2013 Wesleyan Fall Magazine - 50th Anniversary

W ESLEYA N t h e m a g a z i n e o f w e s l e ya n s c h o o l

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volume x, issue i

FALL 2013

ADMINISTRATION Zach Young HEADMASTER Ramona Blankenship ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

WESLEYAN The Magazine of Wesleyan School • Volume X, Issue I

Chris Cleveland ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ADVANCEMENT Matt Cole EXECUTIVE HEADMASTER FOR MAJOR GIFTS & PLANNED GIVING Joy Wood LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Sidney Tucker MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Sean Casey HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Billy Coxhead DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE Meg Foster DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS Marc Khedouri DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Mari Beth King DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Greg Lisson DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN LIFE Chad McDaniel DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Brian Morgan DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

WESLEYAN Magazine is published by the Communications Department of Wesleyan School and printed by Bennett Graphics.

Chris Cleveland ASSISTANT HEADMASTER FOR ADVANCEMENT Chad McDaniel DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Alice Macgill COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Mamie McIntosh GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS Meagan Brooker Betty Ann Connor Heidi Lloyd Brian L. Morgan PROOFREADERS Cathy Binion Tim Blue Kendra Morris FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Brian L. Morgan Special appreciation goes out to the alumni, faculty, parents, and staff of Wesleyan School whose contributions make this magazine successful.

Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy within this magazine.

However, please notify Chad McDaniel, Director of Communications, of any errors or omissions and accept our sincere apologies.

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LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER 79 WESLEYAN AMBASSADORS Through his unique perspective, Zach Young shares his memories of the process and the people involved in building a campus to serve our growing school.

12 FEATURES: THE HISTORY

OF CAMPUS Pictures tell the story of how far we’ve come since 1963 and how our Peachtree Corners campus has been transformed through expansion.

28 SNAPSHOTS OF SCHOOL LIFE Take a walk down memory lane with this pictorial perspective of Wesleyan student life through the years. Special “Then & Now” comparisons highlight how much things have changed – and how much they’ve stayed the same!

Lesley Gentry explains the important role that student ambassadors play in the admissions process and shares notes of appreciation from prospective parents.

89 FACULTY NEWS Enjoy profiles of faculty members, three inspirational summer sabbatical experiences, and family news.

102 CLASS NOTES Catch up on alumni news – including weddings, births, and Athletic and Fine Arts Circle of Honor inductees.

74 WELCOME NEW STUDENTS Wesleyan welcomes new students for the 2013-14 school year.

CONTENTS 2 LETTERS|WELCOME 12 FEATURES 28 SCHOOL LIFE 48 CHRISTIAN LIFE 54 FINE ARTS 60 ATHLETICS 89 FACULTY NEWS 102 ALUMNI

Our Mission:

Wesleyan’s mission is to be a Christian school of academic excellence by providing each student a diverse college preparatory education guided by Christian principles and beliefs; by challenging and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit; and by developing responsible stewardship in our changing world.

photography by Brian L. Morgan

welcome

Zach Young Headmaster

Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Wesleyan,

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This year’s magazines will focus on celebrating Wesleyan’s 50th anniversary. From its founding as a pre-school in 1963 in Sandy Springs United Methodist Church (originally as Wesleyan Day School) to its current iteration on 85 acres in Peachtree Corners, our school has a miraculous history. This issue will look at our past, from the early days in Sandy Springs to the last 18 years as I have experienced it.

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My memories of the school are filled with miracles: miracles of people, miracles of money, miracles of unlikely events, and just miracles of God’s role in creating and sustaining this place.

Eighteen years ago, Wesleyan was in a tight spot. Following the lead of its neighbor, Holy Innocents’, the school desired to create a high school, and thereby a K-12 school, but, unlike HIES, on a new site. The Wesleyan board had signed a divestiture agreement with Sandy Springs UMC to leave for a new, as-yet undetermined campus by July of 1996, the summer of the Atlanta Olympics. The Headmaster, Barbara Adler, had given her notice of resignation. The small board of trustees under Raymond Walker’s leadership as Chairman was looking for both a new Head and land for the expanded school. They had promised the parents that the new property would be within a 5-mile radius of the Mt. Vernon Highway church. The former Sandy Springs High School just across the street did not work out when the Birmingham-based Bruno’s grocery store chain outbid the school for the land. After announcing the availability of 29 acres on the Chattahoochee River, this land proved to be undevelopable. Old Roswell High School also failed to be the answer. In hindsight, none of these locations would have been satisfactory for the school, and it is not hard to see now why God closed those doors. Instead, He opened a window.

Dan Cowart was a residential developer in and around what is now Peachtree Corners. He had visions of creating a Christian school in the area (and thereby improving property values) to be funded by the association fees of his subdivisions. He had purchased the original 53 acres of the land on which the school presently sits with this in mind. He even had a name for it: Washington and Lee Academy, a name that was later greatly discouraged when its Lexington, Virginia counterpart got wind of the idea.

It is here that the spooky connection to me and my background began to develop. Dan hired Donn Gaebelein, the former President of Westminster and my mentor, to serve as a consultant for him on the development of this new school. Gaebelein had hired me in 1980 from SunTrust to start a development office at Westminster. He later encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in education to make me a viable candidate to replace him at Westminster when he retired. In 1988-89, I was granted a sabbatical at Westminster to attend Harvard for this purpose, returning to Westminster afterwards. Within a year, Gaebelein surprisingly announced his retirement at the age of 62. The school announced a national search to determine his successor. I was one of several candidates that were interviewed, but Bill Clarkson of the Potomac School in Washington, D.C. was chosen to succeed Donn.

Gaebelein himself had moved to Atlanta to help Bill Pressley begin Westminster in 1951. Just as Wesleyan School in Norcross grew from Wesleyan Day School in Sandy Springs, so Westminster had come into being on the heels of the decision to close North Avenue Presbyterian School, an all-girls school

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Raymond Walker & Zach Young in the summer of 1996 at the new campus in Norcross

(from which my mother had graduated) associated with the Presbyterian church of the same name. Both Gaebelein and Pressley had been at McCallie in Chattanooga, where Dr. Pressley had been Co-Headmaster with his brother-in-law. After serving as high school principal during the ‘50’s and early ‘60’s, Gaebelein returned to his alma mater, Stoney Brook (a Christian boarding school on Long Island), to become its Headmaster. He returned to Westminster in 1976 to assume the same role there.

Right about then, a colleague, long-time friend, and the then high school principal at Westminster, Charlie Breithaupt, interviewed for the Headmaster position at Wesleyan. Seeing the challenge, he unselfishly recommended that their board speak with me because of my background in fundraising. At the mention of my name, Raymond Walker, Wesleyan’s board chair at the time, made the connection that I was the same Zach Young who had attended UVA with him in the early ‘70’s. In fact, I had rushed Raymond for my fraternity, though he ended up joining another. We had not seen each other since then, but God was about to bring us together again at Wesleyan.

I felt at the time, and still do, that God had uniquely prepared me for this opportunity. My wife, Studie, was rightfully skeptical until we drove out to the proposed campus, stood on a pile of dirt (now the location of Donn Gaebelein Field for baseball), and noticed the Stone Brook name on the entrance sign at Spalding Drive. Apparently, this was the name chosen (prior to Cowart’s acquisition) for the site to be developed as apartments or, perhaps, a new office complex for Technology Park. Stoney Brook, of course, was the name of the Christian school started on Long Island by Donn Gaebelein’s grandfather early in the last century. We took this “coincidence” as a sign of God’s providence and Wesleyan’s lineal descendency from there to McCallie in Chattanooga, to Westminster in Buckhead, and now to Wesleyan in Norcross. This would be the continuation of a common theme in history, where something entirely new would be birthed by what had come before, but in a new incarnation.

The Wesleyan Headmaster job was offered to me in January of 1996, and I began working with the small board of trustees at night. I continued my responsibilities at Westminster during the day until my first full day at the Sandy Springs campus of Wesleyan Day School on April Fools’ Day. These night meetings in the Hitson Center on Mt. Vernon Highway

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I was in a tough spot at the time, thinking that my unsuccessful candidacy meant I had to leave Westminster. After consultation with friends on the board of trustees who encouraged me to stay, and having no Plan B, I decided to do so. The next four years at Westminster were difficult as the school wrestled with a number of issues, including the Christian-only hiring policy. The make-up of the board of trustees was changing, and there were internal board challenges about the leadership of the school. The administrative leadership at the school was changing, and the atmosphere was unsettled.

The Wesleyan opportunity was a godsend for me. The task ahead for Wesleyan looked impossible. Nevertheless, being part of it could be an opportunity for me to remain in Atlanta and use my experience and contacts gained over my 24 combined years at SunTrust and Westminster to make something new happen.

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are a vivid memory of our trying to plan the physical move to Norcross and all the construction that would be necessary. Raymond Walker and trustees Bronson Smith, Sherri Austin, Bob Trusty, Bruce MacEwen, Alice Ramsey and Rob Binion, along with a representative from Sandy Springs UMC met almost nightly to interview architects and contractors and to review and revise plans. We set strategy for everything from admissions to fund raising to hiring and/or retaining faculty. Betty Crawford was a trustee at the time, too, but was undergoing treatment for cancer and could not attend these meetings.

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Sometime before 1996, Wesleyan Day School had hired Gwen Cleghorn to advise them in the process of Above: Gwen Cleghorn & Zach Young becoming accredited by the Southern Association of Below: Studie Young on Wesleyan’s campus in 1996 Colleges and Schools (SACS). Gwen was a long-time friend from Sandy Springs and chose other private or public schools. and colleague at Westminster. She left the school a few years People inquiring about admission naturally wanted to know before I did, but continued her rich involvement in the inde- what and whom we were counting on to create the campus. pendent school arena of Atlanta through board memberships Where, after all, would the money come from? This, of course, and consulting. In order for Wesleyan to create a K-12 school was a very good question, the answer to which was that it would by adding a high school, our best chance at success was to hire mostly have to come from the families who would use it. In someone to give the school instant academic credibility. It is other words: “You!” one of Wesleyan’s miracles that Gwen agreed to accept my offer to join Wesleyan as the first principal of the fledgling high The three main questions to be answered at the time were: (1) school. Gwen lives less than a half-mile from me and we would Could we open on time?, (2) Was there a market in the area for often drive together to the various Wesleyan meet-and-greet the Christian school we envisioned?, and (3) Could we attract events. We hoped that these meetings would create confidence the necessary capital to develop the property? in Wesleyan for those making decisions about remaining, as well as those who might be applying for the first time. It seemed In May of 1996, we broke ground on what would become to work, but not in the way that I or the trustees had expected. Marchman Gymnasium and began clearing the land for the Modular Education Units that would follow to create the In the 1995-96 school year, Wesleyan enrolled 412 students campus. (These MEUs would later be referred to as “trailers” in all grades, including a few in the very small 9th and 10th when we were at the point where we wanted to get rid of them.) grades. The trustees had based all their financial projections School would open after Labor Day to give us the maximum on a student body population of 449 at the new location in amount of time for construction. This was the summer of the Norcross. The thinking, therefore, was that the school would Atlanta Olympics. Many questions existed about the amount not only move, but it would simultaneously grow. Of course, of construction work that might be accomplished during this at the time of these projections, the new property had nothing unique time in the life of our area. Thanks to New South man-made on it except the road and the retention pond. Every Construction, work continued apace without interruption and day during the admissions season was a roller coaster ride. Many we opened on time with 556 students, about 250 of whom families did not want to make the commute to the new campus had come with us from Sandy Springs. We had inexplicably

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Left: The MEU corridors Left Bottom: Blake Rogers ’06 & Peter Karempelis ’06 in the MEU lunchroom Above: Longtime employee Lucille Wrenn served in many roles during her Wesleyan tenure including admissions director, nurse & secretary.

encourage the amazingly high volume of applications we received. The big remaining elephant in the room was whether we could attract sufficient capital to give the campus the permanence it needed in order to flourish.

exceeded our ambitious enrollment goal, ensuring a surplus of revenues in that first year. We also had more students new to the school than those who moved with us from Sandy Springs.

Yet, here we were, a new school in an underserved and growing area, successfully relocated with lots of trailers and a small gym (with a stage!), and with a good piece of land with two entrances and exits and a lake. We’d opened on time, and we’d seen by our final enrollment that there was a market for the school. I will always be grateful for the warm, nurturing atmosphere in admissions that Lucille Wrenn and Bobbie Lencke created to

The first major gift that gave us a measure of encouragement came from the Glenn Austin, Sr. family. Glenn Austin, Sr. was perhaps the most encouraging person I met as it relates to the establishment of Wesleyan. His daughter-in-law, Sherri, was a member of the board for many years. They made the first significant commitment to the first campaign and the chapel was named for Mr. Austin. When he died fairly soon thereafter, Wesleyan lost one of its greatest advocates. He would have been so proud to see the school today.

Two brothers, Stiles and Sammy Kellett, also played major roles in the early days at Wesleyan. With little prospect of their own grandchildren ever attending the school because of their Buckhead roots, both gave significantly because of the Christian nature of the school, expecting nothing in return. Marchman Gym is named for Stiles’ father-in-law, Vernon Marchman, who was a developer in this area back in the day with Jim Cowart and Malcolm Powell, two other good friends of the school and generous providers.

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Why people bet on us that first year to go to school in traileronly classrooms is another miracle. Our K-12 library was a quadruple-wide trailer. Our food service had no cooking capacity on campus, so all we could do was warm food that had been prepared elsewhere. As school food goes, it was at the lowest end of the scale. We had one rectangular playing field located where Wesley Hall is now. Our trailers were anchored to resist winds of up to 120 mph and all of the classrooms opened to the outside. Each four-trailer unit held four classrooms and there were no interior hallways or basements. In bad weather, it was a sprint to the central canopy walkway. Even there, the chance was real that you would get soaked anyway. There was no covered area for carpool either.

From the outset, there was no big money behind Wesleyan. In fact, our fund-raising counsel quit during the summer of 1996 because it was so unlikely we could be successful in raising the money to develop the school. We did not have enough names on our list of friends who could give at the levels necessary to build much of anything. Of course, they were right because they were well-aware of the money sources in Atlanta. But if God wants something to happen, you are playing by a different set of rules. That was the case with us as we pushed ahead on our own.

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Top & Bottom Left: Cleghorn Hall construction Above: Henderson Stadium

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The most significant break that occurred on the fundraising side was when an anonymous foundation gave us twice the amount we had asked of them. This was conditioned on our agreement to incur no debt in the construction of our high school building, which was later named Cleghorn Hall, our first permanent academic building. This foundation has continued to support the school generously through the years even through several foundation chairmen and board changes, and is a primary reason the school was able to accelerate its development. Their gifts were always couched in terms of a challenge to complete the campaign at hand with their gift counting as the last portion needed to make the goal. Their gifts were paid at once, too, eliminating the temptation to borrow, something they clearly discouraged.

Other major donors have done extraordinary things for Wesleyan, particularly Drada and Duane Hoover, Donna and Jim Stephenson, Duffie DuBose, Beverly and Don Chapman, and Lynne and Bill Warren. The other names around the campus next to doors and on walls give evidence to most of them. Were I to recount them all here, I would likely leave someone out who deserves mention. Maybe someday I will write a book and speak about them then. For the curious, their names are listed on the wall in Gillfillan Hall, named for another prominent and generous family.

Malcolm and Musette Powell were also among the early benefactors of the school. In 1996, while we were trying to raise the money for Cleghorn Hall, Malcolm came forward with the idea of proceeding with the football stadium. (Several building projects have come about unexpectedly in the same way. The natatorium and tennis courts come to mind.) Malcolm wanted to name the stadium for his best friend, Russ Henderson, who had died the previous summer. Russ had been an athlete in his youth in Baltimore, and, it turned out, had attended UVA where he had played both football and lacrosse. When his widow, Eleanore, was introduced to me, she gave me a copy of his obituary so I could get a better idea of his life. Absent from the obituary but mentioned by Eleanore as a key part of his college experience was his fraternity, Zeta Psi, which was also my fraternity. This was another “God-wink” since He had also used the fraternity as a way to initially connect me with Raymond Walker.

Another example of fundraising going in a surprising direction was the start of the missions program. Raymond Walker, our board chair, was heavily involved in HOCI, a Honduras-based missions facility, and he wanted to find a way to involve Wesleyan. It came when we approached Deenie McKeever for support for a capital campaign. Deenie wasn’t, at the time, interested in our building or endowment projects, but she was very

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Above: Students & Faculty celebrate having raised 90% of the Raise the Roof Capital Campaign funds.

