Prince Avenue Christian School
2019–2020 Annual Report
Remaining on Mission in Uncertain Times “To partner with Christian families to provide scripturally based discipleship while pursuing excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics from a biblical worldview.” Seasoned leaders are replete with advice on the perils of confusing mission and vision statements and emphasize the latter should contain guidance and inspiration concerning what the organization wants to achieve in the future. Our vision statement defines the foundation of our beliefs, our objective, and the method to accomplish that objective in the following statement: Mission statements today are legion, and their prominent display in many organizations speaks to an awareness of their importance. The carelessness by some leaders of yesteryear’s great Christian organizations allowed “mission drift” to chart new courses, resulting in destinations their founding members could have never imagined. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in our nation’s schools, with the majority promoting the belief that empirical knowledge is acquired solely through the mastery of content. Too often, school leaders discard the vital role that non-cognitive core ethics and our Christian faith play in shaping the moral character of students. Our mission statement captures our nonnegotiable core principles of biblical discipleship, pursuit of scholastic excellence, and the recognition of the critical role the arts and athletics play in the cognitive and social development of students. Our mission statement is prominently displayed throughout our campus and reads as follows:
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“Guided by God’s Word as our foundation, we aspire to be the preferred choice for Christian families in the greater Athens area by providing a premier college preparatory education while discipling students to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” As a faculty and staff of professing believers, we understand the critical importance of remaining on a steady, fixed course charted by biblical principles that navigate us within safe harbors to conduct exploratory learning and heart training. We are also cognizant to eschew legalism and fixate our focus on Christ - the master teacher (our staff will tell you I detest legalism because I believe it drives young people away from Jesus). We are remaining on mission by doing what is temporarily necessary during this pandemic, but it will not become customary. Regardless of our environmental circumstances, we will remain unapologetically a Christian and an American school! To Him be the glory.
Administrative LeadershipTeam Seth Hathaway Head of School
Richard Ricketts Director of Athletics
Kendall Eley Academic Dean
Victoria Carter Admissions Director
Daniel Head High School Principal
Lee Robinson Facilities Director
Jesse Owens Middle School Principal
Ashley Young Director of Finance
Becky Callaway Lower School Principal
Kim Brannon Director of Development
Brandt Akin Director of Spiritual Life
Allison Bentley Marketing Director
LaMurl Morris Director of Fine Arts
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BY THE NUMBERS Established
1978
STUDENT BODY GEOGRAPHIC & CHURCH DIVERSITY
42
years partnering with Christian families
4 ACCREDITATIONS Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Cognia Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
13 113
4 MEMBERSHIPS
COUNTIES
CHURCHES
Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA)
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National Thespian Society (NTS)
1:1
2019
Laptop to Student Ratio
Best Private School - Athens Banner Herald
Pre-K through 12th grade
90%
Class of 2020
82 1061
of seniors who applied were accepted at UGA
AP classes hours of dual enrollment
= 353
college classes
SCHOLARSHIPS The class of 2020 earned about
$1,123,133 in college scholarships
12
VARSITY SPORTS
JUNIOR VARSITY SPORTS
12 SCHOLARSHIPS
ATHLETICS
4
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS
LOWER SCHOOL SPORTS
5
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While Prince is excited about tomorrow’s needs, today’s requirements cannot be overlooked. The school first asks the Board of Trustees and Faculty/Staff to support the Annual Fund before reaching out to current families and the community. No gift is too small.
Development Annual Fund: Prince Party Palooza The Annual Fund Kick-Off Event for 2019-2020 school year was the Prince Party Palooza. Over 1000 people enjoyed carnival food, face painting, sliding, swinging, climbing, jumping, and catching up with friends. $85,245 was donated at this event. Spring Gala: The yearly Spring Gala, normally held in March, was cancelled due to Covid-19.
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Capital Campaign: These are exciting times in the life of Prince Avenue Christian School! Since relocating from the original campus in downtown Athens, Georgia to our new facility in Oconee County, our enrollment has more than doubled. The support of the “NOW It’s Time” capital campaign has been phenomenal! The initial goal was to raise $3.2 million dollars to build a new 18,400 square foot middle school building and purchase fourteen acres of land that borders our campus along Highway 78. Because of the generosity of our supporters, we not only met our goal of $3.2 million dollars, we surpassed it with a final total of $3,715,859.74!
