TFS Magazine - Spring 2022

T A L L U L A H FA L L S S C H O O L

ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE

LADY INDIAN BASKETBALL

REGION CHAMPions T LITE EIGH E E T A T S AND

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

I N T E R N AT I O N A L STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ISSUE SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

SPRING 2022

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he rich history of Tallulah Falls School mirrors the story of northeast Georgia, from a rural, remote past to a bright, boundless future. The school, established in 1909 in response to the unmet educational needs of area children, has evolved through the decades, now meeting the needs of students both near and from countries around the world. Today, the school serves more than 550 students in grades five through 12, representing 20 countries. With a robust college-preparatory curriculum delivered with an equal focus on character development, students leave Tallulah Falls School well prepared for future success. The imprint of those who attended the school in the past is still visible today, with vintage structures alongside modern classroom buildings and new athletic facilities. Weathered rock walls wind through campus, reminders of those formative years. They mark the way for those who will pass through these historic gates, adding their contributions to the storied history of Tallulah Falls School. This book builds on the history established in these early records of the school, adding the exponential significance of the past 15 years to the archives.

AVAILABLE APRIL 4:

IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL

VY VO HOCHIMINH, VIETNAM

DR. LARRY A. PEEVY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ADVANCEMENT Sonya M. Smith

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Brandi Wood

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA E. Lane Gresham

DIRECTOR OF SPORTS COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL MEDIA Brian Carter

NEWS

02 Letter from the President 03 TFS Alumni News

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05 International Day Celebration 06 International Student Spotlights 08 International Cuisine 09 1909. TFS School Store 09 GISA Master Teachers 12 Valentine’s Day Banquet 13 Black History Month Assembly 28 Farewell Letter: Gail Cantrell

EDUCATION

10 TFS Outstanding Awards 10 Star Student and Teacher 11 National Honor Society

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MONTGOMERY & MADISON DAMPIER TIGER, GA SIYING LU, SHUKUN WANG & RUICHEN ZHANG BEIJING, CHINA

11 Georgia Governor’s Honors 11 Middle School Spelling Bee

SPORTS

14 The Dampier Swim Sisters 16 TFS Swimming 18 Middle School Basketball 19 JR Varsity Basketball 20 Elite 8 - Girls Basketball 22 Sweet 16 - Boys Basketball 24 Precision Rifle 25 Athletic Commitments 26 Cheerleading at TFS 27 Next Level Athletics

05 DESIGNER Brandi Wood EDITOR E. Lane Gresham CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Carter E. Lane Gresham PHOTOGRAPHY E. Lane Gresham Brandi Wood Brooke Gragg/Artistic Images Crump Photo Austin Poffenberger

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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prominent focus in this issue of On Campus is our dynamic international population. The timing of International Week traditionally marks somewhat of a celebratory mid-point in the academic year.

This year, we are delighted to recognize students from 22 countries across the globe.

Current and alumni international boarding students enrich the Tallulah Falls School learning community through a naturally occurring cultural exchange. Simply by spending time together in the classroom, dormitories, and athletic venues, all TFS students learn to work together.

This commitment to collaboration bodes well for success in life.

From a global perspective, as TFS prepares leaders for college and beyond, an education earned here can impact positive relationships in exponential ways.

We’ll never know the ripple effect of how friendships sparked at TFS might change the way individuals think and relate to each other.

Investing in the TFS experience is undoubtedly time well spent; we see this as we maintain strong connections to our alumni base. Some of our graduates are well established in post-graduate programs or already making an impact professionally. A few of these include: •

Min Hyun Oh of South Korea, Class of 2012, earned a master’s in education from Harvard University and is enrolled in a doctoral program in education.

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Vanessa Lewis of Mt. Airy, Class of 2016, majored in cellular biology at the University of Georgia, conducted independent research on the COVID virus and is currently working as a research assistant at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University.

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Lianjie (Jerry) Wei of China, Class of 2016, majored in biochemistry and philosophy at the University of North Carolina and is a predoctoral student.

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Mark Fainfold of Russia, Class of 2017, majored in computer engineering at Georgia Tech and is now working with Amazon.

They were great students when they were here. Now they have gone on to share the TFS mission related to intellect as well as character since many of them are pursuing serviceoriented careers – education, medicine, research, etc.

As we celebrate diversity, we need only look to our students to realize how we are focused in our quest for cultural understanding and unity.

In addition to reading about the international students, we invite you to applaud all of the academic and athletic accomplishments highlighted on these pages.

PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL

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Life Beyond TFS ALUMNI LIFE

AJANI MCINTOSH ‘19

Ajani McIntosh from Sylva, North Carolina spent four years at Tallulah Falls School.

McIntosh is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Sports Administration. After a welcoming tour when he was in middle school, McIntosh made the decision to attend TFS for his high school career.

“Being from a small town there were not many options for high school,” he said. The college preparation and dual enrollment classes, along with the international population at the school were affirming experiences, he said.

Now that he’s in college, McIntosh is learning the value of networking and investing in internships; he recently interned with a commercial real estate firm in Charlotte, NC.

BLAIR LEWIS MICHAL ‘12 NATALIE CARNEAL ‘05

“As the Partner Advocate, I use my passion for fighting plastic pollution and background in composting to educate and advocate on closing the loop with compostable packaging,” she said. “Green jobs are growing! The International Labor Organization estimates that 24 million jobs worldwide could be created by the green economy by 2030 alone. More schools are putting an emphasis on environmental courses for majors, minors, and electives.”

Carneal is living out a strong intention to be a life-long learner. Carneal’s educational resumé illustrates this in a vivid way.

From 2005-08, she studied political science, peace studies, and conflict resolution at the University of Colorado Boulder. From 2008-10, she studied at the Metropolitan State University of Denver to finish a degree in political science, international relations, with a minor in peace and justice studies. While there, she participated in Model United Nations.

From 2016-19, she studied for her master’s in information technology management at Colorado State University Globa. During this time, she was employed by Visa as a corporate IT manager.

In 2020, she received certification from the Latino Leadership Institute from the University of Denver.

She is now employed as an advisory manager in U.S. cyber and financial risk at Deloitte, a high-profile accounting and consulting firm.

It’s not a requirement to go to school for sustainability to have a green job, she said.

As a day student, Blair Lewis Michal was drawn to the Appalachian history of Tallulah Falls School.

Adding to a strong TFS family legacy including several cousins and an older brother, she loved making friends from all over the world just up the road from her hometown of Clarkesville.

Graduating from Georgia Southern in 2016, she earned a bachelor’s of science in recreation, with an emphasis in outdoor recreation before launching a career focused on environmental stewardship. She’s currently working for Atlantabased Better Earth, a sustainable packaging company whose mission is to make sustainability accessible especially here in the Southeast.

“Sustainability businesses are just like other businesses in that they have finance, HR, IT, departments, and more,” she said. “You can use your education and skill sets but choose a company that aligns with your values. Everyone can play a part in protecting our planet!”

She’s especially proud of the growth of female leadership in the sustainability jobs sector.