Left: Students Alan Marsh ’00, Jenny Cartwright Binner ’02, Ryan Williams ’00 & Dana Birnie ’01 posed with faculty members Gavin Bradley & Will Jackson for a capital campaign ad.

much interested in advancing the idea of missions. She made a gift designated for this purpose. It was the “mustard seed” that began what is now a hallmark program at the school. Each year, hundreds of Wesleyan students and faculty go on schoolsponsored mission trips during spring and summer vacations.

Overall, the fund-raising at Wesleyan was miraculous. Unexpected people stepped forward each time to fill the breach left by previous donors who no longer had the capacity or inclination to continue their support. Through five campaigns, we always designed the projects with stopping points if we needed to come back later to complete them if we hadn’t raised enough money. Every time we were able to do all that we’d hoped for.

One of Wesleyan’s current qualities is its lack of debt. When the school began though, we, along with other schools, saw an opportunity to arbitrage debt in a way that would actually allow us to make money that we ultimately intended to use to build our endowment as well as pay the costs associated with issuing the bonds. The scheme was simple: borrow at a tax-free rate, invest the cash from pledge payments at market rates and

Wesleyan never intended to take any market risk on the dollars it collected on pledges to pay back its debt. We stayed away from the stock market and any instrument that could not be monetized within 30 days. One such investment was “auction rate securities”. There were several manifestations of “auction rate securities”. Rather than go into the weedy details about this form of investment, the risk of losing corpus was completely underrated and misunderstood by those who sold it. Each week, these securities went to market and the interest rate they paid was re-set based on market trends. The “auction” was always fully-subscribed by those in the market who purchased such instruments, mostly the nation’s largest financial institutions.

Then, in February 2009, an auction failed. It became known that three or four of the large banks that had been propping up the market and assuring that the auctions succeeded had dropped out in the wake of the 2008 mortgage crisis.

At the time of the failed auction, Wesleyan had $48 million invested in these securities to offset about $57 million in outstanding bonds. We had pledges outstanding to pay the difference. All we needed was time to collect them. The failure of the auction meant that there was no longer a market for these investment instruments. In order to monetize them, anyone in need of the cash immediately was forced to sell them at a steep discount to someone willing either to take on the risk that the market would recover, or hold the instruments to term, some as

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One of the former trustees for whom I am most grateful was Neal Freeman. Neal seemed to always be there at impasses. “I’ll do it,” was his frequent response when something needed to be done but the money was short. One example was the concrete cart path from the Wesleyan Annex to the central campus mall behind Yancey Gym. We realized that we needed this access during a capital campaign but didn’t have the money. After Neal agreed to make it happen, we named the path Freeman Trail. Neal had us take down the sign we had installed, but internally we still refer to it by that name. What a blessing he was as a Wesleyan trustee, and for more reasons than the funding of projects. Neal sold the community on Wesleyan and when he brought a family to the school, they made a positive difference in every case. With Neal’s endorsement, the admissions process for a child was almost perfunctory.

earn a spread on the money. Each bond was for 20 years (we did three of them), and we collected the money well in advance of the time when payments were due. This worked for 11 or 12 years. Eventually, though, the market changed and the 1%+ spread began to narrow. Wesleyan never borrowed more than we in had in gifts and pledges, so we felt safe because the corpus was safe. If we had to pay back what we owed, we could pay back almost all of it because we had the money invested conservatively. Then the financial crash of 2008 occurred, and our world was turned upside-down.

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far out as the 2030’s. To make matters worse, the securities were comprised of bank loans that had been bundled together from banks all over the country. It was impossible to determine the credit-worthiness of the loans, and the banks themselves were failing at alarming rates.

From February of 2009 through that summer, the situation only became worse. Wesleyan could have sold the $48 million in bonds for perhaps $20 million or less. That would have meant a loss of about $28 million of money that had been set aside to pay back our own bonds totaling $57 million.

Our choices in that scenario would have been limited: raise $28 million again to pay the debt or eventually go into default and turn the school over the bank to operate or sell. For the Wesleyan Board, Billy Coxhead, Matt Cole, and me, it was an all-consuming crisis.

What would we do if the bank would not buy back these securities that they had recommended and sold to us? In the end, that is what happened. Had it not, we would be facing a completely different set of challenges today and the viability of Wesleyan as a school would be in question. Once enough pledges had been paid to pay off the balance of debt, we did. Now we have no debt. It’s easy to understand why.

One of the most interesting developments in the school’s history has been the athletic program. We have been more successful than we could have imagined, all because of the teacher-coaches we have been able to attract. Jan Azar came to us to begin the girls basketball program from Pace, where she had been an assistant. Ted Russell moved to Atlanta from Florida to take over

the leadership of our volleyball program. Will Jackson, our first head football coach and athletic director, came to Wesleyan from Dunwoody High School, where he had been a career assistant. And, although affiliated with fine arts, Jeff Foster, our marching band director, and his counterpart in middle school, Ruthie Colegrove (both former members of the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band), have done more than we could have ever expected in this aspect of the performing arts, part of which is in support of athletics. The school spirit they have helped engender is unmatched!

There was never any question in my mind that we would have a football team because of the communitybuilding atmosphere that football provides at the start of school each year. No fall fair or soccer season can match the allure, involvement, and excitement of Friday night lights. Football does not just attract fans of the game but also the parents and friends of cheerleaders, band members, and color guard performers. It happens at the same time every week in the fall and becomes part of the routine for many in all grades at a K-12 school, not just those in high school.

It was surprising to me that so many small schools at the time did not understand the desirability of football to build community. In 1996, almost all of the Class A independent schools were members of a fall soccer league. Many of these schools were members of GISA, the private school league.

Wesleyan broke from this mold and joined the Georgia High School Association as soon as we could in order to compete against both public and private schools. In addition to the development of the Wesleyan campus, other schools took note Above: The Wesleyan community at a 2013 football game

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Left Top: Yancey Gymnasium with the Chippendale railing Left Bottom: The front porch of Warren Hall Above: Cast stone inserts on the exterior of the Fine Arts Building

of our contrarian ways and the overall success the school was experiencing. It was not long before more private schools our size and larger began to see the wisdom behind football. Over the next decade, the fall soccer league became a thing of the past as almost all the non-football schools jumped into the gridiron fray. Wesleyan was the catalyst for this revolution.

Aside from its Christian mission and its penchant for athletic success, Wesleyan also became known for its beautiful campus.

Marchman Gym, our first building, was built on a shoestring with little architectural detail, and our first academic building, Cleghorn Hall, might have fared similarly if not for Jim Chapman of Chapman, Coyle, Chapman Architects. I had worked with Jim during my years at Westminster, and it was a great comfort to describe details to him that he immediately understood. My description of what we wanted the new school

Several other buildings on the campus have stories behind their design. I was particularly sensitive to the back of the buildings and asked Jim if he could make them not look that way, but rather more like a European town. His asymmetric design to accomplish this along our road is a triumph of interesting detail and functionality and yet the front of the buildings facing the quadrangle are all masterfully symmetrical.

Other buildings were designed to say one thing and be another.

The Davidson Natatorium was at the far end of our beautiful practice fields and therefore lent itself to a barn motif. Warren Hall was designed to resemble the welcome center in Jasper, Alberta, Canada, after my family’s trip to the area. The idea of making it resemble a park lodge with a front porch and rocking chairs suggested that someone would read you a story if you climbed up in their lap. The programming elements of Yancey Gym resulted in an octagon shape. As a fan of the architecture of Thomas Jefferson, I was aware that his retreat away from Monticello in Lynchburg, Poplar Forest, was an octagon. Therefore, the front of our gym has a residential feel.

It mimics the front façade of Jefferson’s second home, complete with columns, fan window, and Chippendale railing.

Because the fine arts building is so traditional in its exterior, you have to look closely to see the details that indicate what is inside. On each corner are four cast stone inserts that represent different aspects of the visual and performing arts. When

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The apex of the school’s athletic success was certainly the calendar year 2008. During that 12-month period, Wesleyan won state championships in the four major team sports: boys basketball, girls basketball, baseball, and football. I do not believe this had ever been done before, and it was the result of the confluence of some very unlikely events. There are too many unusual stories behind so many of the players who comprised those teams and how they ended up or remained at Wesleyan to recount them all, but the coaches and players know. For me and others at the school, it was like winning the lottery multiple times.

to look like was a combination of church, school, and home.

When he first came up with his interpretation of that concept as expressed in Cleghorn Hall, I was sure that his inspiration came from the Georgia Tech dormitories along the connector.

Later he told me that his model was actually Spring Hill, the mortuary on Spring Street!

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Gillfillan was built to complete the central campus mall, the brick was taken off Marchman and the two buildings were joined to create - as best we could - the look that the administrative building and attached gym had been built at the same time. One difference between this building and the others on campus is the pattern of the brick. All other buildings on campus are “running bond”, while Gillfillan is “Flemish bond,” a fancier, “full-brick-half-brick” style.

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Of course, we could not have built all that comprises Wesleyan without the land. Dan Cowart’s original bargain sale of 53 acres is now over 85 acres, a 60% increase in the footprint in 17 years.

Wesleyan is so fortunate to have had the contiguous, developable land that we do. We are one of fewer than 20 schools in our state to have a swimming pool on campus. We now have adequate practice and playing fields for our spring sports and we have perhaps the most beautiful cross country course in the state. We have lights for softball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse, and all are on the same campus. The availability of land to purchase has been fortuitous and can only be described as God-ordained. The purchase of land and houses for the natatorium, the administrative residences, the upper lake fields, the tennis courts, and the Wesleyan Annex has been essential to the development of the school. In every case, barriers could have arisen to block or delay our progress, but each time God opened doors for us to step through in His perfect timing.

Left: Psalm 24:1 carved into the entrance to Wesley Hall Above: The crest carved into Gillfillan Hall

My father convinced me early in my life that timing was paramount in every decision. The timing of the people God brought to this place has been remarkable. I have mentioned a few already. There is a good story behind all of the people God has brought here to work to create this place. Any list that I might create here of the miraculous people who have made up the cast of Wesleyan’s teachers, administrators, and student-influencers would be incomplete. It is simply impossible to name them all.

It would be the rare graduate of Wesleyan who could not name someone from the school who helped to positively shape their life and future path. Some made their mark in only a few years here, while others have stayed and grown with the school.

The stories behind how families were attracted to Wesleyan and decided to come (and stay!) are equally amazing. Bob Worthington, a Wesleyan trustee, tells the story regularly about deciding on Wesleyan before the school moved from Sandy Springs.

Here was a guy who grew up on the Baylor School campus in Chattanooga and knew what a real school looked like. Yet he chose to invest his time and money in this little fledgling enterprise for all three of his children. In the early years at the school, Clark Walker, Raymond Walker’s older child, was our

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Above: The JOY banner in the outfield of softball’s Agape Field Right: A Psalm 24 verse carved into the entrance to the Fine Arts Building

best athlete in middle school. He applied to Marist and was accepted, but decided to stay here and help build something.

That decision by that eighth grader was so encouraging at the time, and set the stage for others to remain.

In Christ,

Zach Young Headmaster

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The story of Eric Strong ’08 may best typify the miraculous ways that God worked to bring unlikely people to Wesleyan.

Eric lived in the Stephenson High School district but his parents were keen on his receiving a Christian high school education. Eric was accepted, and two of his best friends who would have attended Stephenson became interested in Wesleyan because of Eric. Pretty soon, we had admitted into ninth grade not only Eric, but also Al-Farouq Aminu and Howard Thompkins ’08, both of whom would later go on to play in the NBA. Tanner Smith ’08 transferred to Wesleyan that same year from Woodward because of his parents’ desire for him to be closer to home in high school. Although AlFarouq left Wesleyan in tenth grade and Howard left his junior year (but returned as a senior), for a time, we had a basketball team with three future professional players! No wonder Sports Illustrated recognized Wesleyan for having one of the best athletic programs in the nation that year!

My first full day at Wesleyan was April 1, 1996. It has always struck me as an appropriate time to have begun such an unlikely success story. A friend in the executive search business once asked me if Wesleyan had used professional counsel in hiring me. Learning that they hadn’t, he replied that he would never have recommended me for this position. His reasoning was that I was unlikely to succeed here. He reasoned that since I was coming from a place of great abundance at Westminster and entering a place of stark scarcity at Wesleyan, it was not a scenario that predicted success. The reality, of course, is that what seems impossible for man is possible for God. Like a camel going through the eye of a needle, God wanted this place to be here to serve students and families, and He made it happen. It has been my greatest pleasure to experience His presence here over the last 18 years.

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history | campus THE HISTORY OF

Campus 1963 - 1995

Sandy Springs United Methodist Church served as the home of Wesleyan Day School & Pre-School.

Above Left: The Hitson Center across the street from Sandy Springs United Methodist Church housed 3rd-10th grades as Wesleyan Day School began to grow.

Top Right: Sandy Springs United Methodist Church housed kindergarten-2nd grades.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Top Right Bottom: The Wesleyan Children’s Center served as the after school care building.

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Above: Barbara Adler, head of school 1988-1996. The previous directors of the school were Shirley Gantt, 19721983 & Joyce MacPhee, 1984-1987.

Above: This first proposed campus map was mailed in the fall of 1995 to Wesleyan Day School parents along with the new school’s strategic plan, in an effort to encourage families to make the move with the school to the new campus.

history | campus

1995-1996

Raymond Walker named chairman of the board of trustees The name of the school changed from Wesleyan Day School to Wesleyan School 53-acre site selected for new school Zach Young named headmaster, effective April 1, 1996 Wesleyan moved to Norcross. Modular Education Units (trailers) installed Marchman Gymnasium, the first permanent building on campus, completed

Right: The 53-acre site–originally designed to be an office park–before it was developed Below: New headmaster Zach Young gave Wesleyan Day School students a first look at their new campus.

Marchman Gymnasium was under construction.

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history | campus

The first year at the new campus!

1996-1997

School opened at the Norcross campus Mary Jane Ritchie named lower school principal Gwen Cleghorn named middle & high school principal & dean of academics The first capital campaign, The Campaign for Wesleyan, announced Tom Wingate named assistant headmaster & dean of students for grades 5-11

Above: Principal Gwen Cleghorn & Headmaster Zach Young addressed students & parents in Marchman Gymnasium on the first day of school.

Left & Right: Original campus signs

1997-1998

Cleghorn Hall, which housed high school classrooms & Austin Chapel, completed First graduating class

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Serve His League, a student service organization, was created

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Sidney Anderson Tucker named middle school principal Brian Kennerly named high school principal Varsity sports competed in the GHSA for the first time

history | campus

Left: Headmaster Zach Young, Lower School Principal Mary Jane Ritchie, High School Principal Brian Kennerly, Middle School Principal Sidney Anderson Tucker, Gwen Cleghorn & Admissions Director Bobbie Lencke celebrated the dedication ceremony of Cleghorn Hall.

Above: A 1997 shot of campus. The MEUs (trailers) were where the current baseball field is located.

1998-1999 Hoover Center, Henderson Stadium & Robinson Field completed First Homecoming First Junior-Senior Prom Matt Cole named director of development. His title later changed to executive headmaster for major gifts & planned giving.

Kathy Benson named dean of faculty First Artist Market Curley Tennis Courts completed. Their original location was where Yancey Gymnasium now stands.

First region championship won by girls tennis

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Top: Curley Tennis Courts in their original location Bottom: Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Binion with Matt Cole

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history | campus

1999-2000 Purchased 12 acres of adjacent land from Technology Park Launched Raise the Roof Capital Campaign First marching band took the field The first mission team served in Honduras during the summer of 2000

Right: Campus signs that were in place until Fall 2013

2000-2001 Wesley Hall completed. This building houses middle & high school classrooms, Powell Theater, Dubose Dining Hall & Chapman Library.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

First Wesleyan state championship won by girls tennis

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history | campus

2002-2003 Warren Hall completed Chris Cleveland named middle school principal

Above and Below: Warren Hall

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Left: Chris Cleveland & Marc Khedouri

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history | campus

2003-2004 Davidson Natatorium completed

2004-2005 Complete the Campus Capital Campaign begun Chris Cleveland named high school principal Ramona Blankenship named middle school principal Brian Kennerly named assistant headmaster

2005-2006 Joy Wood named lower school principal Baseball’s Gaebelein Field completed

Above: 2004-05 administrators: Chris Cleveland, high school principal; Matt Cole, assistant headmaster for development; Zach Young, headmaster; Brian Kennerly, assistant headmaster for external affairs; Mary Jane Ritchie, lower school principal; Ramona Blankenship, middle school principal; & Kathy Benson, assistant headmaster for academic affairs

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Below: Gaebelein Field

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history | campus

2006-2007 Yancey Gymnasium completed The Fine Arts Building completed Gillfillan Hall completed Athletic & Fine Arts Circles of Honor created The last MEU classrooms removed from campus

Above: Yancey Gymnasium Left: The Fine Arts Building

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Top: Aerial view of campus in 2005

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history | campus

Above: The Morris-Fletcher Quandrangle was designed to serve as the official entrance to campus Right: Gillfillan Hall–the administration building

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

In the spring of 2007, the last of the Modular Education Unit classrooms were removed from campus. The last MEUs were in the lower school parking lot & housed art classes until the Fine Arts Building was completed. Rob Binion, architect Jim Chapman & Zach Young happily waved goodbye!