$3,715,859 raised for middle school building & 14 acres of land
The construction of this new instructional space and purchase of additional acreage directly align with the vision cast in our PACS 2023 Strategic Plan and help position Prince Avenue Christian School to meet the school community’s needs for the next five to eight years.
Amidst all the challenges associated with the current global pandemic, we are emerging a stronger Prince Avenue Christian School – spiritually, academically, and financially! To Him be the glory! 2019 - 2020 Annual Report/7
Rotary Student of the Semester: Two Prince Avenue seniors were selected as the Rotary Student of the Semester chosen by teachers for their demonstration of the Rotary Club motto of “Service Above Self”. Sammy Hodges was selected for fall semester, and Mackenzie Case was selected for spring semester. Sammy is the son of Kenneth and Therese Hodges and chose high school science teacher Carrie Owens to share this honor with him. Mackenzie is the daughter of Alan and Cindy Case and chose high school Spanish teacher Karen Ruiz as her teacher representative to share this honor.
Give Every Year . . . Make a Difference Every Day! 8/Prince Avenue Christian School
The Prince faculty and staff are not only committed to preparing our students for college but are committed to training up the next generation of Christian families.
Faculty/Staff Educators of the Year: Second-grade teacher Becky Padgett and middle school math teacher Stacy Reincheld are the 2019-2020 Prince Avenue Christian School Educators of the Year. Because of the delays associated with last school year, Mrs. Padgett and Mrs. Reincheld are being recognized at this time. Each received a crystal vase and a generous donation by a friend of the school. Becky Padgett has been in education for 42 years having taught in both public and private schools before joining the Prince faculty in 2015. She has an extensive background in multiple areas of education including curriculum planning, tutoring, and mentoring other teachers. At Prince, Mrs. Padgett has taught both 1st and 2nd grades and has been instrumental in beginning the school-wide mission project “Children Helping Children” in which students help those impacted by the floods that occurred in South Carolina in the fall of 2015. In 2017, she earned the honor of GISA Master Teacher. Stacy Reincheld began her career at Prince in 2018. Previously, Stacy and her husband were missionaries to Kenya where she taught at Rift Valley Academy. At Prince, Stacy teaches middle school accelerated, college prep, and honors math classes. She also helps with the costumes in the Fine Arts department, is the middle school Math Olympics coordinator, and is the 7th-grade class sponsor.
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Yearbook Dedication: The 2019-2020 Prince Yearbook was dedicated to two Prince Avenue faculty members – middle school Bible teacher Mandy Eley and Substitute Coordinator and Education Support Services (ESS) Testing Coordinator Kathy Stamey. Mandy Eley has been at Prince for 11 years and in the education field for 13 years. Prior to teaching Middle School Bible class, Mandy taught kindergarten at Prince, so many of her current middle school students also had her as a teacher when they were in kindergarten. Kathy Stamey has been at Prince and in education for 10 years. As the Substitute Coordinator, she is responsible for making sure that classrooms in all grade levels have substitutes when needed. As the ESS Testing Coordinator, she coordinates with teachers, tutors, and students to ensure the ESS office runs smoothly.
State Board of Education State Advisory Panel for Special Education: The Prince Avenue Christian School Director of Education Support Services, Kelly Vandagriff, has recently been selected to serve on the State Board of Education State Advisory Panel for Special Education. Mrs. Vandagriff was selected for this important position based on her experience and involvement both personally and professionally with students with disabilities.
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GISA Master Teachers
Three teachers from Prince Avenue Christian School were recently selected by the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) as Master Teachers. Second-grade teacher Cindy Hale, High School Art teacher Meghan Hudson, and Middle School Science teacher Bob Wentworth were chosen from over 166 GISA member schools and hundreds of applicants. The selection process for Master Teacher is challenging and competitive. To be considered for the program, candidates are required to submit an application as well as a portfolio including three tangible examples of outstanding work related to the classroom and to sharing and collaborating with other educators. Among other requirements is an unedited video of the candidate’s classroom teaching utilizing best practices and five letters of recommendation. In all, Prince has had eight teachers selected as Master Teachers. Congratulations to these Prince teachers for their exemplary work and for all that they contribute to Prince Avenue Christian School.
