a storage space by the cabin for canoes and kayaks.

Other Eagle projects formerly completed by MPCS students include a wooden dock by Andrew Jenkins, walking bridges at the athletic fields built by David Torp, and a “stations of the cross” trail by Taylor Rainwater. Junior, Jackson Counts, recently achieved Eagle Scout and Eric Torp, (brother of David), also just completed his project at the young age of 14.

Alex Reyna noted that scouting benefits society because young men develop character and confidence, then become models to others. Andy Crain wisely noted that situations in life may not always be easy, but when one learns that they can make it through by hard work and perseverance, even difficult goals can be achieved. Sounds like a lesson from which Eagles of every age can learn. W

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On Campus STAFF PROFILE:

Mrs. Randi Terry

S

BY MICKIE ROBERTS, LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL REGISTRAR

STEAM:

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. You know the acronym but may not know that MPCS has made a commitment to offer more courses and extra-curricular opportunities in these related fields. The increasing popularity of STEAM curriculum is being carried out not only in our high school, but in our lower and middle school as well by faculty member Randi Terry.

With a B.A. in English/Technical writing with Spanish minor and an M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology underway, Randi has been teaching technology at MPCS to preschool, lower school, and middle school students for the past six years. Next year, Randi will instruct grades 3-8 in STEAM.

S H E I S PA S S I O N AT E A B O U T “ H E L P I N G S T U D E N T S L E A R N T O T H I N K I N A W AY T H AT W I L L H E L P T H E M B E C O M E S E L F - M O T I VAT E D P R O B L E M - S O LV E R S A S WELL AS LIFELONG LEARNERS FILLED WITH CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND THEM.” STEAM classes allow multiple opportunities for this open-ended learning and innovation. Lower school students begin by playing simple coding games and working their way into Hour of Code games which teach coding concepts in a way that is fun and easily accessible.

They then progress to simple coding on their own through the Scratch program and by grades 4 and 5, they are coding their own interactive cards, stories, and games.

By the time these students reach middle school, many choose to apply for membership to the middle school Robotics Team which Randi coaches along with assistant coach Tina Baker. Randi has led the middle school team in the FIRST LEGO® League which is a worldwide program for competition in robotics. Middle school teams have had great success at both the Super-Regional and State competitions. Rising ninth grader Mitchell Bunn, a founding member of middle school Robotics stated, “My favorite part was the Core Values part of the competition. It helped our team learn to work together. It wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about having fun and working together.”

High School science teacher, STEAM coordinator, and Eagle Robotics Coach Brad Smith looks forward to the future of the MPCS program because of the great work Randi is doing with the lower and middle school program: “Randi is a STEAM dynamo. She brings excitement, momentum, and a ‘can-do’ attitude to anything related to STEAM. She is fiercely unafraid to try something new, unapologetic in advancing into the evolving world of STEAM methodology, and is a champion of her students’ opportunities to understand, create, develop, utilize, and modify technology.” W

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Alumni

HARVARD BOUND

A From left: Matthew Peach ‘01 of DynamiX, Sharon Rooke, Brad Smith, Jeff Jahn ‘03, and John Braswell.

i n • n o • va • t o r -

noun. a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products

BY CINDY GIBBS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT/ALUMNI RELATIONS

M P C S A L U M N U S J E F F J A H N ’ 0 3 , OW N E R A N D F O U N D E R O F D Y N A M I X , I S A S E A S O N E D I N N O VAT O R A N D E N T R E P R E N E U R ; A D I G I TA L B U S I N E S S L E A D E R W I T H A P A S S I O N F O R P U S H I N G T H E E N V E L O P E F O R W H AT C A N B E A C H I E V E D T H R O U G H T E C H N O L O G Y. Jeff Jahn and his wife, Amber, have two children, Patrick and Emily Claire

Jahn started DynamiX in 2005 as a sophomore at Berry College and since that time has grown the firm to be one of the most respected website development companies in Atlanta, GA. With 700 awards and counting, DynamiX was named among the Cobb Chamber 2017 and 2016 top 25 businesses of the year. Jeff is especially grateful that he was recognized by Berry College in 2015 with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and by MPCS as the 2015 Alumnus of the Year.

In addition to DynamiX, Jeff has also co-founded several startups, including Home Elephant, the world’s first neighborhood-based social media platform. Home Elephant has been featured by news outlets across the country, including Fox News, ABC News, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Huffington Post and CBS News’ The Early Show.