“There is a strong presence of feminine leadership, from students to pioneers, resulting in diverse, equitable, regenerative, and holistic thinking and solutions,” Michal said. “I hope to help grow composting infrastructure in the Southeast, especially in rural communities.”

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INTERNATIONAL DAY EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP - Jennifer Walker

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INTERNATIONAL DAY PERFORMANCE CELEBRATES TFS CULTURAL EXCHANGE

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n a highly anticipated return to inperson performances, students staged quite the showcase during International Week at Tallulah Falls School.

Chinese song and dance: “Zhi Fou Zhi Fou”

by Kexin “Amy” Ma, Jue “Florence” Wang, Yixuan “Linda” Wang “Popular Remix de Espana” by Alba Romanos Gracia , Sofia Rueda Alvarez , Cristina “Kitty” Rodenas, Sandra Badia Cester , Elsa Sanchez Merino, Nahia Fresno Suarez

Many of the 22 countries represented in the student body were included in the performances led by English teacher Jennifer Walker.

“It is such a privilege to be a part of a school community that celebrates diversity. This is the day classmates stand with applause and cheers, graciously respecting each country represented,” Walker said.

“International Day is the culmination of a lot of hard work, but more importantly, it is a day at TFS that embodies the spirit of friendship.”

Narration of “Lady of the Rocks” by Lara Aligrudic “Sai Gon is Beautiful” by Vy Vo CHINESE DANCE: “Zhi Fou Zhi Fou” Jue “Florence” Wang

Children’s story narration: “The Legend of Duke Vladimir and Princess Kosara” by Jovana Dermanovic “Xiangsheng” stand-up comedy by Zhigao “Henrry” Xiong, Ming Tang

The show started with a lively procession of country flags before hosts and masters of ceremonies Ramaya “Maya” Pittman of Snellville, Cristina “Kitty” Rodenas of Spain, Jingyi “Jason” Sang of China and Seungwook “Daniel” Shin of South Korea launched the event.

MAGIC SHOW Yen “Ian” Chou, Taiwan

PERFORMANCES INCLUDED:

Cuban and Mexican dance “Timbaton and La Vick es un Carnaval” by Lily Turpin, Fidel Ayala Magic show by Yen “Ian” Chou assisted by Emery Sims AFRO-CARIBBEAN DANCE Ramaya Pittman Aarington Brown Tahj Charleton Aidan Woodside Lily and Leah Desta Jane and Jace Ibemere

Afro-Caribbean dance: Tribal Island Carnival Remix by Ramaya Pittman, Aarington Brown, Tahj Charleton, Aidan Woodside, Lily and Leah Desta, Jane and Jace Ibemere Song and dance: “Jin Lichao” and “Zhe Xian”

by Siying “Lucy” Lu, Shukun “Doris” Wang, Ruichen “Sarah” Zhang Song “What a Wonderful World” by Caroline Smith, Sarah Wheeler Video production by Nick Edenfield, Zach Carringer, Zoja Cerovic Senior student media/technology and planning head: Jingan “Jerry” Sang 5

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT spotlights

JOEL MILLER

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Worldview shift: Attending TFS has shown me there are so many different cultures and different styles of living.

Senior, Three years @ TFS Activities: Huddle Leader at FCA, Captain, Baseball Team Surprised by: Diversity, different cultures

About TFS Teachers: They help you focus on individual work to prepare you for life after high school.

About my country: • Vibrant culture • Fun activities • Friendly people

Tips for others attending TFS: • Realize it’s a great place to be • Learn different cultures • Be who you are

TFS favorites: The friendships I have made

Up next: To play collegiate baseball

AIDAN WOODSIDE

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Sophomore, Second year @ TFS Activities: Manager, JV Boys’ Basketball and Varsity Girls’ Soccer Teams Surprised by: How friendly and accepting everyone is TFS memory: Y-camp – we fished, jumped off of high towers into the lake and paddleboarded.

About my country: It is a very majestic place; I’m sure if you went for a vacation you would want to live there.

Worldview shift: Attending TFS opened my eyes to the world around me and helped me realize that people from different parts of the world do things differently from the way I

would do it. It also helped me appreciate and understand other cultures on a deeper level.

About TFS Teachers: They take time to teach you the material one on one if you need extra help. A TFS education is important to have because it teaches you the value of learning and independence, especially if you are a boarding student. It helps prepare you for college and your life afterward.

Tips for others attending TFS: • Be open-minded to change • Be patient • Be positive Up next: My plans are to go to a good college and medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon

LUIS VARONA PASTOR MADRID, SPAIN

Sophomore, First year @ TFS Activities: Tennis Surprised by: That is not boring because we always have something to do.

TFS memory: The friends I made from all around the world.

Looks forward to @ home: Keep the English I’m learning.

About my country: The great food, the kind people and the rich culture.

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TFS favorites: The people I’m getting to know from all around the world.

About TFS Teachers: They care a lot about you getting a good grade and they help you.

Tips for others attending TFS: It helps you a lot to be able to work independently.

Up next: I’m not sure just yet.

SIMEON CONJAGIC SABAC, SERBIA

Junior, First year @ TFS Activities: Varsity soccer, Esports, Pool Club Surprised by: Friendly atmosphere, liveliness TFS memory: Everything (one memory is not enough) About my country: • Rich history • Exciting sports TFS favorites: Becoming friends with different people from other countries, learning new languages.

Worldview shift: Learning how people behave and live away from home.

About TFS Teachers: Amazing people, humble, interactive, always willing to help, always with a smile, and always encouraging. Prepares you for a further step in life and gives you a clue of what college life is going to look like.

Tips for others attending TFS: Don’t miss this opportunity.

Up next: Attend a European university in the Netherlands/England/France.

JOVANA DERMANOVIC NOVI SAD, SERBIA Freshman, First year @ TFS Activities: Theater, Track & Field TFS Memory: How everyone makes you feel welcome About my country: • Novi Sad is the city of the culture in 2022 in Europe.

• The word ‘Vampire’ is from Serbia.

• Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

•

Food is the best thing ever there.

About TFS Teachers: They love what they are doing, they always have a smile on their face and they are trying to help us as much as they can; it is like a family.

Worldview shift: I traveled a lot when I was a kid, so this wasn’t something new to me. I like living with other kids my age but from different countries, I hear a lot of fun stories and how are other people who are the same age as me but living in different countries and having different lives.

Tips for others attending TFS: • Don’t be scared, you will find friends.

• You will have so much fun, and you will learn a lot of cool stuff.

• There is a place for you here.

Up next: Attend college in US or Europe to study business and management.

VY “V” VO

SAI GON, VIET NAM Junior, First year @ TFS Activities: Tennis, Pool Club, Outdoor Club Surprised by: More friends, more English, American food, I can play all the sports here.

TFS memory: The first snow at TFS Looks forward to @ home: Eat all Vietnamese food and snacks, go back to my hometown in Bac Lieu, hang out with my friends, and go around the city, district.

About my country: My country has a lot of good food (Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Com Tam,etc), snacks (che, banh trang tron/nuong)

TFS favorites: Convenient, good weekend activities, have a lot of breaks Worldview shift: Attending TFS upgraded my view of the world – people are more friendly than I thought About TFS Teachers: Teachers are always there and always ready to help me.