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Prince Avenue Christian School’s mission is to partner with Christian families to provide scripturally based discipleship while pursuing excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics from a biblical worldview. Discipleship is not just part of Prince Avenue’s mission; it is the umbrella under which all other areas of the school function. All faculty and staff have professed their faith in Jesus Christ and teach, lead, and coach from a biblical world view.
LaMurl Morris who visits the village each summer. Over three years of collecting this offering, lower school students have purchase mosquito netting, mattresses, shelf-stable food items, and school uniforms.
Each year, the Prince Spiritual Life Department chooses a theme on which to focus. The theme for 2019-2020 was “Seek 1st”.
Middle School Chapel was held on Thursdays in the PABC Middle School Theatre. Music was led by middle school teacher Wes Davis, and teaching was led by Middle School Chaplain Dr. Clark Daniel. High School Chapel was held on Thursdays in the PABC High School Theatre. Engaging and fun activities and worship were led by the PACS Praise Band under the leadership of Jonathan Kilgore. The teaching was led by Spiritual Life Director Brandt Akin.
Prince Spiritual Life is committed to four core discipleship actions: Weekly Chapel Services Lower School Chapel was held on Thursdays in the PABC Worship Center and planned and led by lower school principal Becky Callaway. Throughout the year, guest speakers included leaders from churches represented in the lower school student body, school staff, and Mrs. Callaway. Worship was led by lower school music teacher Gincy Moon. Lower school students collected an offering each week raising approximately $2,000 to give to the Village of Hope Orphanage in Morogoro, Tanzania. This project is made possible by Fine Arts Director 12/Prince Avenue Christian School
Christmas Chapel was a special time together for the entire student body. Students wore Christmas clothes and shared in a special time of worship. The band and chorus led the student body in special music, and the 2nd grade student quoted Luke Chapter 2 from memory.
Annual Spiritual Retreats The 2019 Middle School Spiritual Life Retreat was held at Camp Westminister. Worship was led by Matthew Smock, and teaching was led by Middle School Chaplain Dr. Clark Daniel. The teaching was focused on the Spiritual Life theme for the year, “Seek 1st”.
Discipleship International & Community Missions
The 2019 High School Spiritual Life Retreat was split into two trips. The 9th-10th grade retreat was held at Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland, Georgia. The 11th-12th grade retreat was held at the Georgia Baptist Converence Center in Toccoa, Georgia. Worship was led by guest Nathan Unger, and teaching was led by Spiritual Life Director Brandt Akin at both retreats. The focus of the teaching was “Hearing God’s Voice”.
Senior Mission Trip The Prince Senior Class had 56 students and five chaperones who traveled from March 1-7, 2020 to San José, Costa Rica in partnership with Joshua Expeditions. While there, students worked in communities, schools, VBS, and construction projects.