Not only is Jeff an innovator and entrepreneur, but he is also a philanthropist at heart, and giving back to his community is essential to him. In March 2017, he made a generous donation to Mount Paran Christian School as his way of investing back into the school that helped form the successful man he is today.

He dedicated this gift to three teachers he felt had the biggest impact on his life while at MPCS: Mr. John Braswell, Mr. Brad Smith, and Mrs. Sharon Rooke. Jeff shared that “Mr. Braswell had a special way of getting shy kids like me to engage and participate. Mr. Smith had high expectations from his students and knew how to draw the very best from them, and Mrs. Rooke brought her English classes to life with great characters and story telling.”

Jahn shared that his teachers instilled Christian values and helped him focus his energy on the “why” behind things. Jahn continued, “They encouraged students to put their minds to work beyond just book smarts. Students wanted to do well because they knew the teachers were so invested in their success.”

MPCS is grateful that Jeff has taken what he has learned, turned that knowledge into success, and has given back to MPCS so other students will have the same opportunities. W

big congrats to MPCS alumnus Preston Moore ‘12 who is heading to Harvard Law School this fall. Preston considers the close attention that he received from teacher, Mrs. Amy Schwan, essential to where he is today. He explains: “In two short years at Mount Paran, she gave me the key to this passion that I didn’t even know that I had.” Preston led the MPCS Mock Trial program to back-to-back region championships and won back-to-back American Legion Oratorical Competitions.

Reflecting on his MPCS experience, Preston shared, “The Mount Paran faculty relate to students on an individual level. It’s an environment where you know every teacher as well as the headmaster. Before much time passes, you realize the entire community is behind you.”

MPCS certainly celebrated Preston’s graduation send-off, as he headed off to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, to begin his college career. After two years at Wake Forest, he transfered to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where he became the captain of the mock trial team. “We made it to the first round of the national tournament,” he recalls.

In 2016, Preston graduated from Georgetown University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Upon graduation, he began working as a Legal Analyst for the litigation firm Korein Tillery in Chicago, IL. He also began preparing to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). “My dream was Harvard Law School.” His top 70 score, coupled with his academic and extracurricular achievements, earned him admission to the law schools at UC Berkeley, NYU, and Columbia. And, of course, Harvard.

“In sincerity, my story all ties back to MPCS,” Preston concluded. Wherever life has taken me so far, and whatever journeys lie ahead... all of it can be traced to a community that made that school a home.”

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Alumni

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Annie (Snead) Horner ‘07

F OL L OW A L U M N I O N SO C IA L M ED IA MPCS Alumni is now also on Twitter. Join the Facebook group for invitations and alumni updates. The Alumni Association on LinkedIn is a fantastic way to network with fellow graduates. Please @ mention MPCS on your social network posts.

SEND US YOUR CLASS UPDATES To update your information or send us news about recent accomplishements or big life events, visit the alumni page on our website at www.mtparanschool.com.

Homecoming 2017

AL U M N I D I N N E R , TA ILG ATE, A ND EA G LE FEST

SAVE THE DATE:

Friday, October 27, 2017 Alumni families, parents, and kids are invited!

After graduating from Kennesaw State University in 2011, Annie worked as an anchor/reporter in Augusta, Georgia. She moved to Colorado to further her career in television news, but after five years working in the fast-paced environment it was time for a change. She is currently the marketing manager at Pikes Peak United Way, a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving education, income, and health in the Colorado Springs community. She loves using her reporting skills to tell stories to further the mission of United Way. When she is not working, Annie and her husband Brad Horner take full advantage of Colorado’s many outdoor recreation offerings. They have been married for three years, and he is the special education coordinator at a charter school.

Will Thompson ‘07 Congratulations to Will Thompson for his five-year anniversary serving with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) in Japan. Will shared this thought in his FCA newsletter, “It is amazing to think back on all that God has done the last five years. The relationships made; the lives changed; the seeds planted; the bridges built; and the resources created. God is so good. He who has started the good work will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)”

Ashton (Duncan) Hilbrands ‘08 On September 10, 2016, Ashton Duncan married Andrew Hilbrands at a ceremony in Ball Ground, GA. Ashton shares, “When planning our wedding, Andrew and I wanted to choose someone who had impacted our lives and Mr. Gribble instantly came to my mind. Having Mr. Gribble teach me three years of high school as well as offering help through college, he has been a helping hand for many years with school and adjusting to the changes in life. Andrew and I are both so appreciative of Mr. Gribble’s time and willingness to help us celebrate this important day. Earlier this year, I graduated with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mercer University and have taken a job with Physiotherapy Associates.”