Tips for others attending TFS: • Bring money • Bring social skills • Know how to play sports Up next: Attend college, return to Viet Nam

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Fried grouper over black eyed peas and rice

INTERNATIONAL

cuisine

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uring International Week at Tallulah Falls School, each day brings a new set of recipes, often submitted by students from one of 22 countries.

To kick it off this year, the family of eighth-grader Ashton Roache traveled from Nassau and Abaco Islands in The Bahamas to prepare and serve family favorites – fried grouper over peas and rice followed by coconut plantains with toasted coconut cream for dessert.

Roache’s mother Treva Armbrister owns the popular restaurant Juss Grill in Nassau; Armbrister led the kitchen team that included her parents, Edgburt and Princess Tinker and brother Tervallis Tinker.

Director of Dining Services for Flik Independent School Dining David Janecek said having Roache’s family in the kitchen was a great contribution to the week’s plans to highlight international cuisine.

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ALL YOUR NEEDS IN WHITE AND GREEN

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embers of the entrepreneur class commemorated an experiential learning project with the opening of the new school store on Dec. 7.

The name, 1909., is a nod to the past, noting the year of the school’s founding.

Teacher Jennifer Cox said the students have implemented a business plan including purchasing, stocking and merchandising the inventory that is now available for sale to the target audience – TFS students.

More than four dozen items are offered for sale including basic school supplies, water bottles, school logo stickers and specialty items such as uniform sweatshirts and other branded apparel.

The store, conveniently located in the lobby of the Larry A. Peevy Upper School Academic Complex, opened officially on Feb. 10.

GISA MASTER TEACHERS

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hree Tallulah Falls School faculty members received Master Teacher designations at the Georgia Independent School Association Annual Conference, held Nov. 15.

Middle school social studies teacher Nancy Almoyan, upper school social studies teacher Dallas Barron and upper school English teacher Jennifer Walker met the rigorous requirements for certification, according to Stan Whitlock with GISA. “The Master Teacher Program bestows welldeserved recognition to GISA Master Teachers who exhibit best practices in the classroom and a willingness to share and to collaborate with other educators,” said GISA Vice President Dr. Stan Whitlock. “GISA commends its Master Teachers who inspire excellence in the classroom, among colleagues and, especially, among students.”

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T F S O U T S TA N D I N G A W A R D S

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Shown, from left, are Pickett, Morrison, Henriques, Smith, Ball, Hudson and President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy.

allulah Falls School recognized outstanding faculty, staff and students for 2021 at a Dec. 15, 2021 assembly including eighthgrader Kaylin Pickett, outstanding middle school student of the year; Heather Henriques, outstanding middle school faculty member of the year; senior Caroline Ball, outstanding upper school student of the year; Deborah Morrison, outstanding upper school faculty member of the year; Steve Hudson, outstanding staff member of the year and Sonya Smith, Light in the Mountains honoree [outstanding senior staff member of the year].

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ach year, an academic highlight for the senior class is the announcement of the Tallulah Falls School STAR Student and STAR Teacher. Sang was also the county STAR winner.

Jingyi “Jason” Sang of Shangai, China earned the highest score on the SAT and is currently in the top five percent of this year’s graduating class. Sang selected upper school English teacher Kelli Bly as the STAR teacher.

In selecting Bly as the STAR Teacher, Sang has high praise for his English teacher, whose help has been invaluable as he navigates English as a second language.

“I chose Mrs. Bly for her tremendous help with my English. She assisted me in class to improve my reading and writing skills. She was also always willing to help me with the grammar questions I encountered while studying for the SAT,” Sang said. “I am very grateful for her assistance; it is my honor to choose her as my STAR Teacher.”

Bly is equally complimentary of her accomplished student. She’s worked with Sang and his twin brother Jingan “Jerry” Sang for their entire high school experience.

“It has been my pleasure to get to know Jason these past four years.

I first heard about him (and his brother Jerry) before he even came to the high school from the middle school campus,” Bly said. “Jason has those qualities that make him the kind of student teachers would love to have a classroom full of; aside from his intelligence and his desire to extend his knowledge beyond what we discuss in the classroom, he is personable and connects with others – students and teachers, alike.

I feel fortunate I played a part in guiding Jason toward his future, and I have every confidence that no matter what path he chooses, he will make his mark in the world.”

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S TA R S T U D E N T A N D T E A C H E R

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trio of Tallulah Falls School students has been named semi-finalists for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program.

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allulah Falls School inducted new members to its National Honor Society chapter in a ceremony held Nov. 19, 2021.

National Honor Society pillars include scholarship, leadership, service and character. Students are nominated by teachers for membership in the chapter.

Front Row L-R: Lucia Anderson, Sophie

Herrera, Chloe Kahwach, Honora Kahwach, Miracle Bain, Tamia Moss, Jenna Chesser, Allie Dalton, Jue Wang, Kate Trotter, Mariya Khanina Back Row L-R: Nana Amankwah, Walker Bailey, Yukun Fu, Drew Bates, Keelie Parks, Nafis Rahman, Eli Damron, Zeyu Fang, Zi Wang, Barrett Whitener

Junior Walker Bailey of Lula was named in the area of Mathematics; sophomore Annabelle Jackson of Alto was named in the area of Visual Arts and junior Seungwook “Daniel” Shin of Seoul, South Korea, was named in the area Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.

“We are thrilled to celebrate a high-achieving group of students once again,” said Upper School counselor Michelle Barron. “The Governor’s Honors Program offers these students an incredible opportunity to excel in an area of greatest potential.”

State-level semi-finalists’ interviews took place on February 26 at Berry College, with finalists being named on March 25.

According to the website, GHP is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction significantly different from the typical high school classroom. It is designed to provide students with academic, cultural and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

WALKER BAILEY

ANNABELLE JACKSON

DANIEL SHIN

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE

GEORGIA GOVERNOR’S HONORS

N AT I O N A L H O N O R S O C I E T Y

Shown, from left, are top spellers Bryson Perdue, Delaney Johnson, teacher Hannah Gibson and alternate speller Charlotte Stafford.

Not shown is alternate speller Parker Seaman.

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wo dozen middle school students brought their A-game to the school-level spelling bee held Jan. 5.

After the competition, two champion spellers emerged – eighth-grader Bryson Perdue of Tiger and seventh-grader Delaney Johnson of Toccoa, along with alternates eighth-graders Charlotte Stafford of Clarkesville

and Parker Seaman of Tallulah Falls.

“When the 24 grade-level champion spellers gathered for our school spelling bee, the four winners dominated by spelling words like ‘Yom Kippur’ and ‘slurve,’” Gibson said. “I was very impressed by every participant’s score and show of professionalism.”

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Valentine’s Day Mother/Daughter Brunch

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f irst-ever Mother-Daughter Brunch hosted by the middle school faculty and staff at Tallulah Falls School celebrated the elemental love between a parent and a child.