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Community Mission Projects It is part of the culture of PACS for classes, clubs, teams, and organizations to participate in service projects that will minister the love of Christ to the local area as well as those in other areas of the nation and world. This year’s mission projects included partnerships with the following organizations: • • • • • •
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia F.I.S.H. Monroe A Bigger Vision Kids First Athens Crisis Pregnancy Center Downtown Academy
In addition, students participated in the following service projects: • “Operation Christmas Child” shoeboxes • Handmade blanket donations to local law enforcement (3rd Grade) • “Empty Bowls” Silent Auction (NAHS) • “Big Thank You” letters to service members (Interact) • Money Raised for Senior Mission Trip (Interact) • Hay Bale Contest to Benefit ESP (Interact) • Food Drives (NJHS) • Book Drive (1st Grade)
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Epistle Award Recipient The Epistle Award is given annually to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best represents what PACS values more than anything else – a Christ-like spirit that manifests itself in a desire to grow in the Lord and serve others for the glory of God. The 2020 Epistle Award Recipient was Allie Carter. Allie is a student whose heart for Jesus shines through in all that she does and who uses her God-given gifts to pursue excellence. Allie is the daughter of Jeff and Susanne Carter and has attended Prince for 14 years. During her high school career, Allie was in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Interact Club, Student Government, and Barnabas Mentor Program. Allie was also on the volleyball and tennis teams and was her class Homecoming Representative for her 9th – 12th grade years. Allie attends Prince Avenue Baptist Church where she volunteers in the nursery and sings on the youth praise team. Allie plans to attend the University of Georgia
Prince Avenue’s list of competitive colleges and universities to which graduates earn acceptance serves to promote the school’s reputation as a high-quality college-preparatory school. Beginning in lower school, students are given the tools necessary to grow and mature academically and are given opportunities to pursue the academic rigor that best meets their personal capabilities and goals. At the foundation of academics at Prince is the school’s commitment to teach biblical principles and a biblical worldview in all subjects and at all levels with the primary focus a lifelong pursuit of God and His truth. The spring of the 2019-2020 school year ushered in the sudden and unexpected need for “distance learning”. Parents, students, faculty, and staff coordinated efforts in order to continue to provide a quality and consistent educational experience for students at all grade levels. Teachers at the middle and high school levels utilized Microsoft Teams as a meeting platform in order to continue instructional time. Lower school students received their work through both hard and digital copies and turned in completed assignments through ParentsWeb.
Academics Class of 2020 Statistics: Graduates: 75 College Bound 74 Hope Scholarships: 67 (5 not eligible/international) SAT: 1158 (Top 10% 1480) ACT: 23 (Top 10% 32) Despite the challenges, PACS still had many wonderful academic achievements for the 2019-2020 school year.
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Honor Societies: Students in middle and high school were inducted into the National Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Beta Club, and National Honor Society. Students participated in the society pledges and received pins and certificates for their respective organizations. Duke Tip: Forty-three Prince fourth through fifth-grade students who scored in the 95th percentile or higher on an accepted sub-test of the Terra Nova Achievement Test in the spring of 2019 were recognized for qualifying to participate in the highly selective Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). Participation in the talent search offers students opportunities such as online activities, a book club, newsletters for students and parents, educational programming, and discounts on independent learning materials. Academic Team: The PACS Varsity Academic Team took second place at the Hebron Christmas Quiz Bowl. Prince went 5-0 for the day but tied with Providence who took first place based on points to break the tie. Education Support Services: The PACS Education Support Service (ESS) program is designed to provide academic support to students with diagnosed learning differences in a college preparatory setting. The ESS program also assists non-disabled students in need of additional support through tutoring. In the 2019-2020 school year, the ESS program served 81 students in lower, middle, and high school with needed accommodations through a formal support plan. 16/Prince Avenue Christian School
College Acceptance Story: Prince Avenue Christian School seniors Sammy Hodges, Tanner Iley, and Hunter Melton were presented with hand-delivered early acceptance offers from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The offers were delivered by the Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions from Georgia Tech, Katie Faussemagne. There were more than 22,000 applicants to Georgia Tech this year with a total of 4,569 students admitted on this particular round. Only a handful of admissions were hand-delivered a day early.
Technology: While the sudden need for at-home learning in March of 2020 was not an event that could have been predicted, PACS had the technological structure in place to rise to the challenge and make adjustments quickly. PACS already had a 1:1 student laptop ratio for students in grades 6-12 and was ready and able to utilize the Microsoft Teams platform for class meetings and lectures school-wide. Following the conclusion of the school year, the school worked quickly to upgrade preparedness by improving the student laptop ration to 1:1 in K-4–12th grades for the 20202021 school year.
Star Student: Prince Avenue senior Jared Deatrick was named the 2019-2020 STAR Student for Prince Avenue Christian School, scoring the highest on one sitting of the SAT test this year. He selected science teacher Dale Autry as his STAR Teacher. Both Jared and Mr. Autry were honored at the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce STAR Student Breakfast.