Carla White ‘91

Ashten (Walker) Dick ‘09

Carla White’s story is one of grace, strength, and courage. In 2016, she was planning to attend the 2016 Rio Olympics. These plans changed on January 12 as she was rushed to Atlanta hospital with paralysis in her legs that quickly spread to her upper chest. The diagnosis was Transverse Myelitis, inflammation of the spinal cord. She spent the next seven weeks at the Atlanta Shepherd Spinal Center paralyzed from the waist down. After intense physical therapy, steroids, and chemotherapy, Carla was discharged from Shepherd’s in a wheelchair. She shares her heart, “This was a very trying time and I had to relearn how to walk.” Today, thankfully, Carla is walking short distances again and continues with physical therapy. The MPCS community is keeping you in our prayers Carla, and we pray for a full recovery.

Ashten graduated from Lee University with a degree in Elementary Education.

She teaches first grade in Hoover, Alabama. Her husband, Caleb, works as a music producer at Church of the Highlands and Ashten serves on the worship team at the church.

Laine (Slevinski) Schmidt ‘00

Andrea graduated with honors from Shorter University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She has spent a significant amount of time living abroad in Italy. She is excited to announce her new role as Office Manager for Chick-fil-A at Cumberland Mall, Akers Mill, and SunTrust Park (Braves Stadium). Andrea is also the Social Media/Marketing Specialist for Laura Anne Watson Photography. Congratulations to Andrea for all of her hard work.

After 11 years of teaching, and as a pastor’s wife, Laine has branched out with her entrepreneurial spirit. Through her experiences, Laine observed too many people unhappy with their work, not using their time, talents, and resources in the best way possible. With a desire to come alongside those individuals, she has become a full-time Certified Life Coach. Laine says, “I work with business owners, business leaders, schools, professionals, and those in career transition to achieve growth and change in their work.” See Laine’s website for information at www.laine schmidt.com.

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Megan Sheasby Downer ‘09 Megan graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services-Nonprofit Management. In December 2015, she founded a nonprofit organization called The Bigger Picture Project, Inc. whose mission is “Awakening people to the reality that God has called them to His bigger picture, challenging them to live in it, and providing ways for them to do so.”

Andrea Cooper Gill ‘09

Kelsey (Hausfeld) Pocock ‘09 Kelsey graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is working for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She is continuing her education with the University of Alabama Birmingham and is working

toward her degree as a Psychiatric/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In March 2017, she and Andrew Pocock were married and they reside in Alpharetta, GA.

Allison Smith ‘09 Allison graduated from The University of Alabama in 2013 where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Communications. During her time at UA she was a company member of Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and Dance Alabama where she had the opportunity to perform under the direction of Cornelius Carter. Since graduating, Allison has found herself in a different role as an Executive Assistant for a non-profit ministry, JH Ranch and JH Israel. JH has two leadership centers in Etna, CA and Ariel, Israel with their main offices based out of Birmingham, AL. Allison works primarily with the JH Israel team where they use the National Leadership Center in Ariel to impact Israel’s next generation of leaders. She has an upcoming trip to Etna, CA and Israel this summer where she gets to see God’s vision at work through JH. For fun, Allison is a Pure Barre instructor at Pure Barre Birmingham in Homewood, AL.

Logan Weber ‘09 After graduating from MPCS, Logan attended Kennesaw State University studying Communications. Logan is a motivational speaker for Weber Associates. He is passionate about servant-leadership and positively influencing the world around him. For years, Logan has spoken to students and adults in many different settings, with high-energy and interaction. He lives in Atlanta and enjoys CrossFit and hiking with his 100-pound puppy, Buddy.

Taylor W. Williams ‘09

lance Fashion Stylist in New York. Alumni parent, Mary Henry, shared this about Laura’s time here at MPCS: “The education Laura received at MPCS gave her the foundation she needed as a young adult to achieve her very best at whatever she chose to accomplish in her higher education and career. I am proud to say that as a mother and entrepreneur myself, I am proud of Mount Paran and the Christian belief it instills in its graduates.”

