2019-2020 Academy at SOAR Yearbook

9 1 20 0 202 Y M E D A C A T A R A O S

From the Head of School Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of 2020 and underclassmen of the Academy at SOAR, We have yet again come to the close of another magnificent school year. We have worked hard and played harder, we have explored new things and places, and we have stretched our limits and grown beyond what we thought we ever could. You all have learned so much, made friends you never thought you would, traveled the world, had awesome adventures, and ate delicious foods. The unfortunate shadow that has come to overhang the final part of this year should not lessen the brilliance of all that has been accomplished and experienced! I know that it may seem hard to see the good amongst all the current chaos around us, but I challenge you to see it. Nine times out of ten, your perception of things is directly dependent upon the pair of glasses you decide to wear to see it!

In keeping with my tradition, I would like to impart my annual bits of wisdom as I think they are particularly poignant this year.

Change is the only true constant that exists in life!

Embrace it when you can, resist it if you must, but flow with it most of the time! It will happen nevertheless! See it as an opportunity to grow instead of a threat, expand and push your limits to succeed!

I say this now, as it applies to all of you in many ways. Some of you will be off to college, some to work, some to new schools in the fall, some of you will return to the Academy for another year. Regardless of your next step, there will be change! We are living in a dynamic world where everything is in constant motion. Be ready for it, because I know you are!

For those of you that have taken your final expedition with us, I say, get your bearings, set your compass, and hike on, you know what to do and how to get there, you have the skills! Take care, have a great summer, and please keep in touch. I will miss you. For those returning, I anxiously look forward to seeing you all next year!

Academy at SOAR Faculty and Staff

Joanne Alberts

Sadie Belt

Anka Calloway

Curtis Clark

Academy Intern

Field Instructor

Campus Instructor

Field Instructor

Holly Cottom Admissions Director

Cecile Depart

Chris Duffy

Codie Flanders

Joe Geier

Sam Goss

Field Instructor

Field Instructor

Field Instructor

Head of School

Chef

Jeffrey Grabe

JP Haik

Brittney Howell

House Supervisor

Campus Instructor

Marketing Director

Jana Jones

Melissa Knowles

Julie Lambert

Brice LeFiles

Jessi LeFiles

Science Teacher

Dean of Academics

Director of Logistics

House Supervisor

Executive Assistant, Capital Campaign Manager

Cade Ingle Field Instructor

Lori Johansen Academy Intern

Stephanie Lowe

Gene McNabb

Ian Moore

Laura Pate

Registrar

Humanities Teacher

Campus Coordinator

Director of Operations

Field Instructor

Zach Rohrer

Paul Rotaru

Shelia Sumpter

Amanda Pearson Academy Intern

Kestrel Thorne-Kaunelis Campus Instructor

Christopher Payne Math Teacher

Campus Instructor

Andrea Wackerle

Karlie Weaver

Assistant Director of NC Programs

Field Instructor

Math Teacher

Kay Williams Bookkeeper

John Pate

English Teacher

John Willson Executive Director

Thanks for all you have done this year!

Shoutout to our awesome teachers!

Science

"I am so proud of all the hard work my students put in this year! Thank you for making every day...interesting?

You all bring me so much joy and keep me on my toes."

-Melissa

MELISSA KNOWLES SCIENCE TEACHER

Math

"It’s been my pleasure and privilege to share my math knowledge with you over the years. Know that I miss your laughter and smiles, your energy, your youthfulness. In light of the new events, I’m wishing you be safe and healthy! Be the best you can be in all situations. Be kind to yourselves, to your parents and to your teachers. There is much need for you to achieve greatness. You are our future and we depend on you!

Congratulations to the seniors on your graduation. If you ever need me, I’m an email/phone call away. Miss you all."

-Paul

PAUL ROTARU FALL SEMESTER MATH TEACHER

"I have only worked alongside you for a single semester but I can see a lot of potential in you all so far. I look forward to helping you bring math to life through applications and experiments going forward!"

-Chrispy

CHRISTOPHER "CHRISPY" PAYNE SPRING SEMESTER MATH TEACHER

Humanities

"Guys: I have worked with some of you for a couple of years. Some of you just arrived this year. Every one of you has helped our school successfully move from the mountain to the schoolhouse. You have helped us start a wonderful new chapter in the history and culture of our school, and you have persevered through one of the greatest challenges of our generation. I couldn't be more proud of each of you. Thank you for making this the greatest teaching job in the world!"

-Gene

GENE MCNABB HUMANITIES TEACHER

English & Language Arts SHELIA SUMPTER ENGLISH & LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER

"I want to thank my students for not only welcoming me to SOAR, but for making me feel like I am a part of the family. You amaze me most of the time, frustrate me some of the time, and inspire me all of the time. It is an honor to be your teacher. Carpe diem."