Valedictorian: The 2020 Valedictorian was Jaden Drudge. Jaden is the son of Jay and Katherine Drudge and has attended Prince Avenue for seven years. Jaden earned the Wolverine Academian Gold Award for the highest grade point average in his class each year of his high school career and was a 2019 Georgia Merit Scholar. While in high school, Jaden was in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Interact Club. He was also on the Academic Team, participated in Fine Arts productions, and ran Cross Country and Track for the Wolverines. Jaden attends Athens First United Methodist Church where he is involved in the youth choir and volunteers with the Souper Supper program helping to feed those in need. Jaden plans to attend Wake Forest University. Salutatorian: The 2020 Salutatorian was Hunter Melton. Hunter is the son of Jayson and Holly Melton and has attended Prince Avenue for seven years. Hunter earned the Wolverine Academian Award for being in the top three grade point averages in his class each year of his high school career and was a 2019 Georgia Merit Scholar. While in high school, Hunter was in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Interact Club. He was also on the Academic Team and played Varsity Baseball for the Wolverines. Hunter attends First Baptist Church of Monroe where he volunteers at Vacation Bible School each year. He also volunteers at FISH Monroe helping to pack lunches in the summer for children in the community. Hunter plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in biomedical engineering and minor in Spanish. 2019 - 2020 Annual Report/17
“…the arts are a beautiful gift from God; and in the process of creation lies the joy of God’s creative heartbeat.” ~ Mako Fujimura The vision of Fine Arts at Prince Avenue Christian School is to release the creativity within each student and to use that creativity to glorify God. The arts foster critical thinking and stimulate imagination while addressing different learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. All fine arts activities and programs enrich the educational, spiritual, and cultural lives of students as well as increase the sense of community and teamwork. become involved in the arts.
The Fine Arts Department was proud to present the following student productions during the 2019-2020 school year: • • • •
High School Fall Production: Freaky Friday Lower School Musical: Faith News Middle School Musical: The Little Mermaid High School Spring Musical: Guys and Dolls
Region One-Act Competition: Prince Fine Arts placed 2nd in Region at the Area 4 A Private One Act Play Competition with their performance of Freaky Friday. The cast and crew advanced to the Class A Private State One-Act Play Competition. Competing at state competition was a first for PACS Fine Arts. Prince students received the following region awards: • Best Actress- senior Riley Wilson • Best Supporting Actor- senior Thompson Sewell • All-Star Cast- senior Emilie David and freshman David Simpkins • Best Ensemble State One-Act Competition: Prince Fine Arts placed 2nd in the State One-Act Competition with their performance of Freaky Friday. Prince students received the following state awards: • Best Actress – senior Riley Wilson • All-Star Cast – seniors Emilie David and Thompson Sewell
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GHSA Region Literary Competition: The Prince Avenue Christian School Literary Team placed second overall in Region 4-A Private Literary Competition. Eleven Prince students placed first or second in their respective events advancing to state level competition. Prince Avenue hosted this year’s competition with students from all over the region competing in a variety of events. • Musical Performance, Girls Solo: Emilie David (senior) – First Place • Musical Performance, Boys Solo: Jack Johnston (senior) – Third Place • Musical Performance, Boys Quartet: Jack Johnston (senior), Thompson Sewell (senior), Finn McGinnis (junior), Walker Johnson (junior) – First Place • Musical Performance, Girls Trio: Riley Wilson (senior), Emma Allen (junior), Kaylor Jones (freshman) – Second Place • Dramatic Interpretation Duo: Hendley Jones (junior), Walker Johnson (junior) – First Place
Fine Arts • Dramatic Interpretation Solo: Cooper Capps (freshman) – Third Place • Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking: Sammy Hodgles (senior) – Third Place • Argumentative Essay: Mac Ross (senior) – Second Place • Rhetorical Essay: Jaden Drudge (senior) – Second Place GHSA State Literary Competition: State Literary Competition was cancelled due to Covid-19.
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Honor Band: Prince middle and high school band students participated in the 2020 Georgia Music Educators Association District Honor Band. Middle School Honor Band was held at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa. Those students who participated were Lyndsay McCall, Carly Land, Meredith Hale, Jenifer Dunn, Garnett Elayan, Preston Mitchell, Andrew Gilmore, Brock McDonald. High School Honor Band was held at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville. Seniors Maddy Wilson and Caleb Land participated in this special event. Band Performance Evaluation: The Prince Avenue Advanced Band received straight Superior ratings at the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation. The band performed a challenging musical program for a panel of three judges, all of whom awarded the highest possible rating of Superior. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Prince Advanced Band has earned this prestigious rating.