Aimee Marie Miller ‘10 After graduating from the University of Georgia, Aimee worked with a faith-based leadership organization called Catalyst. She is now leading worship at The Church of the Apostles in Buckhead and serves as the Worship Ministry Assistant. Aimee says her favorite part of the job is Sunday mornings. “I can honestly say it hardly ever feels like work. I count it a great blessing that I am able to combine my passion and abilities to serve the Lord. To say I am grateful is an incredible understatement!”

Drew Anderson ‘11 Congratulations to Drew Anderson for his recent January 2017 wedding to Bre Anderson. Drew graduated from the University of Georgia with his degree in Medicine. He is currently working on his Doctorate of Medicine in Anesthesiology from the Medical College of Georgia.

Rachel Garner ‘11 Rachel received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College and State University. She is continuing her education at Mercer University in the Physician’s Assistant program. She was recently elected as new student coordinator for the Physician’s Assistant Program.

Marshall Thomas ‘11

Taylor graduated from Wake Forest University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political and International Affairs, and Theatre. In 2016, he completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law from Tulane University Law School. He is an Associate with the law firm Moore Ingram Johnson & Steel, within the firm’s Civil Litigation department with concentrations in the Corporate Liability, Insurance Defense, and Products Liability.

After graduation, Marshall began working for Compassionate Care Ministries in Technology and Media. In 2015, he was asked to help a new church, Abiding Church, with sound and equipment as the Technical Director. He currently serves at Mount Paran North Church as an Assistant Audio Engineer and Assistant to the Technical Director. He shares, “I have been blessed to serve two great churches that I call home and use the skills that God has given me.”

Kimberly Allen ‘10

Hunter Schiltz ‘11

Congratulations to Alumna Kimberly Allen for graduating from The University of Mississippi in May 2017 with a Doctor of Pharmacy Cum Laude. When she entered the university as a freshman, she was a member of the Early Entry Pharmacy Program and a graduate of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (May 2014, cum laude).

Katie Colson ‘10 In 2014, Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. She was involved in research and various honors and medical societies. She also participated in a two-month medical trip serving underprivileged areas in the Philippines.

In 2016, she graduated from the University of Alabama, Birmingham with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Laura Henry ‘10 Laura graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising. She is a Free-

Hunter graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Business and Economics. He works with IBM as a Brand Representative in Sales.

Hunter and his wife Lindsay live in Costa Mesa, California.

David Adams ’12 and Melissa (Holmes) Adams ‘12 David and Melissa met in sixth grade at MPCS. They both graduated from MPCS in 2012.

On May 20, 2017 they were married at Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, GA. Congratulations to both of these alum!

Nick Caras ‘12 Nick graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics. He is an Emerging Advisor with 21st Century Financial. This fall, Nick will be volunteering his time by serving on the MPCS Alumni Council.

CLASS NOTES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE —>

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Elizabeth Fox ’12 Elizabeth graduated from Furman University and is in graduate school at George Mason University in the History of Decorative Arts Program in Washington, D.C. She interned in the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms, doing research on the decorative arts collection.

Fox shares, “The challenges of attending an intensive graduate school have allowed me to place my faith and trust in Him. Through God’s will, I’ll gain opportunities to work at the Smithsonian museums.”

Meghan Rainwater ‘12 Meghan graduated from the University of North Georgia this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Math and Business minor.

She recently began working for Primary Capital Mortgage as a Collateral Specialist.

Jake Anderson ‘13 Jake is in his fourth year in the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech, and his passions include healthcare, serving others, and producing music. He will be working as a Sales Development Representative with BioIQ this summer in hopes of impacting lives and helping to revolutionize the healthcare industry.

Shannon McGeary ‘13 Congratulations to Shannon McGeary for graduating from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. McGeary shares, “I am headed to San Antonio, Texas to teach middle-school life science with Teach for America. I then hope to attend medical school to help traditionally under-served populations.”

Luke Van de Vate ‘13 Luke graduated in 2017 from Vanderbilt University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering and minor in Engineering Management. He has accepted a position with C.W. Matthews as a Project Engineer/Manager in Marietta.

Emily Johnson ‘15 Emily has completed her sophomore year at the University of Georgia. She traveled to the Dominican Republic with Volunteers Around the World and spent two weeks serving alongside volunteer dentists and doctors offering free clinics to underprivileged patients.

Jake Mezei ‘15 Jake is pursuing his Bachelor degree in Marketing from Mercer University and is a member of the Mercer men’s soccer team.