-Shelia

North House

From left to right: Field Staff: Codie Flanders Cade Ingle Campus Staff: Anka Calloway Zach Rohrer

Marcos Delgado Cooper Janse John McDonald Ian Moore

Gusto Oprisch Russell Sparks Henry Welte

South House

From left to right: Field Staff: Cecile Depart Chris Duffy Campus Staff: JP Haik Kestrel Thorne-Kaunelis

Tripp Calhoun Leo Latner Preston Lewis Jasper Makarushka

Chris Vanechanos Andrew Wilkes

East House

From left to right: Field Staff: Sadie Belt Curtis Clark Campus Staff: JP Haik Kestrel Thorne-Kaunelis

Jordan Barrocas William Echtenkamp Wyatt Edmondson Lucas Granger

Gabriel Lebold Harry Oakes-Kroeplin Max Somers Jaden Wilno

West House

From left to right: Field Staff: John Pate Karlie Weaver Campus Staff: Anka Calloway Zach Rohrer

Lily Clark Heidi Corbett Dylan Eaves Ashley Johnson

Ryan Lazarus Sam Marino Natalie Moore Delaney Snode

Campus Life

"Campus Life has been a continuation of fun and adventure all year! We went mountain biking, caving, and climbing. We created art, watched movies, played games, and flipped on trampolines. There has been no shortage of hard work, from academics to volunteering in the community. It has truly been a pleasure to watch all the students grow this year!" - Ian Moore, Campus Coordinator

Home Away

From Home

Triple Threat

"We kicked off our year with an exciting first expedition, from the breathtaking view atop John Rock, to the wild white water of the Ocoee! We learned many new skills that trip, like how to pack a backpack, perform a T-rescue, and how to dance in the rain." - East House

Chattanooga

"Chatty began on the Cohutta roller coaster of big elevation changes and dry creek beds. We had an amazing waterfall campsite, Cade's super-hatchet discovery and some wild crawdad adventures. The hike was followed by days of Gusto showing us how to climb rocks, Marcos' get-rich-quick sea urchin aquarium scheme and Ian telling terrible/amazing dad jokes on all of the van rides in between." - North House

FL Keys

"We were happy to trade in the snowy mountains of NC for some sunshine and sandy beaches when it came time for our Keys trip in December. Some of our favorite moments of this trip included seeing sharks and lion-fish while scuba diving, kayaking out to watch the sunset, and hanging out with the six-toed cats at the Hemingway house in Key West!" - West House

Charleston

"There were a lot of different favorites from Charleston. We got to explore museums, aquariums, sail on a pirate ship to nowhere, see Elf! The Musical (loved seeing Buddy sing Happy Birthday to Chris!), go on a boat ride learning about crabs, and so much more. It was fun watching Leo get free things for being himself, getting assaulted by birds, and learning more about family heritage while visiting Calhoun Street! " - South House

Everglades

"The trip of a lifetime! Where to even begin? We weathered through thunderstorms, met up with East house to paddle a "mega-canoe," and literally saved a life! Plus we came out of the trip stronger as a team thanks to it all!" - West House

Yucatan

"Our trip was dominated by deep cultural understanding, the viewing of towering ruins that had once harbored entire nations, and of course delicious food. Mexico was more than beautiful sun and crystal clear waters for diving and snorkeling with sea turtles. We saw the beautiful murals of Isla Mujeres, stood in the shadow of Chichen Itza, and stayed in some of the most exclusive places in Mexico." - East House (Jordan Barrocas)

Cumberland Island

"The trip of crazy mansion ruins, armadillo buddies, dissected beach dolphins, twice a day tick checks, funny tasting water and wandering horses. Codie ate dirt, Russell talked to strangers, Cooper found his dream kitchen, Henry had a fan club of bugs and North let South know who truly owned the island! Cumberland was a world all its own that offered an amazing look into American history, animal protection laws, and preservation of protected land from big business." - North House

Virtual School

"Virtual school during quarantine has been a way to show how well we all can adapt to different circumstances. It has been great to keep moving, spend time with family, watch fun new shows, all while still being able to see our friends online. It is enjoyable to see everyone while also working from home. A funny memory was Karlie having trouble with her computer and screaming at it to stop playing music and Gene had to share his screen with us to fix it. We miss everyone and expeditions though!" -South House

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Tripp Calhoun

Heidi Corbett

"Immature is a word that boring people use to describe fun people." Will Ferrell

"I know the man and fish can coexist peacefully" -George W. Bush

Dylan Eaves

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view."

- Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire)

Ashley Johnson

“I believe that I will stick to this journey no matter where it leads. I believe that I still have a lot of room for change."

Wyatt Edmondson

"be cool :)"

Harry Oakes-Kroeplin

“I just want to sit on the beach and eat hot dogs.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted” -Kevin Malone (The Office)

Max Somers

"Change your life today.

Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay."

- Simone de Beauvoir

"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed"

Russell Sparks

Chris Vanechanos

"Quirky, non generic senior quote here."

"You have lost The Game."

Andrew Wilkes

"Is that snow *sniffs* yup that's snow all right."

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Gusto Oprisch

Tripp Calhoun Congratulations, Tripp!!!