Shuler Awards for High School Musical Theatre: Finn McGinnis: Best Supporting Actor Nominations: • Jack Johnston, Leading Actor • Riley Wilson, Supporting Actress • LaMurl Morris, Music Director
Cultural Foundation Scholarship: Prince Avenue Christian School senior Caleb Land was the recipient of the Athens Classic Center Cultural Foundation Scholarship in the instrumental category. As a result of this accomplishment, Caleb received $2000, and the Prince Fine Arts Department received $500. 20/Prince Avenue Christian School
Honorable Mentions: • Guys and Dolls, Overall Production • Mac Ross & Hannah Hunt, Technical Execution • Thompson Sewell, Featured Performer • Emilie David, Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress • Hannah Hunt, Direction
Because of distance learning, Prince Visual Arts seniors posted their Senior Art Shows in a gallery online that could be shared with the Prince community, family, and friends.
PACS 2019-2020 Fine Arts Awards: Levite Performing Arts Award: Tanner Iley, Thompson Sewell Candy Todd Award: Jack Johnston, Emilie David Exodus 35 Visual Arts Award: Allie Carter, Gracie Martin Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Tanner Iley GMEA All-State Band: Caleb Land, Trombone Reg Gattie Memorial Scholarship “Sing Strong” Award: Jackson Mitchell John Philip Sousa Award: Caleb Land Patrick Gilmore Band Award: Abigail Merhar Director’s Award for Band: Andrew Gilmore Woody Herman Jazz Award: Maddy Wilson
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The purpose of the Wolverine athletic program at Prince Avenue Christian School is to provide students a setting to glorify God through the development and exercise of personal character, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and athletic ability.
Athletics Middle School Cross Country: The Prince Avenue Middle School Girls Cross Country team competed in the state meet finishing 3rd place overall with all five girls finishing in the top 25. Ashlyn Smith made school history as the first PACS middle school cross country runner to place first in the state meet. In addition, Francis Kelley finished 5th, Audrey Vandagriff finished 13th, Naomi Gowder finished 24th, and Gracie Smith finished 25th.
This is the highest placing by a PACS Middle School Cross Country team at the state meet in school history.
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Region and Area Athletic Awards: Softball Region 8-A Awards: First Team: Kam Caldwell - junior Madi Gillespie: junior Second Team: Karlee Armstrong - junior Taylor Bond – senior Honorable Mention: Tori Cameron - junior Volleyball All-Area Recognitions: First Team All-Area, & All-Area Tournament Team: Anna Greer Vandagriff - sophomore Kelly Cascella - senior Second Team All-Area: Maret Black - senior Maggie Allen - junior All-Area Honorable Mention: Meghan Jackson - junior
Basketball Region 8 A Awards: First Team All-Area Girls: Karlee Armstrong – junior Honorable Mention: Niyah Beasley - senior Noelle Hynes - sophomore First Team All-Area Boys: Andrew Cheek – senior Honorable Mention: Jared Deatrick – senior Phillip Kelley – junior Josh Britt – freshman
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Region Offensive Player of the Year: QB Brock Vandagriff
Football Region 8 – A Awards: First-Team Offense: RB – Landon Owens - junior WR – Logan Johnson - junior OL – Alex Sudderth – senior
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College Athlete Signings
Caden Bush: Football - McPherson College Charlie Graffin: Soccer - Hamilton College
First-Team Defense: DL – Shane McCormick - senior LB – Tyler Payne - senior LB – Davis Ridings - senior DB – Chaz Scoggins – senior
Shane McCormick: Football - Kennesaw State University
Second-Team Offense: TE – Jack Johnston - senior WR – Zac Dyer - junior OL – Mathew Chapman - junior P – Bryson Franklin - sophomore K – Caden Bush – senior
Tyler Payne: Football - Berry College
Second-Team Defense DL – Harrison Finney - senior DB – McKay Melnick – senior Honorable Mention: DB – Landon Ragle - senior DB – Andrew Ridings - junior OL – David Bach - senior WR – Trey Stiles - senior 24/Prince Avenue Christian School
McKay Melnick: Football - University of South Carolina
Bryson Seay: Baseball - Lee University Caleb Smith: Baseball - Truett McConnell University Alex Sudderth: Football – Presbyterian College
Soccer, Baseball, Tennis, and Track & Field seasons were interrupted and subsequently canceled due to Covid-19. Seniors were honored with senior videos made by Athletic Director Richard Ricketts, and senior signings were observed virtually.