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history | campus

2010-2011 Chris Cleveland named assistant headmaster for external affairs. His title later changed to assistant headmaster for advancement.

Sean Casey named high school principal The Cub’s Den, Wesleyan’s on-site daycare for faculty children, created

2011-2012 Shared Blessings Capital Campaign begun

Top: Cub’s Den children in 2012 Middle: An aerial view of campus before construction began in 2013

2012-2013 Ramona Blankenship named assistant headmaster for academic affairs Sidney Tucker named middle school principal Zach Young announces his retirement at the end of the 2013-14 school year Chris Cleveland named headmaster for the 2014-15 school year

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Below: Warren Hall construction began in the fall of 2013. The addition will include a large meeting space, Cub’s Den rooms & a reading garden outside of the Dozier Library. Expected completion is Spring 2014.

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history | campus

Top Left: Two additional lake practice fields were completed during the summer of 2013. New features included lights for the lacrosse field & two beach volleyball courts.

Top Right: Four additional tennis courts were added as well as a viewing pavilion, storage & restrooms to complete the Curley-Strickland Tennis Courts.

All boys’ & girls’ tennis matches can now be played simultaneously making late start times a thing of the past.

Left: The Cleghorn Hall addition includes an expanded Austin Chapel with a bell tower. The chapel will now seat 625. The expected completion date is Spring 2014.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Other additions to campus include new computercontrolled entry gates to enhance campus security & two pressbox additions to Henderson Stadium.

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Campus Today...

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

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photography by Brian L. Morgan

welcome | board of trustees

Where it all Began Rob Binion Chairman, Board of Trustees

nstitutions all have a beginning in the desires of the people. People with needs create institutions with foundations that will persevere through the ages and address the demands of the community. The culture may fight against those institutions. There will always be unknowns and obstacles in creating something new, but the resolve of the constituents, bolstered by our Creator, usually determines the outcome.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2012

Sandy Springs United Methodist Church has a long and purposeful history in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. This excerpt from the church’s website describes the original church and the reason for its founding:

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“Amidst the strife and civil unrest of the 1840’s, a group of settlers around a “Sandy Spring” felt a need to begin a prayer meeting.

Although these families (Powers, Austin, Burdett, Spruill, Mitchell) were widely scattered in the area, they continued to meet regularly until September of 1848, when they invited the Reverend John W. Yarborough and Reverend John Hinton to come and preach a “revival” in the brush arbor which they had built as a place to meet and worship. It was at this meeting, the first “camp meeting” on the grounds, that the Sandy Springs community’s first church was founded. Sometime between 1849 and 1851, five acres were given

by Wilson Spruill and a log cabin was constructed, enabling the members to worship year-round for the first time. This structure also served as the community school.” - ssumc.org Wesleyan Day School was added as a ministry some 120 years later in 1963. The church schools of the previous century had, for the most part, been replaced by public schools. In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer and scripture reading from public schools, hence the need for private Christian schools that would keep prayer and scripture in the classroom. Our spiritual needs haven’t really changed since 1840, but where we worship and how we worship certainly has.

Under the leadership of Shirley Gantt and Barbara Adler, Wesleyan Day School, Inc. sought to expand to include a high school to meet the needs of the current school community. The school board was comprised of approximately thirty members, which included both church members and school parents, some of whom were not church members. The need to expand was based on the high demand by students matriculating through Wesleyan’s middle school who were finding very few openings in the Christian high schools in the North Atlanta market. But, expansion plans necessitated physical expansion and the need for additional land. Members of the board at that time sought to find suitable property in the vicinity of the church property, but this proved to be a frustrating and fruitless process for a number of years. As Wesleyan added students in anticipation of adding a high school, the church and school debated how to allocate the existing resources between the two. One memorable debate was whether the middle school basketball team or the Post apartment basketball league had priority over the use of the gymnasium! I don’t remember the outcome, but shortly thereafter the board agreed that the school and church needed to divest and that the school needed to focus on relocating the school campus.

In 1994, after the divestiture, Raymond Walker became chairman of the board of the new independent entity, Wesleyan School, Inc. In order to clarify its intentions and meet the demands and tight schedule required in the divestiture agreement, the board created a strategic plan and new school bylaws which focused on a mission statement dedicated to being a Christian school of academic excellence, the same mission we pursue today. Raymond, Sherry Austin, Betty Crawford, Jerry Daws, Bruce MacEwen, Alice Ramsey, Bronson Smith, and Bob Trusty were the original members of a lean and fleet board which set out to find land as their predecessors had 150 years prior. I joined the board in the summer of 1995. Dan Cowart gave the gift of land equity in Peachtree Corners for the new campus and joined the board in the fall of 1995.

welcome | board of trustees

In the meantime, Zach Young was serving as the assistant headmaster at Westminster and was ready for a new career challenge. I would emphatically say he found a challenge! In December of 1995, Zach and Studie, after prayerful consideration, yielded to a clear call from God, and they accepted the spiritual challenge of starting a new campus ten miles from the original location. The challenges and obstacles of the relocation were monumental. The unknowns included the questions of whether there was student and family demand that far from the home campus, whether there was capital in the new community sufficient to acquire the land and build the facilities, and whether or not the Christian mission would survive the cultural challenges. The board fought parental objections to the new location. Of the 425 students attending Wesleyan in Sandy Springs, 250 children relocated to the new campus. Three hundred new students joined them that first year for an opening enrollment of 556 total students.

As a remarkable anecdote and an example of God’s divine provision, descendants of at least two of the founding families of Sandy Springs UMC (mentioned in the www.ssumc.org excerpt), the Austin and Spruill families, were instrumental in the relocation of Wesleyan School to Peachtree Corners.

The ability to raise capital for the construction of the new campus was an absolute unknown for the board and Zach.

Raymond asked me to serve as the first chair of the development committee. I had very little experience in fundraising— almost none!—but was motivated by the faith and resolve of the board and community. Zach asked at the first board meeting who would be serving as the Development chair. As I raised my hand, Zach smiled confidently. His trust was in the Lord, not the board!

Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” - Deuteronomy 34:4

We hired a fundraising consultant to perform a feasibility study to determine how much money we could raise from our current community. The answer came back: not enough! Usually, after a feasibility study, the school retains the consultant to organize and implement the campaign. In this case we decided to charge ahead on our own since the consultant didn’t see how it could be done. But, God knew what could be done; through His love and will we are where we are today.

May God Bless,

From these original families of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church to the current families of Wesleyan School, it is apparent that the community desired a Christian faithbased organization to raise and educate their children. This is a timeless desire for God’s followers. The challenges of Wesleyan’s relocation were overcome by diligent prayer, wisdom inspired

by God’s word, and the will of God. Literally thousands of families have been encouraged by the intention of Wesleyan’s leadership over the past 50 years—and even the past 165 years—to pursue and build an institution that glorifies God our creator in the midst of cultural challenges.

Rob Binion

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2012

God led Moses to the Promised Land, yet he would not let him enter it. It is through the journey and not the destination that we learn of God’s love, and so it has been with the journey of Wesleyan School.

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features | history THE HISTORY OF A FAITHFUL

Board of Trustees

Members of the first Norcross campus board of trustees with Headmaster Zach Young at the Marchman Gymnasium christening ceremony in 1996. A Japanese maple tree was planted at the ceremony to signify the school’s growth. The tree has flourished, weathering many construction projects since 1996!

Front Row: Betty Crawford, Sherri Austin, Betty Cunningham, Alice Ramsey, Raymond Walker, Zach Young Second Row: Rob Binion, Bob Trusty, Jerry Daws, Bill Warren, Jim Stephenson

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Board Members Past & Present

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Detra Abernathy Kim Sutton Adair Alan Arnold Bob Atkinson Sherri Austin Don Barden Frank Bell Charlotte Beltrami Rob Binion, chairman Judie Bowen Howard Bowen Land Bridgers Bob Cheeley Dan Cowart

Betty Crawford Betty Cunningham Edress Darsey Jerry Daws Peyton Day Steve Deaton Diane Duane Jill Felts Neal Freeman Susan Frye Chip Groome Terry Johnson Helen Kenwright Erika Laughlin

The members listed are from 1995-2013.

Charles Machemehl Bruce MacEwen Mark McIntosh Tom Menefee Peggy Morris Mike Nicklaus Michael Parks Jim Pierce Jim Pope Alice Ramsey Mary Ramsey Paul Robertson John Scarbrough Mark Simonton

Frank Simpson Bronson Smith Bob Snyder Bill Stark Jim Stephenson Danny Strickland Anna Tanner Bob Trusty Raymond Walker, past chairman Bill Warren Bob Worthington Zach Young, ex-officio

features | history

The board of trustees at the christening of Hoover Gymnasium before the first home football game Front Row: Dan Cowart, Alan Arnold, Alice Ramsey, Sherri Austin, Betty Cunningham, Betty Crawford, Helen Kenwright Second Row: Jerry Daws, John Scarbrough, Bob Worthington, Rusty Bennett, Zach Young, Raymond Walker, Rob Binion, Bob Snyder, Bill Warren, Jim Stephenson

Above: Zach Young stood with Trustee Chairman Rob Binion (left) & past Trustee Chairman Raymond Walker (right) outside the newly-finished Cleghorn Hall in 1998.

Right: The 2013-14 board of trustees Front Row: Chris Cleveland, Land Bridgers, Rob Binion, Anna Tanner, Charlotte Beltrami, Zach Young Second Row: Bill Warren, Danny Strickland, Steven Deaton, Erika Laughlin, Edress Darsey, Mary Ramsey, Diane Duane Third Row: Mark McIntosh, Bill Stark, Michael Parks, Frank Simpson, Mike Nicklaus, Tom Menefee, Paul Robertson Not Pictured: Bob Atkinson, Dan Cowart

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Left: Barbara Adler, Raymond Walker, Zach Young & Dan Cowart at the 1995 campus groundbreaking.

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features | history SNAPSHOTS OF

School Life Lower School

Above Left: Bobbie Lencke took first grade students on the annual train ride to Anniston, Alabama.

Above Right: Third grade student, Maegan Hamlin ’04 & beloved lower school teacher Chickie Ching (1995)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Below: Members of the class of 2005 in Anne Jackson’s kindergarten class on Pajama Day (1993)

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features | history

Laurie Whorton & Amy Haygood ’02

Kristie Arnold Connor ’06 at Donuts with Dad (1997) 1996

Patrick & Barrett Ramsey on their first day of kindergarten (2004)

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Shannon Matheny ’10, Kelli Marshburn ’10, Kensley Stewart, Elizabeth Wilson ’10 & Jessica Hovis ’10 (2001)

Wolf Run (2005)

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features | history

Nicole Fasciana (2005)

First graders (now sophomores) on Scarecrow Day (2006)

Kindergarteners Kendall Bowen, Jay Manley, Joseph Laurite, Thomas Chipman & Ryan Barnett at Jubilee Junction (2011) Christina Moraitis with Ms. Joines (2004)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2012

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Fourth grade Easter play (2013)

features | history HOEDOWN

Scarecrow Day & Carnival Whitney Warren ’08 (1996)

Then: Mary Helen Johnson

Linda Karempelis with sons Matt ’08 & Kyle’11 (1996)

Hoedown is a lower school tradition that began in Sandy Springs & is still a highlight of the school year.

First graders stuff & dress scarecrows with their parents the day before Hoedown.

Hoedown at the Day School

In 2012, Hoedown moved from the lower school parking lot to the Quad lawn.

Now: 2013

Annette & Jake Deadwyler (2013)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2013

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features | history BOOK CHARACTER DAY

Then:

Now:

Kate Adent & Hannah Bennison (2013)

Now:

Students & teachers dress as characters from their favorite books.

On Book Character Day, students & teachers parade through campus in costume while cheered on by middle & high school students.

Madison Lloyd (2009)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

RECESS

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Then:

Ellie Bradach (2004)

Now: 1994

On the playground by the MEU buildings in Norcross (1996)

2012

features | history GRANDPARENTS DAY

Then:

Generations through the years...

Lauren Bell (2005) Former head of school Barbara Adler (in red) at the Thanksgiving Feast

Now:

One of Wesleyan’s longest-standing traditions for kindergarten through 6th grade students Grandparents & special friends watch performances & visit classrooms to get a glimpse of student life at Wesleyan.

Grandparents Day at the Day School Grandparents Day performance (2012)

Townshend Young ’08, then a kindergartner, with his grandmother Betty Young (1996)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Jackson Sullenberger (2012)

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features | history

Middle School

Above: Current faculty member Mary Stephenson ’04 (far right) & classmates at a pep rally in Marchman Gymnasium

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Left: Fredricka Garlinghouse, affectionately known as “Mrs. G”

Class of 2003 students Austin Owen, Matt Veal, Richard Veal, Scott Lasier & Jim Anderson

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features | history

Mary Ann Lacy with Geoffrey Rowson ’04 & Ben Warren ’04 Above: Jo-Ann McCauley as she taught 8th grade students from the class of 2002 Below: Camp Glisson field trip (2006)

1999

Anne Marie Armstrong ’09 & Brooke Atkinson ’09 (2004)

Josh Henson, Will Harper & Haydon Koch (2009)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

All-boys PE class (2013)

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features | history FIELD DAY

Then: A favorite school tradition, Field Day is organized by the P.E. Department.

Dressed in their team colors, students compete in activities such as the football toss, the 100-meter dash & threelegged race.

Middle school Field Day at the Sandy Springs Campus (1989)

Now: 2013

Class of 2013 students: India Welton, Aubrey Spraetz, Ashley Gentry, Natalie Genthert & Abbey Coppenger (2006)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2013

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Caroline Durham, Maddie Frye, Emma Millar, Sarah O’Kelley & Kate Straker (2008)

features | history

Then:

TECHNOLOGY

We’ve come a long way!

1970s

Robert Binion ’05 (1997)

Computer lab at the Day School (1995)

Over the years, we’ve moved from chalkboards to Smart Boards.

Always at the forefront of student & teacher technology, we’ve progressed from headphones & desktop computers to Mac labs & tablets.

Now:

2012

Adrienne Lee & Gwyn Lando (2012)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Mac lab in the lower school (2013)

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features | history

High School Right: Ashleigh Walendziak Michaels ’02 & Jessi Potter ’02

Skipper Gholston, known as “Dr. G” (1998)

Peter Kleklamp taught one of the first high school classes at the Day School.

Adrienne Inman Bentley ’02 at CPR training in Sam Walker’s health class

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2000 Kalen Morgenstern ’99, Megan Leddy Painter ’00, Dawson Strickland ’00, Phil Bartkowski ’99 & Lindsey Spring ’00

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High school students ate lunch outside the MEU buildings

features | history

2001

Katie O’Brien Pulket ’06 & Whitney Millegan ’06 with Kelsey Strott & Angela Yang during Hand in Hand club time

Pam Fedas’s AP Bio class. Back Row L-R: Blake Bowen ’04, Rachel Milner ’05, Emily Michaud Porche ’05, Sarah Bentson Giovino ’05, Amanda Meng ’04, Vanessa Chan ’05, Chip Douglas ’05, Stephanie Yang ’05, Michelle Klaer Collins ’04. Front Row L-R: Pam Fedas, Kimberly Freeman Goetz ’04 & Alexis Marianes ’04 2006

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013 Class of 2009 students Kelsey Robinson, Caylie Love, Caroline Blair Huff, Caroline Roberts & Paige Pickert (2005)

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features | history

Freddie Akers ’07 dressed as Principal Chris Cleveland Bradley Gossett ’12, Julia Collins ’12, Jeffrey Hsu ’12, Takim Williams ’12, Ricky Yoder ’13 & Nathan Grice ’12 dressed as Matt Cole for homecoming’s Twin Day 2013

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Carolyn Chapman & Philip Hart at the annual faculty Christmas sweater contest (2010)

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John McCleskey ’13 & Matt Moratti in the 11th-12th grade student lounge (2013)

Abby Gardner, Jessie Smith, Caroline Reed, Sophia Kidder, Keevana Edwards, Courtney Rappe, Anna Alexander, Georgia Kuehn & Abbie Lochmandy at the 2013 Freshman Retreat

features | history PROM

Since 2002, prom has been held on campus under a tent on Adler Plaza.