On Feb. 11, the 100-plus group enjoyed fellowship, an assortment of brunch treats and prize drawings before hearing an inspirational message from local entrepreneur Britney Vickery, CEO and Founder of Initials, Inc. Vickery attended with her mother and daughter.

Making an immediate connection with those assembled, she acknowledged the often challenging middle school years. Vickery said it was important to remember God prepares His people for life at this moment.

“Right now is where you stand,” Vickery said, emphasizing there are choices in how to move forward no matter what past stories might be.

“We are not promised this life is going to be easy, right? We are just not. It comes with lumps and bumps and warts and hurtful things, and that’s life. And I believe we are able to experience those things so that we have a choice to make: do we get better or do we get bitter? Our past can make us bitter, or it can make us better.”

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She said to champion love, speaking especially to the mothers in the group.

“We are their champions, even when they make mistakes, the highest of highs and lowest of lows.”

She said grace should always be a part of the equation, even if mothers don’t always know what to do.

“That’s the grace part that we need to give ourselves with love. Right? We’ve got to give ourselves grace that how we are parenting our girls is sometimes going to feel awesome. And sometimes we are going to feel clueless, and sometimes we are going to feel like a champion and sometimes we are going to feel like a big, fat loser, and that’s just how it happens.”

She encouraged the mother-daughter pairs to be present for each other and be prepared to meet in the middle.

A final challenge was to ask each other how they could show love to the other with the following question: “Give me one way that I can show you that I love you.”

Madden said the faculty and staff embraced the chance to plan and stage the event.

“It was such a pleasure to see the response to this event, said Middle School Director Carol Madden. “We loved putting it together as a way to celebrate on the cusp of Valentine’s Day – a day when we honor those we care about.”

She expressed appreciation for the community’s generosity for donating door prizes and to Flik Independent School Dining for preparing and serving the brunch spread.

trio of community faith leaders visited Tallulah Falls School on Feb. 18 to deliver a message of racial awareness and hope for the future to commemorate Black History Month.

Bishop Ernest Burns, his wife Dr. Vanessa Burns and daughter Portia Burns serve the community through their long-established ministry at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia.

After an uplifting gospel song led by Portia Burns, Bishop Burns shared his life’s perspective with the upper school student body.

Relating the story of Ruby Bridges, Bishop said they were the same age; when Bridges was six years old, she was the first African-American student to integrate an elementary school in the south. Burns said the young girl faced explicit racism during tumultuous times in the nation’s history.

“I grew up during segregation during the 1960s. I don’t want you to think that Black History and Civil Rights…is something way in the past…It’s a struggle we still continue with,” he said. “...I can see myself there.”

He said in preparing for leadership, young people need to be aware of what is going on in the world.

“You can’t prepare a leader for this age if they don’t know what’s going on,” he said.

“You can’t be prepared if you don’t know the truth about something. What I do know about racism in America – it’s still real. Y’all hear me. The real stuff is what is going to get you prepared. If you can’t have real conversations, you’re never going to get there.”

He said there was still work to be done in racial reconciliation, and the young people would make the difference.

America is at a tipping point, he said.

“The opportunities of what we see to work together can be a great thing; it’s not a divisive thing. If we only take the time and value each other, it could

be what Dr. King talked about; the vision of a great country that America could be what it could be…If we don’t go forward together, we are going to all fall together. If we don’t all go up together, we are not going anywhere without each other.

America is at a point, and you are the ones who are going to do it! I am looking at your faces because it’s always the young people.”

He charged the students to stand for truth, to use their voices to speak out when facing untruths.

“You’ve got the opportunity to stand up for the truth,” Burns said. “If somebody says things that aren’t right, then you gotta speak against it. You got to take a stand today because if you don’t, we are all going to fall at the same time. That is just the truth of it…the mark of a man is where they stand in moments of controversy.”

In his comments after the presentation, President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy thanked Bishop Burns for his long-term commitment to positive community relations, including the Peace Walk, which TFS students and Peevy had been a part of in prior years.

black history month

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COVID prevented the school from hosting larger gatherings in 2020, but Alexander said students continued meeting with the administration over the past two academic years. It was important to have a broader community conversation, she said.

“Wally and I are very grateful that Coach Van [Hooser] supported our idea and saw the need for this conversation to take place,” she said. “Bishop Burns commemorated Black History Month by reminding us of the significance of standing up for what is right; he encouraged us to be unwavering in our pursuit of justice and unrelenting in our fight for the truth. Bishop Burns opened new perspectives to those who may not have acknowledged racism around them and reminded us that we can create change—all we need to do is use our voices.

We are so grateful to Bishop Ernest Burns for the activist work he continues to do in this community, and we are thrilled we were able to facilitate this crucial conversation.”

He connected the school’s mission to elevate character and intellect to a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.

Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,” Peevy stated. “This is what we are about here at TFS.” Students had a chance to ask questions and speak to Bishop Burns and his family after the event.

Seniors Lucy Alexander and Wally Angingu served as ambassadors for the event.

“After the events of the summer of 2020, it became clear Tallulah Falls School could benefit from a conversation about racism and the racism which continues to plague our world,” Alexander said.

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Montgomery Swim Stats: State Runner-Up in 500 Free State 4th in 200 Free State 6th in 400 Free Relay State 10th in 200 Medley Relay TFS Record - 100 Butterfly TFS Record - 500 Free TFS Record - 200 Medley Relay

THE DAMPIER

SWIM SISTERS

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Madison Swim Stats: TFS Record - 200 Freestyle TFS Record - 200 Individual Medley TFS Record - 100 Free TFS Record - 100 Backstroke

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t’s unusual for an athlete to come into a program and make an immediate impact and become a leader.

time, the memories they’re crafting in the process will never fade.

Both of those things happened multiplied by two for sisters Montgomery and Madison Dampier when they relocated to Tallulah Falls School from Ocala, FL. The family found their way to TFS when Kyle Dampier took a field and facilities manager position; he also serves as assistant baseball coach.

In the state championships at Georgia Tech, Madison broke her own records in the 200 IM and 100 Fly, finishing fourth overall in both events. She and Montgomery were sixth in the 400 Free Relay and 10th in the 200 Medley Relay. Montgomery was a state runner-up in the 500 Free, and fourth in the 200 Free, where she set a new school record.

“It felt like the right place for us,” says Montgomery, a senior who recently signed to continue her swim career at Georgia Southern University. She could tell from the start that she would do well at TFS. “When I first saw the TFS Natatorium, I thought it was great. The atmosphere was very welcoming, and I knew I could succeed here.”

Madison, a freshman, echoes that it was the “right fit” for the Dampiers, who live in nearby Tiger. Quickly, the sisters helped an already great program reach new heights.

“The TFS swim program has a solid foundation of pushing swimmers to be their best in and out of the water, with success in the regular season as well at the state level every season since the program’s inception,” says head coach Rachel Nichols. “We have seen the attitudes the girls bring to practice inspire their teammates to demonstrate their own best selves. The dynamic that Madison and Montgomery have brought to our program has created the perfect storm of success for all swimmers, not just the girls themselves, with this season’s competitive performances.”