State Play-Offs: Volleyball: First Round Softball: Sweet Sixteen Football: Quarterfinals Girls Basketball: Sweet Sixteen
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Areas of Service Faculty Staff Appreciation: The PTF periodically provides treats to the faculty and staff to show appreciation for all that they do for the school, students, and families of Prince. Each faculty member is recognized on his or her birthday, and the PTF provides breakfast and lunch to eh fauclty and staff during special in-service days.
Parent-Teacher Fellowship
Gently Used Uniform Sale: The PTF sponsors the Gently Used Uniform Sale in the summer and once during the shcool year. The sale provides a low-cost options for parent to purchase school uniformas and allows parents to donate or consign uniforms that their family no longer needs. Dollars for Education: The PTF coordinates the various opportunites available for the shopping dollars of parents to be used to benefit the school. These opporutnities include Box Tops for Education and programs offered through Publix, Ingles, and Office Depot.
PTF OFFICERS: Christy Britt - Co-Chair Kim Elrod - Co-Chair Allison Gilmore - Treasurer Wendi Milner - Secretary
Parent Involvement Parents in Prayer: Once a week, PTF sponsors a prayer time in which parents come together to pray for the school and for any specific needs of the Prince community. Grade Representatives: PTF Grade Representatives serve as an additional avenue of communication between Prince parents and administration. Grade Reps have quarterly meetings with the principals to convey any suggestions or concerns that have been voiced by parents. Grade Reps are also an important link in communication with new families as the families are getting settled and learning about Prince. This program promotes a sense of unity and partnership throughout the school.
Coffee & Conversation: Once a month, the PTF holds an event after morning drop-off. These gatheringas are an opportunity for parents to connect and for the PTF officers to share about PTF happenings and ways that parents can participate. 26/Prince Avenue Christian School
The purpose of the PACS PTF is to foster fellowship among teachers and parents in order to promote unity, increase parent involvement, be a source of encouragement to the PACS family, and above all - honor God. Special Events Homecoming Dance: The Homecoming Dance is a fun and exciting time for high school students to dress up and celebrate Homecoming Week. This special event is sponsored by the school, but the PTF helps by providing event planning.
Mother/Son Night of Fun: This year’s theme for Mother/Son Night was Western Fun! More than sixty mothers and sons particiapted in the event held in the Prince Pavilion. Moms and boys enjoyed digital skeet shooting, mechanical bull riding, corn hole, and many other exciting activities.
Father/Daughter Winter Ball: The Father/Daughter Winter Ball is a special night of music, fellowship, and dinner for Prince fathers and daughters. More than 100 people participated in this memorable night.
Thing-a-Thon: Prince’s annual Thing-a-Thon field day event was canceled due to Covid-19. 2019 - 2020 Annual Report/27
The Prince Avenue Christian School community extends beyond students, parents, faculty, and staff. Grandparents, extended family, friends, community leaders, and businesses are all connected to our wonderful school.
Community Veterans Day Ceremony: On Monday, November 11th, the Prince Avenue Christian School student body gathered for a special Veterans Day Ceremony. The school extended an invitation to local veterans to attend the ceremony and to be honored on their special day. Many of the veterans in attendance were family members of students. This was the second year that the school sponsored this student-led ceremony, and the event was met with much enthusiasm by local veterans and their families as well as parents and visitors. More than 90 veterans attended representing all branches of the military. They were greeted in the entranceway by lower school students holding American flags and were then escorted to a seat of honor in the front of the worship center.