The prom committee selects a theme each year which they reveal to students in the spring.

Students enjoy a live band & themed decorations.

1999

Now:

Then:

Faculty members at the first Wesleyan prom, “A Night at the Oscars” (1998)

2010 Senior Class

Erik Trum ’09, Michael Garrison ’09, Townshend Young ’09

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2012

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features | history PEER LEADERS

Then:

James Han ’02 & Julie McCauley Groves ’02 (fourth & fifth from right) with their freshman peer group (2005)

The first peer leaders, seniors from the class of 2002: Jay Clawson, Martha Cole Dyer, Chipper Dillard, Kerri Campbell, Rebecca Carpenter Kennedy, Byron Dubow, Travis Ekmark, Jenny Hall Winter, James Han, Amy Haygood, Hunter Humphries, Calder Justice, Spencer Lewis, Julie McCauley Groves, Sarah Meng, Thomas McKenzie, Keri Paxten Koons, Lauren Rose, Preston Sutter, Ashleigh Walendziak Michaels, Laura Weathers Miller & Zachry Young; Faculty leaders: Colin Creel, Heidi Lloyd & Brad Mauldin

Junior leaders are interviewed & selected to serve as peer leaders their senior year.

A senior boy & girl are paired to guide a group of 10-12 students through their freshman year.

Peer groups meet in weekly mentoring sessions.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Now:

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Members of the class of 2014 at Freshman Retreat with their senior peer leaders Grace Leah Baughn ’11 & Ryan Buckley ’11 (2010)

2013-14 peer leaders: Carter Kuehn, Lizzie McIntosh, Cort Coxhead, Mike Simpson, Caroline Robertson, Courtney Rappe, Olivia Ballard, John Adent, Kaitlin Mullen, John Walker, Sydney Stone, Caroline Reed, Ashley Moody, Ashley Hughes, Kristen Pack, Trey Mannion, Jack Widner, Heath Middlebrooks, James Cyran, Hunter Dixon, Nicholas Menfee, Natalie Connor, Keevana Edwards & Matt Zimmerman; Faculty leaders: Heidi Lloyd & Chad McDaniel

features | history

Then:

School spirit

Brittany Wulf ’07, Amelia Cheeley ’07, Katie Fulton ’07, Ali Bagdy ’07 & Corissa Friends ’07 Right: Charlie Carroll ’05 & Webb Worthington ’05

Students cheered on the Wolves in Marchman Gymnasium on “Camo Night” (2001)

Now:

The class of 2014 showed their support for the football team on “Western Night”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

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features | history HOMECOMING

Then:

The class of 2002 celebrated their freshman homecoming (1998)

Senior display at Hoover (2004)

Lauren Blankenship ’03, Johnny Koepke ’03 & Katie Michel Pendleton ’03 at senior homecoming (2002)

Wesleyan’s first homecoming queen & king, Katie Van Holm ’99 & Daniel Gholston ’99, with principal Brian Kennerly (1998)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2000

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Student government chooses the homecoming week theme. Each grade is given a dress-up & decoration assignment.

Traditions include: • Dress up days–a favorite is Twin Day • Class Competitions: Points are awarded for banners, class cheer, costumes & penny wars for missions. Classes are also judged by grade-level decorations. Originally found all over campus, students now decorate their grade level hallway.

• Homecoming Court includes both boys & girls.

Homecoming day activities: • With no classes for the day, students enjoy games & fun outdoors.

• Pageant featuring senior court members and their parents • Homecoming parade–a new tradition begun in 2013. After the pageant, lower & middle school students enjoyed a high school student & faculty costume parade led by the marching band.

• Pep Rally

features | history

Now: Homecoming queen & king, Ashley Moody & John Adent (2013)

Collin DeNoya ’07, Joe Carroll ’07 & Parker Brunelle ’07

Caroline Robertson & Lizzie McIntosh (2011)

2013 Sally Robertson ’11 & Anne Noland ’11 (2009)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013 Science faculty Skipper Gholston, Megan Trotter, Pam Fedas, Anne Shirley & Nina Kozlova dressed as Alice of Wonderland characters (2013)

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features | history GRADUATION

Then:

Members of the first graduating class with their senior grade chair, Delanie Tondera: Sarah Boyd, Beth Haun Coetzee, Zach Garner, Lindsey Glenn, Elizabeth Mann Hogan, Natalie Johns, Christine Sellers Krauth, Jeff Mangold, Stacey Haight McCulley, Dave Moderow, Jason Munn, Erik Savage, Matt Scott, Brian Smith, Jon Van Holm, Ann Walsh & Peyton Warren (1998)

Gavin Bradley, Mary Helen Johnson & Franklin Pridgen

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Bianca Sundell ’03 & Jessica Jackson Berrios ’03

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Wesleyan’s first graduation was held on May 30, 1998 in Austin Chapel.

2011

features | history

Now:

The night before graduation, a Baccalaureate worship service is held at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

After Wesley Hall was completed, graduation moved from Austin Chapel to Adler Plaza & the Quad.

In addition to their diploma, graduates receive a Bible engraved with their name & the Wesleyan crest.

After the ceremony, families continue celebrating at a school-sponsored reception on Candler Plaza.

Johnny Schumacher ’06 with 2005 graduates Philip Thompson, Rawson Daws & Lewis Robinson

2006

2008 graduates Jesse Huff, Molly Hawkins, Emily Worthington Karempelis, Abby Nelson & Hope Peterson 2013

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christian life A HISTORY OF

photography by Brian L. Morgan

CHRISTIAN LIFE

written by Greg Lisson Director of Christian Life

T

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

hroughout the Old Testament, the people of God were instructed to remember. Moses, who is credited with writing the first five books of the Bible, expressly understood the human tendency towards forgetfulness and repeatedly commanded remembrance among the Israelites. These excerpts from Deuteronomy 8, following the Exodus in the wilderness, provide just a few examples:

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they began to forget. Once they were comfortable and secure, their memories became hazy. God’s role in their deliverance faded in their minds, and they began to magnify their own power and ability. I pray that we at Wesleyan will never succumb to such forgetfulness.

And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not…

God has done mighty and miraculous things at Wesleyan. The stories of God’s protection and provision are woven into the fabric of this place. And yet we, like the Israelites, have a tendency to forget. Therefore, as our school becomes more established and secure, we must pause to remember what God has done here.

Let us keep our memories sharp and attitudes humble, and let us recall the faithfulness of God.

Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery…

This faithfulness is particularly evident in christian life at Wesleyan, especially considering the relative youth of our program. After all, Wesleyan only sponsored its first mission trip in the year 2000. Our first Freshman Retreat wasn’t until 1999; we held our first Service Day in 2001, and our seniors went on their class trip for the first time in 2003. All of these events now seem integral to a Wesleyan education, but they are, in reality, somewhat recent additions to life as our students know it.

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…

I reached out to Amy Barrett, who served as our very first director of christian life from 2001-2007, for some perspective.

She recalls, “It was exciting to dream with a team of other people about long-term goals for christian life and to begin laying that foundation together.” Brad Mauldin, who succeeded Amy, expressed a similar sentiment: “When I started at Wesleyan in 1999, there were no mission trips, no retreats, no yearly theme, no chapel bands, not even a director of christian life. There was just a pioneering spirit among the community.”

God did mighty and miraculous works among the Israelites throughout the Exodus. From the plagues in Egypt, to the parting of the Red Sea, to providing manna in the wilderness, to the pillar of fire at night, God repeatedly protected and provided for His people. And yet, once they were in the Promised Land,

christian life | history

Brad Mauldin, former director of christian life, spoke at Baccalaureate 2013

Amy Harper Barrett (right) with Karen Scarbrough ’06 & Brittany Johnston ’06 on a mission trip to Romania

The class of 2006 senior boys Bible study led by Colin Creel & Jason Couch included students: Steven McCord, Taylor Schulze, WIll Prettyman, Tommy Binion, Mark Rockett, Matt Matheny, Brandon White & Justin Wilkinson.

Though it’s hard to imagine Wesleyan without these things, almost all of them have begun within the last 13 years, the time since the class of 2014 started kindergarten. Both Barrett and Mauldin oversaw times of incredible growth and exploration during their tenures, but both acknowledge that none of it would have been possible without God’s hand guiding and protecting Wesleyan along the way.

Much has been accomplished in christian life at Wesleyan over the past fifteen years, and that is something to celebrate! Many remarkable people have played essential roles in the growth and development of every aspect of christian life–in missions, retreats, Bible studies, chapel, and service. But as we celebrate this success, let us always remember the Lord our God, for it is He who gives us the power to accomplish every good work.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

As they both fondly recall christian life’s humble beginnings, it is clear that God has done even more than they dared to ask or imagine. Barrett remembered first establishing a lower school chapel curriculum involving Biblical characteristics, entertaining skits, and unison responses from the children. She had no idea that they were laying the groundwork for Core Virtues, Jubilee Junction, and the joyous celebration that lower school chapel has become. Similarly, when Mauldin took 20 students and 6 teachers to Honduras in 2000, he had barely an inkling of what the future would hold for our missions program. Thirteen years later, Wesleyan has sent over 1000 students to more than 20 different locations around the world. Transformations such as these are not only limited to missions and chapel, however; we’ve seen remarkable change in the areas of retreats, Bible studies, and service, as well.

The radical growth of our programs reminds us that these stories are not about the vision and leadership of any individual. Rather, they are testimonies to God’s provision at Wesleyan. Every one of us who has worked in christian life knows that the strength of our program goes far beyond any number, activity, or individual.

Barrett remembers being there “to see the real strength of the foundation of the school being laid–on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” And Mauldin is encouraged by the knowledge that “even in the midst of all these wonderful additions and changes, the spirit of the school has remained steady as it has continued to build mentoring relationships between the faculty and students.”

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CHAPEL

Chapel service at Wesleyan Day School (1995)

All middle & high school chapels are student led (2011)

Juanita Tyler, Jenna Smith & Principal Joy Wood as Jubilee Junction characters

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Lower school chapel (2010)

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Brittany Stevens ’13

All-School Chapel held at the beginning & end of the school year in Yancey Gymnasium (2011)

MISSIONS

Lacy Gilbert & Dana Birnie ’01 in Honduras (2000)

Katie Williams ’12, Carti Payne ’13, Shannon Felts ’12 & Megan Kelly ’12 in Nicaragua (2012)

Clark Walker ’01 in Honduras on the school’s first mission trip

Romania (2006)

Kip Thompson ’07, Taylor Schulze ’06 & Andy Merlino ’07 in the Dominican Republic (2006) Middle school trip to Chattanooga (2013)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Greg Lisson in South Africa (2013)

Mary Elston Heaner ’07 & Carter Johnson ’08

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RETREATS

Ski Retreat (2005) Freshman Retreat (2011)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

The annual shaving cream fight on Freshman Retreat (2013)

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Middle school retreat to Camp High Harbor (2012)

Class of 2005 Senior Trip

5th Grade Retreat (2011)

Before graduation, the senior class spends a week at Frontier Ranch, a Young Life camp in Colorado. Senior trip faculty leaders (2013)

SERVICE Jill Austin Brown ’00 & Lane Womack ’00

Sixth grade students collected canned goods for the Norcross Co-op (1997)

Service efforts are often focused on those inside the school community. Members of the baseball team & other faculty & students rallied to help Director of Fine Arts Jayne Burns during her illness by readying her house for sale.

Ryan Schulze ’09

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Rachel Milner ’05 & Janson Morehead ’05 on Serve-His Day

Daisy Mills ’13 at Rosemont Nursing Home (2011)

Lower school students helped to fill Tanner’s Totes, a ministry Tanner Smith ’08 created to give gift bags to teens & preteens suffering from cancer. (2011)

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fine arts A HISTORY OF

photography by Brian L. Morgan

FINE ARTS D

irec ted Original Produc tio

nt se re P

es yl ro s

b n leyan Wolf by Jer y St Wes Pla ome eve ye Rob B rs bin

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Creating theater productions without an actual theater is quite a challenge. Creating sets without a shop, tools, materials or a technical director seems impossible. Creating professionallooking programs with only access to Microsoft Word and a Xerox machine is tricky. Yet, theater at Wesleyan “back then” was still able to produce such impressive shows as Le Petit Prince, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, and Fools. And, more importantly, young actors and actresses were still able to fall in love with theater, circle up to pray before each performance, and “wow” audiences attending each show.

Circle of Honor member Walton Collins ’04 remembers his very first production: “Way back in the mists of time when I started at Wesleyan in sixth grade (1998), the only buildings on campus were Marchman Gym and the brand new Cleghorn Hall. We performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of the first Wesleyan plays ever, in Austin Chapel.” Makeshift theaters were also created in Hoover Mezzanine, next to Wolf Lake, and on Adler Plaza. Sets were built off-campus by students and parents, namely Lewis Robinson and George Collins. Costumes were designed and fitted by parents. Programs were typed using

ns

ic k

si c

rn

o b Ch Ha oo y J Mus imm ore ic e k on e S by rry al Dir ography by Stephani eld Bo ecti r Sh Jo on by B nge ck by rock Derri se s c ph Lyri S te in

B

reativity is a recurring theme in the pictures of Wesleyan’s fine arts programs that predate Powell Theater (2002) and the Fine Arts Building (2007). Photos document a band and chorus concert in Hoover Mezzanine, art classes in trailers, and theater productions in Austin Chapel or even outside. Although the fine arts programs were not yet enjoying the state-of-the art facilities that exist today, they were alive and thriving! Traditions were being established, a love of the arts was being instilled, and God’s hand was in every last detail.

u M

C

written by Meg Foster Director of Fine Arts

Winter 2013

Powell Theater February 28th at 4:30pm March 1st at 7pm March 2nd at 2pm

1989 & 2013 theater playbills

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

tickets available online at www.wesleyanschool.org

Microsoft Word or were even hand-written, yet still conveyed and documented information important for the theater-goer. In the early years, we even had our own in-house critic, Mrs. Fredericka Garlinghouse, sixth grade science teacher. After the preview of each show, she would write her reviews and send them out to the Wesleyan faculty and the cast and crew of the production.

Today, members of the drama program enjoy not only one, but two theaters on campus: Powell Theater and Lencke Theater, each with its own light boards, sound board, and green rooms.

The shop attached to Powell Theater houses tools, materials, props, and costumes, and is run by Technical Director, Chad Simmons, and Theater Shop Supervisor, Richard Staz. God continues to provide talented parents like Gina Solomon and Joan Rogers who outfit our actors in top-notch costumes. Fine Arts Assistant, Whitney Panetta, uses Adobe Illustrator to lay out the program for each show, complete with head shots taken

by Brian Morgan, before sending it off to be printed in full-color.

These professional production features inspire the actors involved to take their performance to the next level. Yet, as it was in the beginning, they continue to focus on sharing the gifts with which God blessed them, circling to pray before each performance!

In the early days of our current campus, the band and chorus programs also dealt with less-than-ideal venues, rehearsing in trailers and performing in Hoover Mezzanine on a raised, portable stage. Mr. Foster recalls, “The audience couldn’t see the

fine arts | history

Logo design by Logan Morris ’10

Jayne Burns, Alexis Marianes ’04 & Jenny Berg (2004)

Jeff Foster’s band class in a trailer classroom (2000) A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Yet, despite all of these challenges, the band played and the chorus sang; they created music to glorify God. Standards like “Amazing Grace,” “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and “It is Well with My Soul” are still performed today and will reside in the hearts of our students forever. Singing these standards gives the members of these ensembles a life-long love of music. Former faculty member, Rachel Hart Jones ’03, comments, “Singing is still a passion of mine, and I got to tap into that with some really fun people and was directed by some talented women.”

In the spring of 2007, visual arts and band classes were the last to move out of the trailers. The trailer art classrooms had buzzing fluorescent lights that cast a somewhat “yellow” shadow over the whole room – not exactly ideal for drawing or painting. There was no kiln, no printing press, nor state-of-the-art storage. Materials were housed in metal filing cabinets and work was stored on plastic shelving. Yet, under the leadership of Jayne Burns and Jenny Berg, students created and flourished! AP Art still existed and students still achieved scores of 4 and 5. Students entered competitions and earned top awards; Wesleyan student artists were inspired by our ultimate Creator and made pieces to glorify Him. Under the leadership of Jayne Burns, every single student and teacher was reminded of this truth as often as possible: we can create because God first created. That became the foundation of the Fine Arts Mission Statement, the thought behind the fine arts logo (which was created by Logan Morris ’10 in a graphics design class), and is still at the center of Wesleyan fine arts today.