The duo has established seven school records and posted GHSA state-qualifying times in multiple individual and relay events. Often, the sisters will break each other’s records and personal best times.

“Madison and I have a very healthy competitive relationship,” adds Montgomery. “Especially since the move, she has kinda been there to push me, and I push her. With times and records, we know who’s better at what already, but a lot of playful teasing and trash talk is always involved.”

“The competition between us is entertaining to watch,” adds Madison. “Every time Montgomery sets a record, I am very proud of her, but at the same time, I do want to beat it. I believe that this is very good for us because it makes us push each other harder.”

Of the records the girls already set in 2021-22, Madison holds the school mark in the 200 individual medley, 100 freestyle, and the 100 backstroke.

Montgomery has the record in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, and 500 freestyle. The sisters are also part of the school-record 200 medley relay. While those records and accomplishments may not sink for some

Montgomery and Madison’s driving force and motivation are nearly identical.

“The dynamic that Madison and Montgomery have brought to our program has created the perfect storm of success for all swimmers.”

- Rachel Nichols, TFS Swim Coach

“God gave me this talent, and I’m not going to waste it,” states Madison, who has hopes and dreams of one day swimming at the University of Georgia and in the Olympics. “I’d tell my younger self to have fun and go for it because you only get one chance to do things.”

“Be yourself and work hard because being a ‘tryhard’ is one of the best things you can be,” adds Montgomery. “I want to keep working hard to be better. Of course, I swim because God gave me this talent, and all glory goes to Him because He has given me this gift.”

Making a big move can be downright difficult for many athletes and can become a hindrance. That wasn’t the case for these girls, especially Montgomery, who spent her first three years at Forest High School in Ocala. Even after their dad, a Rabun County native, took the position at TFS midyear; his girls wanted first to finish out their seasons in Florida while he lived for five months away from his family.

Fortunately for the girls and the TFS community, it all worked out very well. The teammates at TFS have helped make the transition smooth for the Dampier sisters.

“The immediate friendships that happen when being on a team and working together has made moving here easier,” states Montgomery, who has also gotten involved in FCA and the Syncro Club at TFS. “Seeing people you know at school, and you know they have your back.”

Both Montgomery and Madison have excelled in the pool, as well as in the classroom. While they are alike in many ways, they also approach their time in the pool differently.

“I feel like we both swim with a purpose, but I think that everyone has a different purpose,” says Madison.

Montgomery’s time will be shorter at TFS, and Madison’s is just beginning. However, the legacy the Dampier girls are writing will be remembered well past their swimming days.

15

TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL

SWIMMING A

s the famous line from ‘Field of Dreams’ goes, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ The Natatorium at TFS is the ‘it’ and the ‘they’ translates to records, both at the personal and school level. In the first year of the state-of-the-art TFS Natatorium, swimmers throughout the program achieved incredible success at the middle and high school level. They were coached by former TFS and Mars Hill standout swimmer, Rachel Nichols.

VARSITY Let there be no doubt of the impact of newcomers Madison and Montgomery Dampier, as well as Emre Sungur. The swim teams were already stout, but that trio elevated the intensity within the program.

‘Exhibit A’ is the school record book.

Madison Dampier set four individual records this season (200 IM, 100 Fly, 100 Free, 100 Backstroke) as well as being a part of the record-setting 200 Medley Relay team. Montgomery set the school mark in the 200 Free (at the State Championships), 500 Free, and 100 Breaststroke, and also was on the 200 Medley Relay team.

Meanwhile, Sungur set three school records, including the 200 Free, 200 IM, and 500 Free. The varsity teams consistently finished at or near the top in all of their events throughout the season, which culminated in a historical finish at the GHSA State Championships (Class 1A-3A). The Indians finished 15th overall, while the Lady Indians came in 8th.

Madison Dampier broke her own school records in the 200 IM and 100 Fly at the State Championships, finishing 4th overall at state in those events. She and sister Montgomery were 6th in the 400 Free Relay and 10th in the 200 Medley Relay. Montgomery posted a state runner-up finish in the 500 Free, and was 4th in the 200 Free (where she set a new

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school record). Meanwhile, Sungur was 3rd in the 500 Free (school record time) and 4th in the 200 IM (school record).

Nelson Wilkinson, a longtime standout at TFS in swimming, competed in two individual events at state and was part of a pair of relay teams with Sungur that came in 12th and 14th in the 400 Free and 200 Medley, respectively.

Others who advanced to state included Henry Rickman, Emery Sims, Jason Dong, and William Xu for the boys in relay events. For the girls, relay team members Tamia Moss, Emily Wolfe, Karis Tatum, and Daya Ssemakula all contributed as well.

MIDDLE SCHOOL The middle school program also succeeded in 2021-22. The teams finished their regular season at home in the ‘Ahoy Me Hearties’ Invitational, and the boys and girls were pushed to be their best. In that meet, swimmers had an opportunity to go varsity distances and stretch themselves.

The boys finished second overall at the meet, while the girls took the top spot.

Those who earned top-three finishes individually included Olivia Henderson, Keira Webb, Charlie Harris, Carsyn Griffis, Molly Rickman, Adelaide Tatum, Frankie Pribyl, and Harry Goldfine.

Nearly every meet throughout the season, multiple swimmers recorded personal best times.

In the GISA Middle School State Championships at Georgia Tech, the girls finished as the state runner-up, while the boys came in 13th. Griffis, Pribyl, Rickman, and Tatum all posted top-10 finishes, as well as multiple relay groups. Overall, eight boys and 13 girls competed at the State Championships.

Several of them had personal records in the meet.

17

MIDDLE SCHOOL

T

BASKETBALL

he Lady Indians, under first-year head coach Jennifer Cox, had a roster of unproven and inexperienced players.

1 Bailey Crumley 2 Josie Plaisted 3 LB Kafsky 4 Abby McCoy 5 Emma Arden 11 Finlee Ridlehoover 12 Charlotte Stafford 14 Keely Franks 15 Gracie Gunter 20 Lupita Carrillo 21 Emily Cai 22 Linda White 23 Narissa Dawson 24 Madison Phillips 50 Emily Shoemaker MGR Handley James MGR McKenzie McCoy MGR Nora Mitchell

The Lady Indians grabbed their first win in their second game, beating Woody Gap. The win streak hit two when the girls won over Nantahala. Another big win over Woody Gap — by 32 points — came in early January to even the record at 3-3.

The girls dropped four of their next five games before closing out strong with wins over Nantahala in overtime on the road, and in the season finale at home against Rabun Gap. All told, the girls finished at 5-7 overall.

Several players made huge strides throughout the season, including the usual leading scorers in LB Kafsky, Josie Plaisted, Charlotte Stafford, and Emily Cai.

The Indians wasted no time in proving they were still one of the top teams in the conference. Anthony Cox spearheaded the A-Team, while the B-Team was coached by TFS alum Jake Carver.

An early loss to non-conference foes Lanier Christian helped motivate the A-Team, which won six straight games leading up to the first of three meetings with Towns County. TFS dropped the first, avenged that loss on the road, and then fell in the finale.