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Grandparents Day: Each year, on the early dismissal day before Thanksgiving Break, Prince hosts Grandparents and Special Friends Day. There is a special school-wide program in which special guests are welcomed followed by the opportunity for grandparents and special friends to visit their lower school students’ classrooms, meet teachers and friends, visit the Wolverine General Store, and visit the Fall Book Fair. This is a special and fun day for the entire school community.
Daughters of the American Revolution: Sophomore Georgia Nunn was selected as the winner of the DAR Christopher Columbus Essay Contest. She was honored as the PACS school winner and the DAR Apalachee Chapter Winner. Senior Hamilton Culpepper was nominated by PACS teachers to receive the DAR “Good Citizen Award” .
GISA Day at the Capitol: Members of the Prince Avenue High School Student Government spent a day at the Georgia State Capitol for GISA Day (Georgia Independent Schools Association). Students observed a session of the House of Representatives, had a photo meet and greet with their local congressman, Marcus Weidower, and enjoyed a luncheon in which they heard from a number of congressmen about bills and laws that impact them directly. During lunch, Prince students were also able to network with other students that attend independent schools around the state of Georgia. Another highlight of the day was gathering for a picture with Governor Brian Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan.
Walton EMC School Empowerment Grant: In December 2019, Prince Avenue Christian School was awarded the Walton EMC School Empowerment Grant. This grant provided a shade structure for the outside area near the playground and green space and will benefit both students and faculty schoolwide. In attendance to present the grant to Ginger Robinson, Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, was Savannah Chandler, Walton EMC Communications Coordinator and also a PACS parent. 2019 - 2020 Annual Report/29
Jon Desso Scholarship Committee Reunion: The Jon Desso Scholarship was established to remember and honor the life of PACS graduate, Jon Desso (Class of 2000). Each year, a group of Jon’s friends gathers to support awareness of the scholarship and to continue the friendships that were very important to Jon. This year’s reunion was held at the Prince Pavilion and was attended by more than 50 people.
Alumni
Homecoming Alumni Tailgate: The Homecoming Alumni Tailgate is held each year in the end-zone near the scoreboard prior to the Homecoming Football game. All alumni and their families are invited to attend. Mez Blume Reads to Students: Prince fourth-graders enjoyed a visit from Prince alumna and children’s author Mez Blume (Class of 2006). Mez dressed in Victorian character and read to students from her newest book, Katie Watson and the Caged Canary, the third in her Katie Watson – Mysteries in Time Series. Mez also led a question and answer session in which she answered questions about the creative writing process as well as the Katie Watson series.
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Coach Jonathan Leathers Returns to Coach Varsity Boys Soccer at Prince: In 2019, PACS hired PACS alumus Jonathan Leathers as the new Varsity Boys Soccer coach. Coach Leathers graduated from Prince in 2004. Ironically, Prince did not yet have a soccer program when he was a student, but he found other ways through club teams to excel at the sport. Subsequently, Coach Leathers went on to play soccer at Furman University where he was a three-time All-Conference first team player and one-time second team All-American. After graduating from Furman, Coach Leathers was drafted 25th overall by the Kansas City Wizards. During his professional career, he also played with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Charlotte Eagles.
From the Board of Trustees . . . The 2019-2020 school year found Prince Avenue Christian School continuing to thrive, even in the midst of significant challenges. The PACS Board of Trustees partnered with the school to continue implementing items contained in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan. The Board interviewed multiple general contractors, toured other school buildings, and assisted the development office to help lay the groundwork for the capital campaign to be completed in the 2020-2021 school year. When Covid-19 hit, our close-knit Prince “family” rallied and did an amazing job. As the school navigated the challenges, the board was unified in our support of Col Hathaway and his entire faculty and staff as the school quickly transitioned to distance learning. Many prior decisions that had been made proved wise as Prince was better prepared than others to make the end of the year a success. The Board remains steadfast in its resolve to support the school through the challenges of the 2020-2021 school year. We believe we have exciting days ahead and look forward to partnering with the school and Prince families to accomplish the mission of providing scripturally based discipleship while pursuing excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics. Sincerely, Brian Elrod Co-Chair
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Prince Avenue Christian School
2201 Ruth Jackson Road Bogart, Georgia 30622 678-726-2300 SAIS, SACS, Cognia, ACSI accredited. 32/Prince Avenue Christian School