We have certainly come a long way in our facilities, venues, level of professional presentation, and the number of faculty and students that make up our Fine Arts program. Yet our Heavenly Creator always has been – and will always remain – at the center of our creations, which we proudly present to Him for His glory.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

band because they were elevated so high, and with the acoustics, it was like playing in an echo chamber!” Rehearsing in the trailers created its own acoustical challenges. As the band grew, the sound in the trailers would become so loud it was almost “fuzzy,” making it difficult for the ensemble to create ideal balance and blend. The chorus did not enjoy the seated risers they do today, but rehearsed each day on performance risers, standing during the majority of the class. For the chorus, the trailer acoustics gave a false sense of volume and fullness. Once in Hoover, and eventually Powell, ensembles had to revise their dynamics and technique just days before a performance.

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BAND

2013

1995

2013

Kelly Engleka ’01

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Class of 2005 senior band members

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2007

June Zhu (2012)

CHORUS

Davis Brooks ’12

Christmas service at the Sandy Springs campus (1995)

The Madrigal Dinner in Powell Theater (2005) 2012

A favorite chorus tradition: singing the National Anthem before football games (1998)

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Christmas program in Austin Chapel (2004)

A middle school chorus performance at a nursing home (2004)

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THEATER

Caroline Vendel ’01, Louis Stephenson ’99 & Charles Gatins ’00 in Fools

Bret Briggs ’06, Lindsay Bever ’08 & Andy Wilson ’06 in Boys Next Door

The Three Piggy Opera (2005)

Meg Healy & Ryan Hughes in Annie (2011)

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Cinderella (2008)

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Russell Matherly ’12 in Oklahoma

Emily Gregory ’10 in Beauty and the Beast

VISUAL ARTS

Nicole Fenner ’06

Will Worthington ’09 (1998) 2007

1996

2008

Isabelle Onorato (2013)

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Dru James Douglas (2013)

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athletics A HISTORY OF

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

photography by Brian L. Morgan

ATHLETICS

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I

written by Marc Khedouri Athletic Director

first visited the Wesleyan campus during the winter of 1998. I vividly remember thinking, “this place has a long way to go.” There were trailers everywhere and finished space was at a premium, but there were a lot of familiar faces. Former colleagues like Brian Kennerly, Sidney Tucker, Gwen Cleghorn, and Zach Young, as well as former students like Brad Mauldin and Libby Houk, had become a part of this fledgling institution a few years before.

When I drove home that day – back towards “civilization” – what remained indelibly imprinted in my mind was how palpable their enthusiasm and excitement was. I had no idea God would lead me here two years later.

Now in my 14th year, I stand amazed at what God has done here. Wesleyan joined the GHSA in 1997. I don’t think anyone at the time could have envisioned the level of accomplishment we have enjoyed.

A few years ago at a baseball playoff game, the headmaster of the school at which we were playing leaned over to me and asked, “What’s the secret sauce?” He continued, saying, “You guys are

Carole Crighton & Jan Azar (2009)

good at everything; how do you do it?” I replied, “It’s the people.

We hire the very best mission-appropriate people.” He asked quizzically, “That’s how you do it?” to which I responded, “Yes sir, that’s how we do it.”

It would be difficult in the space allotted here to pay tribute to all the teachers and coaches who have given sacrificially and unselfishly of their time, sometimes at the expense of time with their own children and families. It would be hard to thank everyone appropriately who has given financially toward the beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities we now enjoy, but we must try. Our trophy case overflows, but what we really want is for our students to grow up and make a difference for God in the world. We hope the relationships they form with their coaches and teammates will help them do this. We hope the lessons they learn by participating in athletics will help them do this.

Then and now, we must always remember that the purpose of our athletic program is to further Wesleyan’s Christian mission.

Some things shouldn’t change.

athletics | history

Then:

The baseball team was formed during the 1997-98 school year. They had no field, no equipment, and no batting cage.

They practiced in the parking lot and occasionally on the field where Wesley Hall is now located. The team finished with 7 wins and 13 losses in their first season.

Now:

Gaebelein Field has twice been named (in 2006 & 2012) National Baseball Field of the Year by The Sports Turf Management Association. Three of our teams have won state championships, and numerous Wesleyan players are playing collegiately and professionally.

2010

2010

Then:

In 1998, the swim and dive team bussed to a Decatur practice facility every morning before school. The bus left Wesleyan at 5:30 am; swimmers practiced for an hour and then drove back here for the start of school.

Now:

Our teams practice on campus after school in the beautiful Davidson Natatorium. No more 5:00 am wake-up calls! We have been blessed to have had many All-American swimmers and divers on our teams. Our boys, in back to back years (2010 and 2011), won the state championship in the A-AAAA classification. We may well be the smallest school to ever accomplish this feat.

Then:

In 1997, thirty girls in grades 7-12 came out for basketball. In Coach Azar’s words, “It was a bonus if they could dribble or shoot.”

The team finished with 4 wins and 16 losses in this first season.

Now:

Our girls are one of the most successful girls’ basketball programs in the history of the GHSA, having won 10 state championships since 2002. Coach Azar has won more games than any other female head coach in GHSA history. Truly amazing!

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2011

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BASEBALL

2009 State Champions

Jahmai Jones (2012)

Tony Plagman ’06 & coach Mike Shaheen

SOFTBALL

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Landyn Duley (2013)

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CaraMia Tsirigos ’13

Paige Hamlin ’09

Griffin Bone ’13

BASKETBALL

Clark Walker ’01

Tanner Smith ’08

Nikki Luckhurst ’04

Dana Birnie ’01

In 2008, both the boys’ & girls’ teams claimed state championships.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Carolyn & Elise Whitney ’06

Shane Smith ’12

Katie Frerking ’13

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CHEERLEADING

Abbey Coppenger ’13, Holly Robertson ’13 & Miranda Medicino ’13 2008

Jenny Hall Winter ’02

FOOTBALL

1998

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Chad Hall ’04

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2008 State Champions

David Andrews ’11 & Kyle Karempelis ’11

CROSS COUNTRY

Cristan Duvall ’03

Lauren Blankenship ’03

2002 State Champions

2002

Bradley Gossett ’12 & Drew Sutton ’12 2011

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

2012 State Champions

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GOLF

1999

Taylor Blair ’11

Joseph Gaddis (2013)

Coach Russ Custer, Brooke Atkinson ’09, William Thompson ’09, Clay Rowland ’09 & Ryan Anderson ’07 earned the privilege of playing a round of golf with Jack Nicklaus. (2007)

SOCCER

1999

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Chris Duvall ’10

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Chloe Kelly ’08

Maddie Hall (2012)

Cort Coxhead (2013)

LACROSSE

Calder Justice ’02

Members of the first lacrosse team: Emily McDonald Bramwell ’02, Anna Hopkins ’04, Sarah Flagler ’04, Allison Morris Hawkins ’05, Mandy Fleming Harris ’05, Allison Christopher ’04, Katie Gallup Richardson ’04, Ashley Watt ’03, Alexis Marianes ’04, Jenni Berryhill Goebell ’03, Blake Bowen ’04, Angela Giglio ’05 & Sarah Smith ’03

Johnny Schumacher ’06

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Lizzie Eversbusch ’11

Scott Schroer ’10

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TENNIS

2011 State Champions

Megan Kelly ’12

Andrew Dorman ’13

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TRACK & FIELD

68

India Welton ’13

Vic Moore ’01

Whitney Warren ’08

Matt Gossett ’08

2009 State Champions

SWIM & DIVE 2010

Jake Dale ’04

Lauren Hall ’12

Tricia Klaer Nall ’02, Ashley Walendziak Michaels ’02 & Gina Doloresco ’02

Bobby Chambless ’11

2011

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2012 State Champions

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VOLLEYBALL

1998

Sarah Moye Brown ’05

Paige Blair ’08, Betsy Smith ’08 & Alli Pope’08

2004 State Champions

WRESTLING

2007 State Champions

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Jeremy Phelen ’01

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Colin Genthert ’09

Rhett Delk ’13

Wesleyan prays...

2013

2013

2011

2011

2012

2011

2007

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athletics | history

State Championships 2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

Girls Tennis

Boys Cross-Country

Boys Cross-Country

Girls Cross-Country

Girls Cross-Country

Girls Cross-Country

Girls Basketball

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

Football

Volleyball

Boys Cross-Country

Girls Basketball

Boys Cross-Country

Boys Swim & Dive

Girls Golf

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Girls Track & Field

Girls Basketball

Boys Tennis

Baseball

Baseball

Girls Basketball

State Champions WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

CROSS-COUNTRY

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2000: Lauren Blankenship, Cristan Duvall 2001: Lauren Blankenship, Cristan Duvall 2002: Lauren Blankenship, Cristan Duvall 2008: Erika Ramsey

DIVING 2002: Webb Worthington 2003: Webb Worthington 2004: Webb Worthington 2005: Webb Worthington 2009: Lauren Hall 2010: Lauren Hall, Zach Hernandez 2011: Lauren Hall, Zach Hernandez 2012: Lauren Hall

SWIMMING 2003: Caitlin Reynolds (2 events) 2004: Caitlin Reynolds (2 events) 2005: Caitlin Reynolds (2 events) Relay: Caitlin Reynolds, Meg Reynolds, Courtney Sanders, Jenna Worsham 2006: Caitlin Reynolds (2 events) 2010: Relay: Chase Bartlett, Will Gregory, Timothy Marsh, Andrew Sunderman Relay: Will Gregory, Anthony McMurry, Michael Reynolds, Nick Salyers 2011: Anthony McMurry, Will Gregory,

Michael Reynolds Relay: Chase Bartlett, Anthony McMurry, Michael Reynolds, Nick Salyers Relay: Chase Bartlett, Will Gregory, Timothy Marsh, Anthony McMurry 2012: Anthony McMurry Relay: Timothy Marsh, Nick Salyers, Drew Middleton, Anthony McMurry

athletics | history

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

Volleyball

Boys Cross-Country

Boys Cross-Country

Boys Cross-Country

Girls Basketball

Volleyball

Volleyball

Volleyball

Girls Basketball

Wrestling

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Baseball

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

Boys Cross-Country

Girls Cross-Country

Girls Cross-Country

Boys Swim & Dive

Girls Basketball

Volleyball

Girls Basketball

WRESTLING

2001: Lauren Olson 2003: Cristan Duvall 2007: Anne Marie Armstrong 2008: Matt Gossett, Anne Marie Armstrong, Chantel Kennedy 2009: Anne Marie Armstrong, Erika Ramsey, Holli Wilkins Relay: Grace Leah Baughn, Emily Howell, Chantel Kennedy, Caroline Millar 2011: Wes Ayres 2012: Bradley Gossett, Landyn Duley, Katie Frerking, Cole Warren 2013: Relay: Charles Mack, John McCleskey, Jake Morris, John Walker

2007: T.J. Mitchell 2008: Kelby Smith, Colin Genthert 2009: Michael Douglas, Colin Genthert, Andrew Uria, Cole Watson 2010: Zach Rindik, Josh Tolman 2011: Zach Rindik 2013: Rhett Delk

GOLF

2009: Jenna McConnico

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TRACK & FIELD

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welcome

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welcome | new students Kindergarten

Pre-First

Noah John Anna McGowan

First Grade Cash Bazemore

Second Grade Anna Castenfelt Scott Dunlap Cameron Hewitt Daniel Lim Grogan Phillips Mamie Pridgen Dane Scott TJ Webb

Third Grade Kami Hewitt Amanda Mola Elsa Moore Jake Neu Caroline Scott

Fourth Grade

RJ Aycox Ian Castenfelt Morgan Chisholm Anna Rae Copeland Greysen Dempsey Gabby DeRosa Walker Edge Marcus Eriksson Caden Gaudette Lindsay Godard Annie Langenbeck Sarah Lim Henry Moore Lily Morris Nellie Rae Phillips Katherine Scott Noah Walton Teagan Wilkenloh Ramsey Wilkenloh

Fifth Grade

Elizabeth Bertram Ashley Binney Beau Brown Riley Bryan Luke Carroll Grace Carroll Grace Emmelhainz Madison George

Caroline Gibbs Harrison Gracey Jamison Henley Wyatt Hodges Riley Keller Hampton Langenbeck Olivia Lee Jake Lundstedt Brogan MacInnis Bryce Masters Noah Moon Fletcher Morris Alden Pridgen Carson Schiller Gracie Taylor Tori Williams

Sixth Grade

Josh Aspinwall Lauren Hill Spencer Hopkins Hannah Hummel Sims Johnson Jayla Jones Jeremiah Jones Zach Jordan Charlie Neu Mary Ortwein Ellen Otterbach Stephen Romer Donovan Simmons Braden Thorne Trinity Travis Anna Turner Jacob Walton Whitaker Welch

Seventh Grade

Caroline Burke Stevie Crawford Rasmus Eriksson Bennett Harrison Nathaniel Jackson Grace Kennedy John Smith Matthew Williamson Sophie Zetzsche Carol Zhou

Eighth Grade Drake Bursa Suzanne Godard Payton Kaloper

Christopher Lee Austin Luke Banks Ramsey Amaya Register

Ninth Grade

Alyssa Bedard Brian Coffey Tripp Copenhaver Josh Cotter Jordi Fietz Abby Gardner Abigail Gritters Colin Hall Michaela Harper Abrianna Harris Jack Harrison Richard He Craig Jones Olivia Jordan Sophia Kidder Cami Lee Kate McCahan Cory Miller Adam Moon Connor Preston Emma Preston Ryan Preston Anna Ree Bailey Renfroe Jessie Smith Noni Thompkins Alex Turner Maddie Turner Ryan Weed Karley Welch Alexis Wildermuth Alissa Yang Lolly Zimmerman

Tenth Grade Casey Cohen Adaku Onwuka James Williams

Eleventh Grade

Mary Elizabeth Burke

Twelfth Grade Morgan Cronin

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Sal Agarwal Michaela Alvarez Henry Anderson Jaiveer Bagga Austin Barnett Beck Baxley Kyle Baxley Jack Bennison Beau Billing Knox Bingham Ellie Ruth Blue Jack Brewster Jack Callahan Alana Carroll Rhiannon Clary Jackson Cox Will Daugherty Austin Drye Hannah Emmelhainz Audrey Foster Christopher Gentner Billy Gingrey Sebastian Hart Walker Kirkland Wiley Koch Avery Lepine Madison Milam Harrison Miller Ryan Moleta Reeves Moore Piper Morris Bela Louise Nichols Gray Nicklaus Tyler Porrello Holland Ragsdale Alexis Ratliff Nina Scott Ava Singh Caroline Stickney Trust Stopher Charlotte Strickland Brice Tapp Ryley Webb Brody Wheeler Brendan Wright

Will Jamieson Lawson Koch Jenna Lundstedt Tate Morse Caleb Walton

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feature | diversity

photography by Brian L. Morgan

A Diverse Christian Community Jason Scheer Dean of Diversity & Assistant Director of Admissions And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

and willing to share (Timothy 6:18). All of these stories exemplify godly behaviors which we as Christians are called to practice – behaviors which call for us to be kind and loving to people who are different from us. But “calling” is different from love, just as duty is from desire. How do we learn to value the things God values?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:17-21

I found my answer embedded in these same verses. After each of the verses calling us to sacrificial love, there is an extravagant reward promised. We will need the Holy Spirit to help us trust those outside of our normal group, but when we do, we will experience incredible joy. By “loving our enemies,” we will “be called Sons of the living God.”

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have been blessed over the last four years to be a part of the diversity program at Wesleyan – first as a volunteer, then as a leader in the middle school – and now as the point-person for the diversity program school -wide. When I first became involved in diversity at Wesleyan, I was motivated mainly by a desire to fix problems. In my former position as Dean of Students in the middle school, I was often brokenhearted over hurtful things that were done or said to students who were unique in one way or another. My initial reaction was usually to try to fix the problem by applying discipline to the offenders and comfort to the hurting. I have learned over time, though, that this problem-based approach doesn’t go very far; just encouraging people to stop being hurtful falls far short of God’s calling to love our neighbor. In order to love something, your heart has to be drawn to it. At some level, we desire the things we love; we want more of them. How can a community be encouraged to desire diversity?

More than anything else, I want Wesleyan’s diversity program to be Gospel-centered, so I have spent considerable time searching scripture, looking for clues about how God wants us to live in community. In that search, I found stories of Jesus calling his followers to radically love their enemies (Luke 6:27-36); a parable about a Samaritan sacrificing time and money to help a Jew (Luke 10:25-37); Jesus asking his people to sell their possessions and give to the poor (Luke 12:33), and a Savior that asks his followers to pick up their crosses and follow him (Matthew 16:24). I also found Paul encouraging Timothy to tell Christians to be rich in good deeds

Jesus told the parable about the Samaritan to answer a question about how we might inherit eternal life. Jesus promises that those who “take up their cross” will find life, while Paul’s ultimate hope for rich Christians who are generous is that they would “take hold of the life that is truly life.” God always promises blessings to those who follow Him. The meager reward of creating a comfortable community with people just like ourselves pales in comparison to the reward for embracing God’s way of living together. Once we begin to experience the blessings of a diverse community, we will begin to desire it.