We are so very proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. You faced some big challenges in your life during your high school years, both before and at Soar, and you’ve overcome every one of those challenges!

Everywhere you go, people are taken with your big, kind heart and your positive spirit. You are a compassionate and empathetic person and bring out the best in those around you. Your years at Soar Academy have helped you realize that there is no limit to what you can achieve when you believe in yourself and those around you. Along the way, you’ve made a lot of great friends and had amazing experiences that will be with you the rest of your life! We are so excited to see what the next chapter of your life brings at the University of North Georgia and beyond!

Much love, Mom, Dad and Georgia

Heidi Corbett Heidi, I am so proud of the woman you are becoming.

You have a naturally bright spirit and you are going to make the world a beautiful place. I will always be here for you if you should ever want to come home and do laundry or go grocery shopping in the house-of-mom or be “mommied” when you are sick, but your future is so bright. I believe in you. I believe in your dreams. I believe in the choices you have yet to make in front of you. I truly consider myself lucky to know you.

I love you kiddo, Mom

We love you so much and couldn't be prouder of your hard work and accomplishments. Your compassion, gentle spirit and empathy are inspiring and your talent limitless. Stay authentically you because you are truly amazing. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

We can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

Auntie and Uncle John

Dylan Eaves

Dylan, You taught us to be out of the box thinkers, to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and to expect the unexpected. You also taught us that no, you actually can't roast a marshmallow using a lightbulb and poking a can of spray paint with a sharp object isn't going to end well. You taught us that paper mache should always be done outside and not with an electric blender and that recipes are highly overrated. You taught us that you can never have too much fishing tackle and chopping wood and digging holes should be considered olympic sports. You taught us that tin foil shoes with curly curlicue toes should be mass produced. You taught us how giant rolls of bubble wrap and duct tape make for amazing floatation devices and you taught us that yes, Dad, six year olds can fix broken sprinkler heads. You taught us how the spare coat you often stuffed into your backpack on real cold days in grade school was meant for those kids that didn't have a coat. We cherished this lesson. Dylan, this list could go on and on as the lessons keep coming (along with the smiles). For now however we would normally send you off with these wise words, "Don't drink the Kool-Aid" BUT you know what? You have lived your life not drinking the Kool-Aid and for that we love you more than words can say. love, Mom, Dad and Tanner

Wyatt Edmondson Wyatt, we are so incredibly proud of the adult you have become. Actually, proud is an understatement to be honest we're bursting with pride. We are so incredibly excited about your future. While we are sad you will be "leaving the nest" we know the world is so lucky to have you become a part of it! You are a whip smart, creative genius, very funny, empathetic, funto-be-around person who will definitely make this world a better place.

Infinite love and pride, Mom & Dad

Ashley Johnson "The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." -Aesop We love you and are so proud of you.  We look forward to seeing where your imagination and kindness take you next. Mom & Dad

Harry Oakes-Kroeplin Dear Harry, You may look back at this page from the future and remember this as the spring that everyone and everything stood still. We hope you also remember the adventures you had, the friends you made, the fun you shared, how you saw the world.  Congratulations on finding your way to an education, a future, and friendships that matter. We are proud of you and how you continue to learn, engage, and connect. You are brilliant and funny. We love you, always.

Love, Meg (Mama) and Meg (Mommy)

Gusto Oprisch “You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

“You're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Gusto, we are all so proud of the person you have become, the personal hurdles you have jumped and the great achievements you have made. We know you can do anything you set your mind to and look forward to seeing what you will give to the world with your gifts.

With love, Mom, Dad, Laura and Teddy

Max Somers I am so very proud to be your mom, Max! You have wonderfully grown from a quirky kid to a quirky adult, and I am happy that you are going out into the world as a unique, kind, helpful, compassionate, playful, loving person.

Congratulations Max. Love you lots!

Russell Sparks Russell, We love you and we are proud of you. Congratulations on this milestone event of your high school graduation. Mom and Dad

Chris Vanechanos Dear Christopher.

We all love you so much and are very thrilled to see you doing well, thriving and college bound next year, charting out your future path, so full of brilliant promise. Continue staying the course, keep working hard, and you will find the successful and fulfilling future we all aspire to.

Know that Mom, Dad and Peter will always be standing behind you, proud and confident as we watch you grow into the amazing, cheerful, loving, and big hearted man you have become. Â You are on your way son, the world is waiting for you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Peter

Andrew Wilkes Congratulations to our fabulous, flipping son, Andrew. We’re delighted with the boldly creative and compassionate young man you’ve become.

Love, Mom, Dad, Hunter, Kona, Star, Coconut, Margarita, Alex, and Aries

Thank you!

We would like to shout THANK YOU to all of those who helped put the yearbook together this year, including students, teachers, staff, and parents. It has been a wonderful year and we were happy to get to showcase it in the 2019-2020 Academy yearbook. We hope that everyone enjoys it as much as we have enjoyed making it!

Sincerely,Â

2019-2020 Yearbook Team

Tripp Calhoun

Brittney Howell

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