After a home win against Rabun Gap to finish the regular season at 9-3 overall, the Indians took on Towns in the championship game. The boys held the lead throughout most of the game until the final three minutes.

Towns grabbed momentum and

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A-TEAM BOYS

12 Macade Huff 15 Jack Greene 20 Asa Popham 22 William NeSmith 23 Derrick Lane 24 Merrick Carnes 25 Griffin Harkness 30 Kaden Hunter

31 Ethan Wheeler 34 Jackson Savage 35 Tate Turpin 42 Rylee Smith 44 Elijah Barker 50 Bryson Perdue MGR Hudson Penland MGR Luke Thomson

overcame a 6-point deficit to win the title.

Sixth-grader Macade Huff led the offense at over 10 points per game, 8th-grader Ethan Wheeler averaged over seven points and 6th-grader Asa Popham averaged north of six.

Others such as Elijah Barker, Bryson Perdue, Jackson Savage, Derrick Lane also contributed heavily to the success of the team.

The B-Team boys went 5-1 under coach Carver, earning home wins over Riverside, White Creek and Lanier Christian, which was mixed in with a road win at Victory Christian.

B-Team scoring leaders were Ethan Phasavang, Jack Greene and Isaac Farris.

B-TEAM BOYS

1 Ethan Phasavang 3 Lincoln Hicks 4 Ryder Cantrell 5 River Dockins 10 Reilly Cox 14 Patrick Rowland 15 Jack Greene

21 Austin Whitener 22 William NeSmith 32 Isaac Farris 33 Brantley Addison 40 Liam Burke MGR Hudson Penland MGR Luke Thomson

JUNIOR VARSITY

BASKETBALL T

he shear quantity of games lacked for the JV boys and girls, but the intensity did not. Though the Indians played 13 games and the Lady Indians just six, it was a season marked with growth and hard work. The JV boys wound up going 10-3 on the season under coach Matt Crotta, while the Lady Indians JV went 2-4 with Jo Kimbrel at the helm.

The boys, who went a perfect 15-0 last year, posted a second straight double-digit win season. Most of the wins for the Indians came in convincing fashion with sizable wins, as many newcomers and young players proved their ability to play at the next level.

The boys reeled off nine straight victories, with the last coming at George Walton to start the month of February. With an almost entirely new roster from last year’s undefeated team, the Indians still managed to be atop the region. The Indians lost the season finale against Athens Christian by a single point, but otherwise went 7-1 against region opponents.

TFS was led offensively by Vlad Popescu, Bentley Huff, Zakhar Valasiuk, Krystian Jankiewicz and KC Respress. Several others, such as Wyatt Franks, Nnamdi Ezunu, Teryk Tilley, Sam Ketch and Zach Carringer contributed heavily to the success of the team.

The girls finished the season 2-4, as a number of their games were cancelled by opponents. But it didn`t stop their weekly improvement in their fundamentals and overall basketball knowledge.

The Lady Indians earned wins over Towns County and Prince Avenue Christian. Varsity players Breelyn Wood and Haygen James, as well as Allie Phasavang, got additional minutes on JV. Wood led all scorers with 55 points across six games, coming in at over nine points per game. James was next with nearly five points per contest.

Others who chipped in offensively in the short season included Nahia Suarez, Phasavang, Millie and Maebree Holcomb, Chesney Tanksley, Sofia Rueda, Gemma Farris and Stasa Beratovic.

JV LADY INDIANS

2 Breelyn Wood 3 Brianna Davidson 4 Haygen James 10 Gemma Farris 12 Millie Holcomb 21 Nahia Suarez 22 Chesney Tanksley 23 Sofia Rueda 33 Stasa Beratovic 45 Maebree Holcomb MGR Tilshon Leary

JV INDIANS

3 Nnamdi Ezunu 4 KC Respress 10 Vlad Popescu 12 Wyatt Franks 14 Bentley Huff 21 Teryk Tilley 22 Zakhar Valasiuk 23 Zach Carringer 24 Sam Ketch 32 Krystian Jankiewicz MGR Aiden Woodside

19

Champions

B A S K E T B A L L 8 A P R I VAT E R E G I O N

E

lite is defined as a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group.

That defines the Lady Indians succinctly. The 202122 version of Tallulah Falls girls basketball not only stood above the rest of Region 8-A Private - claiming the team’s first outright region championship ever but also stood above nearly the entire state in Class 1A Private, and even above any team that has come before them in the program’s history.

While the early part of the season proved frustrating in terms of just being able to play games - several games got postponed or canceled - the back end of the season made up for it.

After a 1-2 start to open the season the Lady Indians were seeking their identity under first year head coach Lowell Hamilton. Then came a win streak that reached 6 and got the girls going. That momentum carried throughout the rest of the regular season, as TFS ended the regular season at 11-4 and 6-2 in region play.

A tie-breaker in the standings gave TFS the top overall seed heading into the region tournament. The girls cruised to a 14-point win over host George Walton to advance to the region championship game. A 47-38 win over Prince Avenue Christian produced the team’s first ever region tournament championship.

That gave Tallulah Falls a guaranteed home game in each of the first two rounds of the state tournament, should they win the opening round.

The Lady Indians did win the opener, a 20-point

dominant victory over Mt. Pisgah to advance to their third-ever Sweet 16. In the second round, a 25-point win over The Heritage School produced the first Elite 8 run in school history. TFS once again got to host, as three-seeded Galloway came to Tallulah Falls for the quarterfinals. Though seeded third in their region, Galloway was ranked number five in the state. TFS held the lead through nearly the entire first half, including going up by eight. Galloway used a huge third quarter to complete a comeback and end the Lady Indians’ season.

All told, TFS was 15-5 overall, won the region title, and gave Tallulah Falls basketball (boys or girls) their first Elite 8 in history. Juniors Denika Lightbourne and Veronaye Charlton had two of the most productive seasons in program history, as both recorded well over 300 points to land in the top-10 in school history for single-season scoring.

Lightbourne’s final tally of 341 points brought her career mark to 973 as she closes in on a 1,000 for her career. Charlton is just behind her with approximately 900 points. Both guards earned All-Region honors along with Macy Murdock. Murdock and fellow senior Barrett Whitener played their final season for TFS. Freshmen Haygen James and Breelyn Wood got their first taste of varsity and proved valuable to the team. Juniors Molly Mitchell and Kailyn Neal also were pivotal to the success of the Lady Indians. The girls were ranked as high as seventh in the state polls, which is the best ranking in the history of the program.

VARSITY ROSTER: 2 - Breelyn Wood, FR 3 - Allie Phasavang, SO 4 - Haygen James, FR 5 - Molly Mitchell, SO 10 - Miracle Bain, JR 12 - Barrett Whitener, SR** 13 - Veronaye Charlton, JR* 14 - Macy Murdock, SR* 21 - Kailyn Neal, JR 23 - Denika Lightbourne, JR* 40 - Tanisha Seymour, JR MGR Tilshon Leary, SR

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*All-Region Team **Honorable Mention All-Region

ELITE eight

21

t e e w S een t x i S

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W

hen the dust settled on the 202122 season, it was nothing short of ‘sweet’ for the Indians. Tallulah Falls made history with the program’s third-ever Sweet 16 and similarly third-ever 20-win season.