There are three aspects of diversity in scripture that I feel God calls our school community to embrace: racial diversity, socio-economic diversity, and diversity of gifts within all people; each of these is evident in God’s heart for the nations, God’s heart for the poor, and God’s heart for unity in the body of Christ. Pursuing this kind of diversity will not be easy; it will require sacrifice as people learn to love those who are different than they are. Most of all, it will require the work of the Holy Spirit in our community changing hearts and calling us to sacrificial love. However, the reward of following God is greater than the sacrifice.

I hope you will enjoy reading the following reflections on the blessings of living in diverse communities as shared by Wesleyan parents Mondria Davenport and Todd Peterson. As we become rooted in love, may God do immeasurably more in our community than all we ask or imagine!

photography by Brian L. Morgan

feature | diversity

WESLEYAN PARENT, Todd Peterson, father of Hannah (10th) & Zach (8th)

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s we look at God’s design of His Bride, the Body of Christ, of which we are members as followers of Christ, we clearly see diversity in His prized creation, the human being. He speaks of this in Psalm 139 as we are each uniquely made in His image.

Over the course of our marriage, and predominantly during our time at UGA and then in the NFL, from the late ‘80s until 2006, Susan and I were thrust into environments and a “sub-culture” very different from the one in which we grew up in the deep south. Due to its nature, the NFL is a laboratory for human social dynamics.

But in order to win at that level, personal biases and prejudices are quickly put aside – because in that world winning really is the goal!

Needless to say, these experiences have indelibly marked and shaped us and have better helped us to understand that the Body of Christ contains people of all ethnicities, races, colors, education, and socio-economic standards. Interestingly, as we grew in our faith and then left the NFL, we felt God call us to be more intentional as to how we stewarded that with which He entrusted us, and to be more internationally-focused in our giving. Since retiring in

2006, we have spent about six months in Africa, if you aggregate our time there, and have taken multiple Wesleyan families with us over these years. Our understanding and perspective of God’s heart for all people - literally every tribe and nation! - and most of all, “the least of these,” has had a dramatically positive impact on us as a family, and deeply influences how we intentionally seek to be in relationship with people who don’t come from the same background as us.

As followers of Christ, we are all a part of the “big C” Church and of one body, one faith, one Spirit, and one baptism. Our heart’s desire, and, more importantly, God’s desire, is for a place like Wesleyan to reflect the Body of Christ in its fullness to a world desperately needing a Savior. For this reason, our student body at Wesleyan will become more heterogeneous over time. God is for all people regardless of skin color, bank statements, level of education, or native tongue.

We understand that the vast majority of families at Wesleyan have been given much, and much is then required of us. Let’s continue to make Wesleyan a place where diversity is properly valued and anyone can feel welcome.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2012

In James 2, scripture speaks to “partiality” and prejudice not being the way of Christ. Our time in Seattle, early in my career, was a huge eye-opener for both of us to the intrinsic prejudices with which we had grown up. We were not only in a very diverse city, but we were also a part of an organization, the Seahawks, that prides itself on its connection with that diverse city. In addition to this, we moved from a Bible-teaching church in Atlanta that was incredibly homogeneous, to a very strong Bible-teaching church in Seattle that was about 1/3 Asian, 1/3 African-American and 1/3 Caucasian. By the way, this church was led by a dear friend of ours who is a former Seahawk, an African-American, and from Alabama! On top of that detail, a significant portion of that church’s membership consisted of wealthy Microsoft families.

Top: Peterson praying with Seahawks teammates Bottom: The Peterson family in Africa

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photography by Brian L. Morgan

feature | diversity

WESLEYAN PARENT, Mondria Davenport, mother of Sheridan (10th) “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Mondria’s grandparents, Mayme & Charles Jones, who met overseas while serving in the military

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:29-31

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rowing up in Mississippi, one would think that my world was simply black and white, but it wasn’t. I grew up in a family and community that was rich in culture and diversity. My grandparents were in the military and had lived throughout the United States, as well as in other countries such as Japan and Germany. Hearing stories about their travels piqued my interest in learning more about other cultures.

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I left home to attend Northwestern University, excited about meeting different people, though I didn’t truly realize how amazing my journey would be. I lived with, interacted with, and developed friendships with Koreans, Indians, Jews, Buddhists,

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Captain Mayme Jones

Mondria & her college roommates Vanessa & Nandita during their senior year at Northwestern University

devout Christians, and atheists. I met people who were incredibly wealthy, “middle class,” and terribly poor. I tasted authentic Korean cuisine, home-made Matzo ball soup, and spicy Indian curries. All of these experiences transformed me and enabled me to see the world from a kaleidoscopic point of view. Being in a diverse environment gave me the opportunity to witness to others, and to truly see and appreciate how awesome God is and how great His love is for all of us.

In faith to our God, we are called to love all and serve all as His Son serves us. Service requires interaction, experience, and a relationship with others - just as Christ desires a relationship with us. Our world is diverse. It is this diversity that enriches our lives so that we may enjoy a much more full and interesting experience of God’s love. It is through diversity that we all benefit, we all learn, and we all grow. I am now pleased to continue my diversity journey with my family in the Wesleyan community.

photography by Brian L. Morgan

feature | admissions

Wesleyan Ambassadors Lesley Gentry Interview & Shadowing Coordinator

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o you remember attending your first Wesleyan admissions event? Perhaps it was a Family Open House on a sunny Saturday in January, or a Prospective Parents Forum in November? Mine was one such fall Parents Forum, at which I met a Wesleyan ambassador for the first time. After the general information session, it was time to take a campus tour. Christopher Duvall, then a seventh grade student, led our group through the halls of Wesley and Cleghorn (the only middle and high school buildings on campus at the time!) and over to Marchman Gymnasium. He was energetic, at ease, and spoke confidently as he shared his Wesleyan experience with the group. He was a great “ambassador” for his fellow students! I wondered if my children would be as confident, and marveled at Chris’ maturity and composure throughout the tour.

It was time to learn more about Wesleyan School!

Each fall, students apply to be a part of the program; the admissions office usually receives twice the number of applications than we have available space! It’s such a popular program because so many of our students are outgoing and have a love for Wesleyan that they are eager to share with others.

Once selected, ambassadors attend several training meetings to prepare them for the year.

Top: A high school student & teacher discussion panel Bottom: 2013 ambassadors escort prospective parents on campus

The ambassadors’ first event is the Prospective Parents Forum, held each November and designed to introduce parents to Wesleyan and allow them to ask questions and learn more about the school prior to bringing their children on campus. Our ambassadors greet guests and sit with them during the formal part of the program, escort their guests to middle and high school classrooms to see our teachers and students in action, and then lead them to middle and high school panel discussions.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Wesleyan ambassadors are middle and high school students who assist the admissions office each year with events and activities.

They are truly representatives of the student body who share their Wesleyan experiences with a variety of guests on campus. They give tours to applicants and their families, meet with candidates interviewing for faculty positions, and support various groups who host seminars and forums. The ambassadors’ responsibilities have grown over the last few years, as so many groups benefit from direct interaction with our students.

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feature | admissions

Juniors Caroline Cusick, Regan Lochmandy, Andrew Sabonis-Chafee & Kayla Pierce serve as ambassadors.

Above: Current 5th grade students Reid Cameron, Austin Frank, Will Alexander & J.D. Chipman serve as ambassadors at the 2013 Prospective Parents Forum.

The admissions office often receives notes of appreciation from guests after our events. Here are a few from Parents Forum attendees:

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

“I wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful experience at the new parent event. I attended it with a friend who just cannot say enough good things about your school. I believe all of it to be true after the presentations and seeing the teachers and students at work. I was particularly impressed with the four students at the middle school presentation as well as my ambassador. He provided a lot of very important information about the school, but at the same time, maintained a warm and welcoming attitude that I think is probably representative of the students at Wesleyan. I can see why the students there are successful, but more important, I can see why they consider the school a family.”

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“I was at the Parents Forum this morning and had the pleasure of spending time with two high school students. Since my children are in middle school, I decided to go to the middle school tour. My high school ambassadors admirably stayed with me and provided me with great perspective on the middle and high school through their thoughtful and intelligent answers. These two young men were wonderful advocates and ambassadors for your school. Thank you for an informative morning and two stellar hosts!”

The next big event for the ambassadors is the Family Open House, held each January. Ambassadors arrive at school in dress uniform on this Saturday afternoon, eager to greet visitors and lead campus tours. They interact with multiple families in their tour groups and work hard to make sure that all of their

Above: Former Admissions Director Andy Cook with Craig Ramsey ’06, Jeff Hajek ’05, Mary Elston Heanor ’07, Brenda Morales ’07 & Guidance Counselor Heidi Lloyd at a 2004 Admissions event.

guests’ varied questions are answered. They also introduce their groups to teachers in the classrooms and share their favorite spots on campus. Prospective families often note as a highlight this opportunity to learn about the school from a student perspective: “The program was informative and we were able to talk with so many members of the faculty, coaches, administrators and, best of all, the students! My husband and I are so delighted to have discovered Wesleyan and to have had the opportunity today to get to know more about the school. Our son really liked the students he met and is looking forward to his shadow visit; he met some especially enthusiastic students in the band room and enjoyed that immensely.

I also want to commend our tour guide for her excellent tour. She shepherded us throughout the school and was extremely patient as we asked questions, was always tuning into what we were interested in seeing, and made sure that we knew that she would be happy to stay as late as we needed her.”

“Our ambassador was especially helpful and quite an impressive sixth grader. He explained to me that this was his first year at Wesleyan and how much he enjoyed it. I was particularly interested in talking to him about his transition to a new school in sixth grade.

He answered my questions by just being himself and speaking from the heart and made me feel comfortable that my children would have a simple and happy move.”

feature | admissions

Above: 2004-05 middle & high school student ambassadors including Christopher Duvall ’10 (front row, second from left)

Having worked with Wesleyan’s ambassador program for the past six years, I now know that my experience with Christopher Duvall nine years ago was not unique. Each ambassador prepares for their role, understands the importance of making a good impression, and takes pride in sharing their love for Wesleyan with others. The program also allows our students the opportunity to learn important social skills that will prove valuable throughout their college and business careers. Some of them even continue their ambassador roles in college, like Austin Busch ’11, who was recently chosen to be a tour guide at Clemson University.

“My two sons called me at lunch today and were both fired up and enthusiastic after spending their morning at Wesleyan. They loved the classes, the teachers and said it was great to be surrounded by students who were well mannered, respectful and liked learning.

They had a blast and wanted to know if they could start there next week!”

Families interested in learning about Wesleyan are always impressed with our beautiful facilities, but it is the interaction with our teachers and our students that truly conveys the heart of our school. Our amazing ambassadors play a vital role in defining Wesleyan for our community. The admissions office is grateful to all of the students who have been a part of the ambassador program in the past and look forward to seeing the JOY shared by our ambassadors this year and in the future!

“Thank you so much for giving our daughters the opportunity to spend time with your current students. Both girls really enjoyed their day. We are especially grateful for the opportunity for our rising 9th grader to eat lunch with the current 8th graders. Spending extra time in that environment helped to lessen some of her anxieties about changing schools. The ambassadors selected for both girls were delightful. They were polite, friendly and helpful both in their calls over the weekend, and during the day on Monday. Please tell them how much we appreciate the great job they did. They were all fine examples of your ambassador program.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Ambassadors also shine in our shadowing program. Applicants in sixth through twelfth grades can choose to spend part of a school day at Wesleyan to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a student here. Ambassadors serve as hosts to these prospective students who “shadow” them for two or three class periods; high school applicants stay through the lunch period. Our ambassadors are their guest’s primary contact for the entire visit and play a large role in the impression that the applicant will form about the school. Comments from participants’ parents have included the following:

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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

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athletics | team summaries

cheerleading girls cross country

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

The varsity girls cross country team ended the 2013 season as the Class AA State Champion after defeating Westminster by two points at the state meet. This victory came after the Lady Wolves battled a number of injuries that prevented our top runners from competing as a group during most of the fall. Luckily, the girls were were able to get healthy at the right time, and the team provided many highlights on the day of the state meet. Team captains were Anna Gritters, Abi Irwin, and Caroline Reed.

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This year the team learned that the trophy and state championship visors are truly not the most important things. We learned that when you see an injustice, you fight against it. We learned that what we believe is seriously tested through unfair situations.

We learned that when hard times come, it is great to be around a community of believers. We learned that winning is not about trophies and visors, but is instead about the feeling you get when you know that you tested yourself against the best and you came out victorious. These things are all easy to say when you know that you won, but when you think for a second that you didn’t, it makes you think hard about where your heart truly resides.

Finally, we learned that winning is only special because of the bond the girls developed during the season and because we were able to see God work clearly through tough times. The greatest victory the girls experienced this year was in getting a chance to win, while also seeing up close that winning was never the most important thing to begin with.

The 2013 fall cheerleading season began in late July with the cheerleaders’ annual trip to camp at GCSU. The seventh grade, eighth grade, JV, and varsity cheer squads worked on new cheers, chants, stunts, jumps, and tumbling skills. Ten of the fifty-three cheerleaders competed in the All-American competition, and six were honored with this distinction. In addition, the varsity squad placed fourth in the varsity level competition, the junior varsity won the JV level competition, and the seventh grade and eighth grade squads placed first and third, respectively, in the middle school level competition.

After camp, each squad concentrated on perfecting what they learned at camp and practicing their cheers, chants, half-time and homecoming routines, band dance routines, and stunts. In addition, the cheerleaders focused their efforts on their “Share the Joy” initiative. This included supporting the football players and coaches by creating locker decorations, painting locker room signs and run-through signs. They also worked with student government and the spirit leaders to coordinate theme nights at home football games and welcomed the student body to the “cookout” lunches. They enjoyed cheering for the football players during each exciting game and generating spirit at the homecoming pep rally and kick-off dinner. The varsity cheerleaders worked to infuse the campus with “Wesleyan School spirit” by cheering on the Wolves during lower school carpool, organizing the annual lower school Spirit Night, by painting faces at Hoedown, and recognizing the most spirited fan at the games.

The 2013 fall cheerleading season was blessed to be full of new and old friendships, laughter, teamwork, kindness, generosity, resourcefulness, and hope.

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

—Psalm 47:1

athletics | team summaries

football The 2013 varsity football season provided many exciting moments and another great season for the Wolves and their fans. Although the season record of 2-9 was not what everyone had hoped for, the young team led by six vital seniors played well against some stiff competition and made great strides as the season progressed. John Adent and John Walker led the way at wide receiver and defensive back, while fellow seniors Heath Middlebrooks, Hank Masters, Stuart Johnson, and Ryan Brennan anchored the offensive and defensive lines. Many newcomers earned valuable experience in 2013 as the Wolves found themselves in the Class AA state playoffs for the second straight year. The future is very bright, and the team is already looking forward to a great 2014.

Wesleyan’s JV football season was a very successful one. With a record of 6-1, one of the top highlights was avenging their only loss in a rematch with the Walker School in the final game of the season. Each player grew not only on the field, but off as well.

Each of these young men became better football players and learned some valuable life lessons along the way.

The 7th grade football team finished the season 6-1. Coach Frazier commented that, “They got better each game.” After losing the first game, they won six in a row, and were led by a strong ground game, a solid defense, and very sound special teams.

The 2013 boys team entered the season working to replace four of the top nine positions from the previous season. When the season ended on November 9, we finished the season as State Runner-Up. We had a roster of 38 men this year, seventeen of whom were new to the team. Fifteen broke 30 minutes. Eleven of them broke 22 minutes. Three of them broke 18:30. Two of them ran in the state meet. Of the 21 returning members of the team, 16 of them set a lifetime personal record this season. Team captains were Cort Coxhead, Brandt O’Kelley, Jack Widner.

Each year, we talk with the team about “coming to grips with the pain.” It is going to be painful every time you do a hard workout and every time you race. It doesn’t get easier. You just get faster. I can confidently say that this year’s boys team came to grips with the pain. The times that they clocked this year and the way that they competed was evidence of their commitment.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

The 8th grade Wolves finished with a record of 6-2, which was highlighted by a 33-8 win over Our Lady of Mercy. Overall, the 8th grade Wolves learned how to rely on each other, not just one or two athletes, in order to aspire towards a common goal.