Jake completed a business course in South Africa and found time to lead a soccer mission camp. W 42 42

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CLASS OF 2017 AWARD RECOGNITION Special Recognition American Legion School Award Alexander Reyna US Army Reserve Student-Athlete Award Caitlyn Tucker Jared Knox

Stephen Werner Sportsmanship Scholarships Carter Smith Allie Akin Salutatorian Rachel Welch Valedictorian Clay Van de Vate

Academic Recognition National Merit Scholar Finalists Andy Crain Clay Van de Vate Rachel Welch PAGE STAR Student Clay Van de Vate

Servant-Leadership Awards Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award Ashley Busby Andy Crain Harrison Barnett

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Michael Floam

Scholastic Art Competition Holly Jordan Emily Blackburn

Arts Recognition Shuler Hensley Award Abby Yake

All State International Thespian Society Natalie Hammonds

All District Honor Band Emily Finch Ashleigh Lorenz Emily Lorenz Lauren Robinson Georgia All State Art Symposium Emily Blackburn

Arts Scholarships Sam Arrants Isabel Blackburn Emily Finch Natalie Hammonds Jett Hatch Catherine Pyle Lauren Robinson

Achievements

Salutatorian Rachel Welch will attend LSU and Valedictorian Clay Van de Vate will attend Georgetown.

The Class of 2017 has been accepted to 92 of the nation’s finest colleges and universities.

Seniors have earned more than $5 MILLION in academic scholarships.

In addition, 80% of seniors are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.

Athletic Recognition Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athletes John Greenhaw Jake Jennings Brooke Jones Jared Knox Matthew Ramsey Alexander Reyna Brady Scott Holt Shannon Carter Smith Emmett Taliaferro Mary Ross Wilson

Hatten Mitchell DeQuon Pope Augusta Preston Brady Scott Carter Smith Emmett Taliaferro

Athletic Scholarships Hyl Kimbrough Jackson McLarty

Ron Mulkey Eagle Award Jared Knox Ashley Busby

Special Awards AJC Cup Award Clay Van de Vate MPCS School Spirit Award Harrison Barnett

Academic Scholarships Emily Blackburn Kaitlyn Bright Sammie Brown Will Burton Ashley Busby Chancy Cannon Andy Crain Karley DeWitt Emily Finch Michael Floam Kendall Gilcrease Natalie Hammond Chad Johnson Katie Kelly Hyl Kimbrough Nick Kraieski Dryden Lewis Kate Massey Amy Partain

Catherine Pyle Alex Reyna Matthew Ridgeway Ariel Roman Savannah Ross Nic Rubinacci Chandler Ruff Alec Scott Cassady Stewart Emmett Taliaferro Nick Weaver Rachel Welch Abbey Yake Clay Van de Vate

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

*Denotes Academic Scholarship ^Denotes College Athletes ~Denotes Arts Scholarship

Armstrong State University Auburn University*~ Austin Peay State University Azusa Pacific University* Baylor University* Belhaven University Belmont University Berry College* Birmingham Southern College*^ Centre College Clemson University* Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of Coastal Georgia College of Holy Cross^ Columbus State University Converse College^ Delaware Valley University Eckerd College Elon University~ Emmanuel College^ Emory University Flagler College Florida State University^ Furman University* Georgetown University Georgia College Georgia Highlands College^ Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University* Georgia State University Gordon College*

The Ohio State University Troy University University of Alabama* University of Alabama-Birmingham* University of Arkansas University of California-Berkeley University of California-Los Angeles University of Georgia* University of Kentucky University of Mississippi University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill University of North Carolina-Greensboro University of North Georgia University of Oklahoma University of South Carolina* University of Tennessee-Knoxville* University of Tennessee-Chattanooga University of Virginia University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Voorhees College Wake Forest University Western Carolina University Westmont College Wingate University Winthrop University Xavier University Young Harris College

Hampton University High Point University Kennesaw State University Kent State University * LaGrange College^ Langston University Lesley University Louisiana State University Mercer University* Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University* Murray State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University North Carolina University North Carolina Wesleyan College^ Northeastern University Oglethorpe University Oklahoma City University* Pace University Parsons School of Design Pratt Institute Purdue University Reinhardt University Rhode Island School of Design Rider University Samford University*^ Savannah College of Art and Design* School of Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts-New York City~ Shorter University* Tallahassee Community College

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The WINGSPAN Magazine

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MARIETTA, GA PERMIT NO. 172

...a place where faith and intellect grow as one 1275 Stanley Road

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Innovator by Sophomore, Abigail Russ

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