The Indians were state-ranked the entire season, climbing to as high as number two in Class 1A Private, which marked the best ranking in school history.

TFS earned the program’s top win in terms of ranked opponents when beating #2-ranked and defending state champion Towns County in December. It was a jumping-off point for Cody Coleman’s team, who moved to 6-1 with the win. What emerged was a pair of six-game win streaks interrupted by a loss.

The Indians dropped their first two games in February, which pitted them as the number three seed in the region heading into the tournament. The defending region champions were able to cruise past Loganville Christian for a state tournament berth. The boys then slid past Athens Christian in the semifinals by a mere three points to lock down a region title game appearance. Despite leading the entire game, a late three-pointer by Prince Avenue Christian sent the championship game into overtime, where they took a 70-66 win over TFS.

VARSITY INDIANS 1 - Milos Vico, SR 3 - KC Respress, FR 4 - Anfernee Hanna, JR* 5 - Diego Crotta, JR 14 - Charlie Cody, SR 15 - Gavin Page, SR*** 21 - Lincoln Hall, JR 22 - Zakhar Valasiuk, SO 23 - Devonte Allen, JR** 32 - Colton Hicks, JR 44 - George Ketch, SR MGR Keelie Parks, JR MGR Nafis Rahman, SR *All-Region 1st Team **All-Region 2nd Team ***Honorable Mention All-Region

The boys didn’t let the region title game result dampen their spirits for long. The Indians still hosted a first round state playoff game and dominated Mt. Bethel by 20 points to advance to the Sweet 16. Traveling to #2-ranked Greenforest, the Indians saw their season end there in an 80-34 final.

The final tally for the Indians was a 20-6 record, a region runner-up finish, and a Sweet 16 appearance. Juniors Anfernee Hanna and Devonte Allen had tremendous seasons, as Hanna’s 17.5 points per game was the second highest in school history, as he and Allen combined for over 750 points.

Hanna was named 1st Team All-Region, while Allen earned 2nd Team honors.

Senior Gavin Page was named Honorable Mention. The Indians featured a trio of senior starters, including Page, Charlie Cody and Milos Vico. George Ketch also made up the senior cast for TFS. Beyond Hanna and Allen, juniors Lincoln Hall and Diego Crotta played significant roles for the Indians this season.

23

A

iming for success, TFS hits the bullseye

The Precision Rifle team entered the 202122 season with sites set on growth and development. Only one senior, Andrew Erwin, returned from a talented national-qualifying team the year prior.

The lack of real experience didn’t deter the shooters, who exceeded expectations this season. Led by Erwin, who shot a 287 at the Area 6 shootoff, the rifle team secured an Area Runner-Up finish, which was rewarded with a spot at state sectionals.

Throughout the season, the team went 8-2 overall.

Behind Erwin, the team consisted of just one junior, four sophomores, and three freshmen. Numerous shooters stood out this season, including freshman Kylee Loudermilk, who achieved a school record with a 289 against North Forsyth early in the season and multiple times led the team in scoring.

Erwin, Loudermilk, Joseph McGahee, Ethan Simmons, and Jue Wang all led the team in scoring in different events.

Marc Crotta Andrew Erwin Chloe Erwin Brooke Hayes Kylee Loudermilk Joseph McGahee Leah Rogers Ethan Simmons Jue Wang Coach Katie Keister Coach Tim Stamey

precision rifle

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By the end of the regular season, it was clear that TFS had made huge strides when McGahee’s 286 was part of a school-record 1,139 in the 3x10 against Buford. That momentum carried over into the Area 6 shoot-off, where the team was led by Erwin’s 287 to a silver medal finish.

The future remains bright for the program, as this year’s success will pave the way for the young core in place, as well as future precision rifle athletes want to be part of something special.

ATHLETIC COMMITMENTS

MONTGOMERY DAMPIER

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

SWIMMING

AUBREY HIGGINS

BERRY COLLEGE

BASEBALL

MACY MURDOCK

BERRY COLLEGE

TRACK & FIELD

Montgomery Dampier of Tiger will compete at the NCAA Division-I level, as she signed her LOI with Georgia Southern to continue her swim career. In her short time at TFS, she set numerous school records and placed among the state’s best.

Aubrey Higgins, a Cornelia native, made his dreams reality by signing to play baseball at Berry College (NCAA Division-II). Higgins has been a dominant force on the mound for TFS and holds nearly every pitching record for the Indians, including career wins and strikeouts.

Macy Murdock of Carnesville is set to pursue her track & field career at Berry College. She will compete at the NCAA Division-III level, and she has been a consistent leader for the Lady Indians track & field program throughout her high school career.

BARRY UNIVERSITY

US NAVAL ACADEMY

TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE

Honora Kahwach of Cleveland will continue her soccer career at Barry University in Miami, FL at the NCAA Division-II level. Kahwach is now the school’s all-time goals and assists leader and has been a mainstay for the TFS soccer program.

Evan Prince, a multi-region champion between TFS track and cross country, will continue his athletic career at the U.S. Naval Academy, competing at the NCAA Division-I level. Prince, of Rabun Gap, has been one of the more successful long distance runners in the state of Georgia.

Cornelia native Nancy Fisher signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at nearby Toccoa Falls College, an NCCAA-member. Fisher was a leader for TFS on the court and was willing to do anything asked of her to help the team win.

HONORA KAHWACH

EVAN PRINCE

NANCY FISHER

SOCCER

TRACK & FIELD / XC

VOLLEYBALL

25

PEP-RALLY F A L L

&

W I N T E R

S P O R T S

S

chool spirit got a boost at the start of the fall and winter season this year with pep rallies added to the list of Tallulah Falls School favorite traditions.

“I wanted to bring something memorable to our student body,” said Upper School Academic Dean and Varsity Cheer Coach Kim Popham. “Because of COVID restrictions, it has been some time since we’ve been able to gather in large assemblies. Our students had a blast making noise and sharing their enthusiasm with their classmates.

With 65% of the student population participating in sports, student-athletes outnumbered those remaining in the stands, she added.

Sports recognized thus far this year include volleyball, cross country, swim, basketball, Esports, bass fishing and cheerleading.

“We had a great season with a good combination of veteran cheerleaders and those new to the varsity squad. They worked well together to learn new dances and cheer routines. They were able to provide two exciting pep rallies for sports of all seasons. We will miss our two seniors next year as we look forward to another exciting year.”

Coach Hayes and Coach Popham

Front Row L-R: Ruichen “Sarah” Zhang, Madi Ramey, Ava Wehrstein, Shelby Ann Brightwell, Lucy Ladd, Jane Ibemere Back Row L-R: Susie Sun, Brooklyn Reed, Mei Hui De Velasco, Cassidy Hayes, Isabella Jones, Mallory Higgins

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TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL

NEXT LEVEL

ATHLETES

This list is a work in progress. If you know of any former TFS student who signed to play, or went on to play at a collegiate or professional level, please email brian.carter@tallulahfalls.org.