Their success in the second half of the season demonstrates a willingness on the part of each athlete to play his role for the good of the whole.

boys cross country

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volleyball

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

softball

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The varsity softball team had an outstanding season, finishing 21-10 and making it to the second round of the state tournament.

The team, led by seniors Landyn Duley, Dacia Jones, Jenna Bartlett, Sydney Stone, Emily Farrow, and Lillie Baker, made history by winning Wesleyan’s first region championship.

Throughout the season, team members paid tribute to faculty with the fun tradition of having teachers throw out the first pitch at home games. The seniors left a lasting impression on the hearts of the coaches and underclassman because of their selfless attitudes and dedication to the program. Individual honors went to Dacia Jones, who took her place at the top of the school record board by earning the most career wins (49) as a pitcher, surpassing Paige Hamlin ’09. Also, Landyn Duley will continue her softball career at the University of Georgia next fall. The varsity team was coached by Nichole Dixon, Mary Stephenson, Greg Lisson, Paige Pera, Brandi Payne, and B.J. Johnson.

The JV softball team concluded a strong season with a 7-4 record under the leadership of coaches Mary Stephenson and Brandi Payne. The season was highlighted by wins over Holy Innocents’ and Alpharetta. Each player improved her skills, and learned more about the softball program’s “One Body, Many Parts” motto, which is based on 1 Corinthians 12.

The middle school softball team finished the season with a 5-4-1 record. The girls improved each facet of their game and became fast friends while learning the value of teamwork. The future is bright for this group of young players!

The 2013 volleyball season was one of the most successful in program history! The varsity volleyball team capped off a great season by defeating Westminster 3-1 to win their sixth state championship. Wesleyan’s varsity volleyball program is now 13-0 all-time when playing at Marietta High School. The team finished the season with a record of 37-10 that included impressive victories over Buford, Marist, and Woodward (first time since 2007). The Wolves were also able to avenge last year’s semifinal loss to Lovett by defeating them 3-1 to reach the state championship game. Wesleyan has been selected as the Gwinnett County Team of the Year for 2013, an honor befitting this talented and tenacious team.

The JV team had their best season in the past ten years with a record of 19-9. This young team was composed of ten freshmen and only one sophomore. The Wolves notched key wins over Mill Creek, Chattahoochee, Roswell, and Woodward, while showing great promise for the future of the volleyball program.

The 7th grade team finished the season with a record of 233. Key victories were recorded over perennial powerhouse programs such as Johns Creek, North Cobb Christian, Harrison, and previously undefeated St. Pius to end the season. The 8th grade team finished with a record of 9-17 against a very tough opponent schedule. Victories of note came against rivals GACS, Lovett, and South Forsyth.

athletics | awards INDIVIDUAL ATHLETIC HONORS

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1) John Adent ’14, Gwinnett Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete, football 2) Lillie Baker ’14, All-County, All-Region, softball 3) Emma Bivings ’15, All-Area Team, All-State Team, volleyball 4) Ellie Bradach ’16, All-State Team, All-County Team, cross country 5) Henry Collins ’16, All-Region Team, All-State Team, All-County Honorable Mention, cross country 6) Landyn Duley ’14, All-County, All-Region, GDP All-County 1st Team, softball 7) Emily Farrow ’14, All-County Honorable Mention, All-County Academic Team, All-Region Honorable Mention, softball 8) Riley Henning ’15, All-County, All-Region, softball 9) Hannah Hoskin ’14, All-Area Team, All-County 1st Team, Gwinnett County Scholar Athlete, Senior All-Star, All-State, volleyball 10) Dacia Jones ’14, All-County, All-Region, GDP All-County 2nd Team, softball 11) Jameson Kavel ’17, All-County, All-Region, softball 12) Kendra Koetter ’15, All-Area Team, All-County 1st Team, All-State Team, volleyball 13) Katie Van Laeke ’14, All-Area Team, volleyball 14) Heath Middlebrooks ’14, Gwinnett Touchdown Club Team First Award, football 15) Matt Moratti ’14, Individual Region Champion, All-State Team, cross country 16) Mikey Olson ’16, All-Region Team, cross country 17) Caroline Reed ’14, All-State Team, All-County Team, GDP All-County 1st Team, Footlocker Team Georgia, cross country 18) Kylie Reed ’16, All-State Team, cross country 19) Sydney Stone ‘14, All-County Academic Team, softball 20) Jordan Zimmerman ’15, Individual Region Champion, All-State Team, All-County Team, GDP All-County 2nd Team, cross country

TEAM HONORS

ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

Grant Colton Samford University Baseball

Landyn Duley University of Georgia Softball

Keevana Edwards Stetson University Basketball

Boys Cross Country Class AA State Runner-Up

COACHING HONORS Girls Cross Country Class AA State Champions

Lee Rider Football Gwinnett Touchdown Club Assistant Coach of the Year

Softball Class AA Region 6-AA Champions

Ted Russell Volleyball GACA State Coach of the Year; Gwinnett Daily Post Coach of the Year

Chris Yoder Girls Cross Country Atlanta Track Club Coach of the Year VOLLEYBALL Class AA State Champions; Area 6-AA Champions; Gwinnett County Team of the Year

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Chad McDaniel Girls Cross Country Atlanta Track Club Coach of the Year; GACA State Coach of the Year; Gwinnett Coaches Association Coach of the Year; Gwinnett Daily Post Coach of the Year

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The Wesleyan Junior Wolf Players Present

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Jolly Roger & the Pirate Queen

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faculty news

TWO years

• Married for five years to Loreal LeGate, the Director of Global Marketing and Communications at American Express.

• Four daughters: Lauren, 25; Evelyn, 24; Alexandra, 18, and Sofia, 13. Lauren is in Tampa completing her master’s degree in business and data management at the University of South Florida; Evelyn works as a psychologist for the American Red Cross in Colombia; Alexandra is in her second year of Journalism school in Colombia; Sofia is in seventh grade, also in Colombia.

• The Vallejos attend church at Life Point in Cumming.

• In his spare time, Guillermo enjoys eating out, dancing with Loreal, and watching sports.

• Attended school at San Felipe Neri in Bogotá, Colombia.

• Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education, with a major in Spanish and a specialization in linguistics applied to the teaching of Spanish from the Universidad Distrital in Colombia.

• Teaches high school Spanish 1, 3, and 4. Also serves as the head coach for 7th grade volleyball and assistant coach for the varsity girls soccer team.

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “My mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2013. I was expecting to give, but I received much more from people who had nothing to give in return but a smile and friendship. That is more important than anything in the world.”

• Path to Education: “I never expected to become an educator.

I ended up studying it, and then I started loving it. It is an incredible way to transform lives and become an ambassador for my language and the Spanish-speaking world.”

• Before coming to Wesleyan: “I taught in Colombia from 19902004; at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain from 2005-2008, and at the Marymount School of New York from 2008-2011.”

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “I enjoy having the opportunity to teach and coach such an amazing group of students. Wesleyan is a great place to work because of the students, faculty, administrators, and everybody involved in this community. I was teaching in New York, and when I was invited to teach my demo class, I was surprised to see how friendly the people were here.”

• Unique or special feature of Wesleyan: “This is more than a school with high standards and an amazing spiritual example to follow. It is a family, and a special place where you have to excel and grow every single day.”

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

• Earned a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a second language from the Universidad de Leon, Spain.

photography by Brian L. Morgan

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photography by Brian L. Morgan

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• Married for 20 years to Bryan, a senior Finance Director.

• Two children: Ansley, 13, is a Wesleyan 8th grader; Ally, 10, is a Wesleyan 5th grader. Both Ansley and Ally are evergreens.

• The Jones family attends Northpoint Community Church.

• In her spare time, Nancy enjoys reading, playing games with her girls, writing, and spending time with friends.

• Attended Dunwoody High School in DeKalb County.

• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University.

• Earned a master’s degree in school counseling and an educational specialist degree in school counseling, both from Georgia State University.

W ESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

• Nancy is the lower school counselor, the counseling department chair, and Wesleyan’s K-12 Parent University coordinator and instructor.

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• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “I love teaching the Bully Business classes with lower school students! I love their comments, their insight, and their laughter as we move through the role plays, activities, and children’s books on this topic. Additionally, I love the opening all-school chapel where the kindergarten students walk in hand-in-hand with the seniors. Experiencing that moment shines a light on the privilege we have of being a part of these children’s spiritual and educational lives for thirteen years.”

• Path to education: “I come from a long line of educators! One of my grandmothers taught kindergarten for over 30 years, and the other taught at the college level for over 20 years. I used to “teach” my stuffed animals with homemade textbooks, and even corrected their “work” with a red pen! I knew from an early age that teaching was the most important and most exciting job in the world.”

• Before coming to Wesleyan: “I was an elementary teacher in DeKalb County schools, a guidance counselor in Gwinnett County schools, and a trainer for the Safe and Drug Free Schools division of Gwinnett County. I also traveled the country doing teacher and counselor trainings and taught at Georgia State University for seven years.”

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “When my sister’s children started attending Wesleyan, I began learning more about the school and its mission. I felt a strong tug to have my children come here and to become a part of the faculty as well. Having never worked at a Christian school, it was a relief to be able to reveal and share my faith with students, teachers, and parents. Many of my previous schools had students from many different countries and religions; many had extremely difficult family lives. Many had never heard of Jesus, and yet, by law, I was unable to discuss Him with them. I feel like I have come home in the freedom to discuss my faith openly in all that I do. I have been humbled by Wesleyan lower school children offering to pray with me and for me - there is nothing better!

I love the people here; I love the atmosphere. Some of my favorite things are lower school chapel for the students, the monthly all-school faculty worship service, and the privilege of partnering with parents during Parent U classes.”

• Unique or special feature about Wesleyan: “The most unique thing about being a part of Wesleyan is the relationships among Wesleyan people! I love that our families are invested in being a part of this community, and that we look out for each other. I have worked in many schools, but never in a place that offered so much genuine care and hospitality to each other. As both a faculty member and a Wesleyan parent, I have been the recipient of the hands and feet of Christ through the body of Wesleyan people.”

faculty | profile

FOURTEEN years • Married for two and a half years to Sylvester, a grocery manager for the LaVista Kroger. This past summer, Sylvester was honored as the 2012 Grocery Manager of the Year, earning this award over more than 20 of his counterparts.

• Pam and Sylvester have no children, but dogs, Hugo and Bella, are definitely members of the family!

• The Sanchezs attend church at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Norcross, where Pam has been a youth group co-leader for the past ten years.

• In her spare time, Pam enjoys watching Filipino soap operas with Sylvester. She also loves trying new restaurants and spending time with family. During summer break, she makes a point to travel far and wide to visit relatives.

• Attended high school at Davidson Fine Arts (a magnet school in Augusta) through tenth grade and graduated from Vidalia High School.

photography by Brian L. Morgan

faculty member for

• Standout moment at Wesleyan: “The first middle school variety show with Lewis Graham and friends is a wonderful memory.

They performed the ‘Da Bears’ SNL sketch – hilarious!

Another year, Cherie Schofield, Emily Duffus and I danced to ‘Walk it Out’…”

• Path to Education: “I was inspired by my Spanish teacher at Davidson Fine Arts, Sra. Stracke. I really enjoyed her class; she nominated me for my Governor’s Honors Program experience.”

• Before coming to Wesleyan: “I taught for one year at Park Street Elementary in Marietta and was a long-term sub at Gainesville High School. Once at Wesleyan, I realized how great the community and administrative support is here. I had my own classroom instead of having to work from a push cart at an elementary school. I was able to have in-depth conversations with my students and really get to know them as people.”

• Enjoys most about Wesleyan: “I’ve appreciated getting to know so many wonderful families and co-workers. I also enjoy traveling on student trips to different parts of the world.”

• Teaches middle school Spanish A & B in seventh and eighth grades. Pam has worked with student council for fourteen years, marching band for thirteen years, and has served on seven mission trips as either a leader or chaperone.

• Unique or special feature of Wesleyan: “Wesleyan faculty and staff genuinely enjoy doing things together outside of school going to church, traveling, going out to eat, and re-connecting with students.”

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• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in foreign language (Spanish) from the University of Georgia.

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A Ugandan Sabbatical

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written by Amelia Davis Dean of Student Ministries

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ed Dirt. Thatched roofs. Bicycles. Mud huts. Brick makers. Mothers with babies. Men with banana bundles packed atop their backs like pack mules.

Children everywhere, playing, laughing, crying, and begging as they simply wander from place to place. This is not a fictional story, but real life in Uganda. The sights and sounds of Uganda occupy my heart and replay in my mind each day as I reflect on my summer sabbatical.

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I first learned about the tiny nation of Uganda, nestled in East Africa, four years ago as I began preparing for the new high school Bible elective, Global Justice and Christian Ethics. This course was created for Wesleyan high school students to explore the world and God’s plan for justice. As I began studying Uganda, I discovered that the entire country skirts Lake Victoria, which serves as the mouth of the Nile River, and is surrounded by Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, and Rwanda. The small nation is still reeling from the corrupt rule of Idi Amin, and successive leadership has continued to struggle. Uganda recently received front page coverage when a small organization called Invisible Children highlighted the problem of child soldiers serving under the dominating rule of Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army.

Invisible Children was successful in their plea for Washington to intervene on their behalf.

International attention remains on Uganda and other nations in Africa as people die daily from water-borne disease, starvation, malnutrition, and the AIDS and HIV epidemic. These afflictions may keep people away from visiting Africa, but one part of Uganda’s story drew me in: orphans. There are 32.7 million people in Uganda; 2.7 million children under the age of 18 are orphans; 1.2 million are orphaned due to AIDS.

God has been working on my heart for more than a decade, calling me to serve orphaned children around the world. Fourteen years ago, I went on my first eight-week mission trip to China where I had the opportunity to work with abandoned and disabled children left in an orphanage. This experience changed me inside and out.

I have found through many mission trips since that God gives each individual a unique story, and their stories are the foundation of their journies. I see God in these children, and His redemptive love is evident in the hope they hold. The Wesleyan missions program has been a blessing in my life because I’ve had the privilege to continue serving the neediest of children alongside fellow faculty members and students. Whether serving in Romania, Ukraine, Guatemala, or Africa, God has been there in mighty and amazing ways.

Top: Homes & businesses around Kampala; Bottom: A familiar scene of a child wandering alone. This was taken while passing a rice field in rural Uganda.

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I feel God’s call to connect others with Him by sharing His profound impact in my life. This experience serving orphans and their caretakers in Uganda has given me new perspective on a problem much bigger than me. I have learned that storytelling on their behalf sheds light on God’s work in the Church beyond the walls of Wesleyan and the comforts of the western world. Specifically, the people in the trenches - missionaries and faithful Christians who live out the call to share the Gospel - inspire me to evaluate my life differently. Their narratives affect me in a profound way, and it is my privilege to share the remarkable story of the ministry that is happening now through Hands of Love in Uganda.

Traveling to Uganda is no joke. There is an overnight flight, a quick layover in Amsterdam, then another all-day flight through the African continent. I saw the deserts of Egypt and the Nile River as we flew over them along the way. After a short refuel in Rwanda, we made the last puddle jump into Uganda. I arrived late in the evening with my team, Mike and Fletcher Morris.

Mike is a Hands of Love board member and husband to Kendra (Wesleyan English teacher and junior girls’ grade chair). Their oldest son, Fletcher, is a 5th grader at Wesleyan, and brother to Lily (4th) and Piper (K). Fletcher and Mike were both excited to visit Joy Florence, Fletcher’s Ugandan sister. Joy Florence greeted us at the airport with fresh flowers and overwhelming enthusiasm. I quickly learned that these types of greetings would be commonplace all week.

Above: Fletcher Morris (5th) with his Ugandan sister, Joy Florence

Hands of Love is both a school and an orphanage. There are two locations: Kiteezi and Namadhi. Kiteezi is a small town just outside of the capital city, Kampala. Namadhi is a rural village four hours away from Kampala. Most of the children in Kiteezi are sponsored, while many of the children in Namadhi are still waiting for sponsorship. At both schools, my team was greeted with

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I first heard of Hands of Love only one year ago when I was invited to visit with a pastor visiting from Uganda. Little did I know that I would be traveling to Uganda to serve this ministry only six months later! God used that evening to deepen my call to care for the fatherless. The testimony of Elijah and Ruth Sebuchu, Hands of Love co-founders, rocked me to the core. Elijah grew up in a polygamous family as one of 38 children. His mother gave birth to him in a swamp and raised him to know that his life was a gift from God. Elijah grew up in abject poverty and, against all odds, obtained an education and became an ordained pastor. In 2004, Elijah and Ruth received a specific calling from God to develop a compassion for those in need, especially the millions of orphaned children wandering the streets of Uganda. So, they built a mud hut with a thatched roof in rural Namadhi and, a week later, welcomed 188 children who needed shelter, food, and family. Today, with the help of a full time staff, a church ministry, and faithful sponsors from around the globe, Elijah and Ruth care for nearly 1,400 orphans housed in two orphanages.