BASEBALL

SOCCER

ANDREW ABEE (‘09) - TENNESSEE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

MAX FARRIS (‘21) - U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

NORMAN BASTIAN, JR. (‘22) - OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

HONORA KAHWACH (‘22) - BARRY UNIVERSITY

CHATHAN CLOUATRE (‘21) - TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE

HARRY WARD (‘17) - ANDERSON UNIVERSITY

LANCE GOOD (‘09) - GOSHEN COLLEGE

CAINAN YASKIEWICZ (‘21) - MIDDLE GEORGIA UNITED FC (UNITED

AUBREY HIGGINS (‘22) - BERRY COLLEGE

PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE)

DAVIS JENNINGS (‘20) - BREVARD COLLEGE DEVON MAYFIELD (‘10) - ABAC JR COLLEGE IAN MCCLARY (‘03) - PIEDMONT COLLEGE BASKETBALL BECKY FAIN (‘77) - GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE KEITH KERSEY (‘99) - PIEDMONT COLLEGE DANIEL LAMPL (‘07) - PIEDMONT COLLEGE WILFRED MOISE (‘00) - HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SANSON NAVARETTE (‘17) - MONTEVALLO COLLEGE AIDA ROBERTS (‘16) - PIEDMONT COLLEGE

ANNA DAVIS 2018 - TRACK

HARRY WARD 2017 - SOCCER

ISABEAU KEENE 2019 - DIVING

GEORGE TABI (‘02) - REINHARDT COLLEGE

SWIMMING

MICHAEL VAN HOOSER (‘17) - MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

MONTGOMERY DAMPIER (‘22) - GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JOHN LUKE GALLAGHER (‘16) - U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

BASS FISHING

NORAH GRISWOLD (‘19) - SMITH COLLEGE

MARSHALL HARRELSON (‘19) - YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE

VIRGINIA GRISWOLD (‘19) - SMITH COLLEGE

MARSHALL WILLIAMS (‘20) - EMMANUEL COLLEGE

ISABEAU KEENE (‘19) - FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY (DIVING) RACHEL NICHOLS (‘15) - MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

CHEERLEADING ELLEN BESIER (‘14) - MERCER UNIVERSITY

TENNIS

MISSY JARROT (‘70) - NORTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

JOSHUA BERGER (‘07) - CORNELL COLLEGE

JENNIFER KULOW (‘16) - UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA

BECKY FAIN (‘77) - GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE

SUBIN PARK (‘12) - MERCER UNIVERSITY

JAVIER DE CLAIRE (‘13) - MARION MILITARY ACADEMY

CELINE SEGUIN (‘15) - BERRY COLLEGE

GUIGA KASABKOJIAN (‘16) - COASTAL GEORGIA COLLEGE

MICHELLE THEVENIN (‘18) - BOSTON UNIVERSITY

MIKE KEMP (‘69) - GAINESVILLE JUNIOR COLLEGE CHUCK NUNN (‘78) - TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY/ATP TENNIS

CYCLING

PROFESSIONAL (‘82-’85) & WIMBLEDON QUALIFIER (‘85)

CHRIS PIC (‘88) - GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY/PROFESSIONAL & OLYMPIC CYCLIST (‘92-’04)

TRACK & FIELD & CROSS COUNTRY MARIAM ABDULLAH (‘08) - WINTHROP UNIVERSITY ETHAN BESIER (‘16) - COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY ANNA DAVIS (‘18) - DAVIDSON COLLEGE JAMES DAVIS (‘16) - DAVIDSON COLLEGE PERRY GRESHAM (‘18) - SEWANEE-UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH MASHA GRIZHEBOVSKAYA (‘14) - ST. OLAF UNIVERSITY ALEX HUBBARD (‘03) - CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY DESTINEE JOHNSON (‘10) - EMMANUEL COLLEGE ZAKIYA KELLY (‘04) - BRENAU UNIVERSITY

MAGGIE JACKSON 2021 - GOLF

DANIEL LAMPL 2007 - BASKETBALL

BRANDON MBABA (‘11) - GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MACY MURDOCK (‘22) - BERRY COLLEGE

FOOTBALL

ZATRICK PEARCE (‘17) - AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY

TIM CRENSHAW (‘70) - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

EVAN PRINCE (‘22) - U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

RALPH DANIEL (‘67) - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

SIMEON RESPRESS (‘21) - ANDERSON UNIVERSITY VALENCIA WHALEY (‘02) - MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE

GOLF BRINSON HALL (‘21) - TROY UNIVERSITY

VOLLEYBALL

MAGGIE JACKSON (‘21) - WOFFORD COLLEGE

ABBY CARLAN (‘21) - TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY KATY CORBETT (‘21) - MERCER UNIVERSITY (BEACH VOLLEYBALL)

LACROSSE DESTINEE JOHNSON (‘10) - EMMANUEL COLLEGE

27

FAREWELL LETTER

GAIL H. CANTRELL

D

espite the challenges of the pandemic, the faculty and staff at Tallulah Falls School have continued to provide our students with the best college preparatory experience possible, with graduates earning millions in college scholarships.

We continue to produce successful, happy students. We have a wireless campus, on-campus college joint enrollment classes and a beautiful campus.

We paid off the note on the mens’ dorm and built a spectacular natatorium.

I am proud of the quality of our academic program, but also the family atmosphere that provides such a supportive environment for every student.

Our academic success and strong character development program will make an impact that will reach worldwide.

Tallulah Falls School is fortunate to have a dedicated and highly committed board of trustees comprised of local leaders and leaders from across the state.

These leaders will create a legacy of consistency, reliability and loyalty.

Both student and faculty performance speak well for the school’s future. Our reputation is far-reaching, and students feel confident and optimistic about the future beyond their education at TFS.

Academics are undoubtedly strong, but TFS athletics teams and fine arts programs are also experiencing tremendous successes. I don’t know of many places where you can swim, ride a horse, play several types of team and individual sports, perform on stage, make a dessert, play a musical instrument, shoot an air rifle, or cook barbecue on the same day!

As chair of the board, I have learned something about where life takes us, about myself and my responsibilities as a leader. I have also learned that students, faculty and staff will work hard to achieve the high standards that are expected at TFS. Their greatest accomplishment is developing an attitude that will benefit and serve all humanity.

An excellent education leads to a lifetime of success, and I steadfastly believe you get that experience at Tallulah Falls School.

Gail H. Cantrell

CHAIR, TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-22

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On the Slopes SNAPSHOTS OF TFS SKI DAYS

TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL P.O. Box 10 Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573

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PAID

PERMIT #82 GAINESVILLE, GA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Parents of alumni: If this issue is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Executive Director for Advancement of the new mailing address at (706) 839-2021 or sonya.smith@tallulahfalls.org.

summer camps

BASKETBALL BASEBALL SOCCER SWIM CLINICS LEARN TO SWIM TENNIS VOLLEYBALL

at tallulah falls school

ACADEMIC + SPORTS CAMPS COMING TO TFS SUMMER OF 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT TALLULAHFALLS.ORG.