Left: Classrooms in Namadhi; Center: Original mud hut built by Elijah & Ruth for Hands of Love; Top Right: Pastor Elijah & Ruth Sebuchu; Right Bottom: Children from Hands of Love

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Top Left: Unsponsored child (no uniform) being cared for by sponsored children in the orphanage; Top Right: Amelia & a Ugandan teacher at the teacher meet & greet in Kiteezi; Bottom Left: An enthusiastic greeting from the Hands of Love orphans in Namadhi

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with a young girl who simply wanted to share her story of grief and loss that caused her status as an orphan. But, she is not without parents or extended family here - her family is within Hands of Love.

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the cheers and chants of children shouting, “Welcome! You are most welcome! Thank you for coming to visit Hands of Love!” I could hardly hold back the tears when I saw the sheer number of children wanting to shake my hand and hug my waist. The children were dancing, singing, and playing drums, as if praising God for our time together.

Orphan care has no end. There are so many specific needs I witnessed being met by this small and faithful staff. I now understand the process by which the children are taken in, named, cared for, prayed for, sponsored, and raised within the life of the orphanage. I have used this experience to further understand the child sponsorship program. It was wonderful to actually see where $40 a month goes.

In Greek, compassion means to suffer with. I am grateful for this small, yet meaningful glimpse into the lives of people who matter in the world. Some of these children came to Hands of Love without knowing their own name or birthday. I cried for and prayed

Like the children, teachers at this school are waiting for sponsorship while they continue to serve students in the classroom each day. When I asked why they became teachers, they would answer, “I love God and I love children; that is why I am a teacher.” Many of these teachers serve as house moms, as well. They teach – then care for – children after school and through the night. Many teachers are still waiting to be sponsored.

Yet, gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise overflow in this place. Every day and all day, the principal of the school in Namadhi chants with the children, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. And that is HIS nature, WOW!” One day, I joined the teachers as they served the children their daily meal of rice and beans. In actuality, it was the second of two daily meals. It was an emotional day for me as I sat in the grass with hundreds of children as they ate. The children slowly started to sit around me to eat. They ate with their tiny hands and smacked their tiny lips (as a mom of three, I would ask my kids to mind their manners, but this was a different type of meal - this was clearly their daily bread). Each and every bite was devoured, and, for some children, especially those without sponsorship, it was their only meal for the day. As I witnessed this moment of gratitude and thanksgiving to God, I felt as if I was witnessing manna being poured from heaven, just as the Israelites did each day. Regardless of unimaginable pain and loss, God was using these children to teach me more about His faithful provision and protection.

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The men and women who serve as teachers, sponsorship coordinators, principal, and house moms were simply amazing. The ministry of Hands of Love teaches the children to love one another, to celebrate when their peers are sponsored, to trust in God’s grace alone, and to express gratitude for life and community. They embody what a life of resurrection and salvation through Jesus Christ should look like, with no conditions other than the nature of God’s goodness. In the midst of abject poverty, there is gratitude and J.O.Y. that reminded me daily of our Wesleyan community. The Hands of Love staff and their 1,400 children exude this attitude in everything they do. Words like kindness, generosity, and gratitude constantly appeared within the pages of my journal throughout my visit. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Simply said, our southern hospitality is put to shame by their open arms, beautiful smiles, and simple words of welcome to everyone. The church is strong in Uganda, and the Christians I met practiced total dependency on God. When they get a meal, they praise God. When you give them a gift, they share it with someone less fortunate. When they hug you, their embrace is meaningful and deep, like a child who depends on the comfort of her mother’s arms. I love the people I met during my short time there, and I am grateful to see the ministry of Hands of Love at work.

My constant prayer while in Uganda and since my return is taken from the song, Hosanna: Heal my heart and make it clean Open up my eyes to the things unseen Show me how to love like you have loved me Break my heart for what breaks yours Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause As I walk from earth into eternity Travel has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. Meeting people in their own rhythm and seeing people in their own community grows my heart beyond my wildest dreams. I am so grateful for Wesleyan’s Summer Sabbatical Program that allowed me to have this specific opportunity to travel to Uganda to meet people where they are. I believe that Jesus meets us where we are to truly show us what deep relationship with God looks like. I am grateful for the continued opportunity to share these real stories with my family, friends, church, and classes. I have gotten a glimpse of what ministries do with these life and death situations with children each day. On a personal level, this experience deepened my convictions and call to adopt children into my own family.

Left: A student with her dinner; Above: Hands of Love staff with Amelia & Fletcher Morris (5th) at Lake Victoria

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This experience has enriched me both personally and professionally. I have new stories to share, new friendships to cherish, photos, and first-hand accounts of people in need around the world.

James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” May I always remember these stories, and may God use the Wesleyan community as part of His redemption story in Uganda.

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An English Sabbatical written by Pam Fedas Lower & Middle School Science Department Chair; High School Science Teacher

“I wonder how anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all - the colleges I mean - like an opera.” – William Butler Yeats in a letter to Katharine Tynan

I WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

was privileged to attend the Oxford Teacher Seminar through Oxbridge Academic Programs from June 30 - July 7, 2013. This experience has left me totally besotted with the University!

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Oxford was established in 1096 and is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is composed of thirty-eight colleges, is home to the prestigious Rhodes and Clarendon scholarship graduate programs, and boasts fortyseven Nobel Prize winners who taught there. The graduates are a veritable “Who’s Who” from literature, science, and history; T.E. Lawrence, Sir Walter Raleigh, Robert Hooke, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson), Edwin Hubble, and Stephen Hawking are just a few of Oxford’s prestigious scholars.

Our teaching seminar was attended by educators from all parts of the world – from Johannesburg to Brisbane. As we assembled at 4:00 pm for tea on that first day, we were in awe of our surroundings, Mansfield College, and the opportunity for study in the coming days. We had varied program interests; mine was Boundaries of Science, while others pursued Literature and the Fantastic, Shakespeare in History, or The Library and the Academy. Each day’s agenda followed a “rigorous” schedule of

discussion groups, field trips, guest speakers, and afternoon tea.

Evening activities included Shakespeare in the gardens and a social with current Rhodes Scholars.

Boundaries of Science was led by Dr. Joanna Bagniewska, a zoologist and Oxford doctoral graduate, whose thesis focused on utilizing technology to measure the behavior of invasive species. During the week, other doctoral candidates shared their research and findings in areas such as material science, science and religion, the musical brain, plasma physics, and the use of HeLa cells to find a cure for cancer.

Our eclectic group explored such Oxford landmarks as: • The Bodleian Library – Oxford’s main research library and the second-largest in Britain – it is growing at a rate of three miles of shelving every year; • The Ashmolean Museum – the world’s first university museum, built in 1678;

Top Left: Original C.S. Lewis drawing of Narnia–located in the Eagle & the Child where he & J.R.R. Tolkein met each Tuesday night as the Inklings. Above: The Bodleian Library

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Above top: The library at Christ Church College; Below: Christ Church College where the Harry Potter movies were filmed

• The Museum of Natural History – which boasts the most complete remains of a single dodo anywhere in the world, and • The Pitt Rivers Museum – this fascinating museum was founded in 1884 by Augustus Pitt-Rivers, who donated his collection of 20,000 curiosities to Oxford with the stipulation that the objects were to be displayed thematically, according to how they were used, rather than by their age or origin (not the norm for a museum!).

Upon leaving Oxford, I travelled to London for a few days to relive my youth at some of my favorite places. I jumped back into history revisiting Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Hampton Court, and the Tower of London, to name a few. Ah, the memories!

Thank you, Wesleyan, for providing me with this opportunity for intellectual growth while renewing my enthusiasm for my profession.

Top: Big Ben; Middle: Mansfield College; Bottom: Attendees at the farewell dinner held in the rose garden of Mansfield College

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All of these collective experiences will be incorporated into my classes. How wonderful it will be to talk about the nervous system’s ability to communicate, and relate this concept to the interaction of music and the brain. Or, to discuss the information gathered from our seminar, Science and Religion, based on the premise that there is no conflict between the two, as God is the Alpha and the Omega. And, that literature and extinction of a species can be correlated utilizing Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. I absorbed so much knowledge that my mind was often spinning with ideas of how to share this information with my students. I have found that hardly a day goes by in which I fail to reference something from this Oxford experience in my classes.

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A Colombian Sabbatical written by Philip Hart High School Grade Chair & Spanish Teacher

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• My tour guide from Bogotá, who had recently returned home after spending several years in London; • A Medellín native who is the owner and operator of an ecotourism business; • The secretary of tourism for the Atlantico department, or what we could call a “state”; and • A public school teacher with over 35 years of experience.

Often, as outsiders, we form stereotypes or have pre-conceived notions of what a place is like. Because of its history, as well as the sensationalism that the world’s media often pushes, Colombia has come to be known as a country plagued with violence. Some may recognize it for its coffee, or perhaps even the infamous Pablo Escobar. Of course, Colombia has had its share of problems and, because of them, the world has painted the country as violent and dangerous. For me, this could not be more different from what I’ve experienced there.

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he sharp contrast between Barranquilla, Colombia and my home in Atlanta, Georgia can be felt immediately as one enters the baggage claim area. It is not so much the heat that hits you on arrival, but the humidity. The air is thick, and it coats the body like an extra layer of sticky clothing necessitating at least two showers a day. Central air conditioning is a luxury which few people have in their apartments or houses. Those who do, have single-room units that they use sparsely throughout the day or at night before bedtime. For those who are not accustomed to such a climate, fans are a must to ensure sleep. As my family and I gather our luggage from the baggage belts of the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, we see our friends and family members smiling and waving to us. It has been two and a half years since we have seen one another. But, we arrive and, as always, are greeted with giant hugs and welcoming kisses.

This summer, I spent a month in Colombia where I traveled to Bogotá and its surrounding region; Cartagena; Medellín and its outskirts, and our home base city, Barranquilla. While this was not my first trip to Colombia, it was the first time I had the opportunity to travel to the interior regions of the country. My sabbatical plan was to gain further understanding of Colombia’s different regions and cultures, while documenting some of my interactions with Colombians by way of interviews. Having brought a video camera, I filmed my interviews with people from a variety of backgrounds, including: • A woman from Barranquilla who is the director of the Museo del Caribe, a museum dedicated to the promotion of the Caribbean culture;

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Top Left: Felipe & Felipe–Philip with Felipe, the third-generation owner of a coffee farm in Concordia, Antitoquia near Medellín; Bottom: The Boyacá Monument of Simon Bolivar at the Bridge of Boyacá

Because of these labels and stereotypes, one question that I was sure to ask in each of my interviews was, “What words come to mind when you, as a native Colombian, hear the word Colombia?” The response that I received time and again was the word diverse. The Colombia that I know has never been a place in which I have been nervous about my safety. Colombia is a place with a variety of cultures, vast gastronomic “opportunities,” multiple regional climates, and a people whose love of life is evident in their music, dance, and sense of community. It is a country of gigantic smiles, welcoming embraces, colorful destinations, excellent food, and beautiful culture.

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Top: Philip & his wife Katherine at the Medellín Overlook; Bottom: The streets of the Old City section of Cartegena with a view of the cathedral in the background

Top: A subterranean cathedral built in the salt mines of Zipaquira; Middle: Plaza Mayor of the colonial city Villa de Leyva, one of the oldest cities in Colombia; Bottom: Plaza Mayor of Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá

A personal goal of mine through my sabbatical studies is to break the stereotype that many of my students may have of Colombia because of the actions of a few of its most notorious citizens. I want them to know the Colombia that I love and know so well.

I want them to have the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in my class when they one day take a trip to a place that is different from the usual beach or mountain destinations. I want them to have the opportunity to truly get to know a place and its people, and form opinions based on their own understanding instead of adopting the perceptions of others. In many ways, this is a battle we face daily. I want my students to experience Colombia and walk away with their own point of view.

Sharing these videos with my students will allow me to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the country and culture.

Bienvenidos a Colombia!

To learn a language is to learn culture. To learn culture is to understand people. The ultimate take-away from discovering these things will last a lifetime.

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As a Spanish teacher, almost any experience in a country where Spanish is spoken is one that can aid me in the classroom. The opportunity during this sabbatical to visit so many places and meet many interesting people has had a profound impact on my knowledge of Colombian culture and has greatly improved my vocabulary and fluency. With my trusty video camera, I made sure to film as many of my experiences as possible, including: • Walking around a variety of Colombian cities in order to note differences between our architecture and that of Colombia; • Encountering a chief of an indigenous tribe at the overlook of the Guatavita Lagoon (the origin of the El Dorado myth) and listening to the tribal legends he told during our visit; and • Touring a coffee farm from top to bottom while the third-generation owner, Felipe, explained in detail the whole process of coffee farming, from plant growth to its eventual consumption.

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BIRTHS

Quentin Michael Boeschen Grandson of Bev & John Boeschen 8 pounds, 1 ounce, 20.5 inches October 31, 2013

MARY CHARLES GHOLSTON Granddaughter of Kathy & Skipper Gholston 8 pounds, 1 ounce, 20.25 inches August 19, 2013

Charlotte Alexandra Greco Daughter of Lauren & James Greco 8 pounds, 8 ounces, 19.5 inches November 4, 2013

graham TYLER greene Grandson of Tracey & Mark Greene 8 pounds, 5 ounces, 20 inches November 12, 2013

Andrew caleb kimsey Grandson of Becky Kimsey 8 pounds, 12 ounces, 20.5 inches November 1, 2013

Ryan philip richards Grandson of Terri & John McCarren 9 pounds, 2 ounces, 22 inches November 2, 2013

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Peyton Grace Sheppard Daughter of Jen & Chase Sheppard 6 pounds, 11 ounces, 21.5 inches November 1, 2013

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Tanner Chad Simmons Son of Stephanie & Chad Simmons 8 pounds, 9 ounces, 22 inches October 30, 2013

IN MEMORIAM David Pickens October 18, 2013 Father of Kendra Morris High School English, 11th Grade Girls Chair Grandfather of Fletcher (5th), Lily (4th), Piper (K)

Peter norboge July 29, 2013 Father of Alice Macgill Communications Specialist Grandfather of Mallory ’13

Sophie Elizabeth Young October 26, 2013 Mother of Zach Young Headmaster Grandmother of Townshend ’08 & Zachry ’02

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WEDDINGS

Mr. & Mrs. Stewart Cheatwood July 6, 2013 Amanda Lang High School Science

Mr. & Mrs. Brock Derringer June 9, 2013 Brock Derringer High School Chorus

Mr. & Mrs. Zach Kennedy June 1, 2013 Rebecca Carpenter Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events

Mr. & Mrs. Carson williams June 29, 2013 Jessie Dutcher Lower School Pre-First Teacher

Sarah Seanor Associate Director of Extended Care Program

Monish tyagi ’08 Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving

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NEW STAFF MEMBERS

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Class life and health insurance, employee benefits, workplace safety, and wellness services.

Lindsey Glenn ’98 is in a Physician’s Assistant program specializing in children with facial deformities. Her two children, Glenn Elizabeth (8) and Ren (6), are both students at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School.

Thomas McKenzie ’02 moved to Atlanta this summer and is teaching United States history at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Megan Leddy Painter ’00 is employed at Verizon Telematics after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Furman University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Georgia State University.

Peter Landis ’04 lives in Raleigh, North Carolina and last year opened a men’s clothing store, Lumina Clothing.

Jarrod Leddy ’04 received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Georgia Tech in 2008. He is now living with his wife in York, England, where Jarrod is pursuing his Ph.D. in fusion physics at The University of York.

John Ball ’04 is the godfather of Mary Charles Gholston, daughter of Ashley & Forester Gholston ’04

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Jake Humphrey ’01 at his Crossfit gym in Denver, Colorado.

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Peter Landis ’04 with co-workers of his company, Lumina Clothing.

Jake Humphrey ’01 opened a CrossFit Gym in Denver, Colorado. He is the head trainer and director of operations, overseeing the day-to-day management of the gym, as well as programming the workouts and hiring staff.

Courtney Prehmus Warren ’01, accepted a position at Rosenfeld Einstein, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, in Greenville, South Carolina. Rosenfeld Einstein specializes in providing strategic consultative services related to personal and commercial property and casualty,

Drew Prehmus ’04 with General Samuel Vaughan Wilson

Elizabeth Goodgame ’09 & Alyssa McNaughton ’09 at their senior send-off dinner at Furman University this spring

Drew Prehmus ’04 is a published author.

He wrote his book, General Sam, during his senior year at Hampden-Sydney about the college’s former president, General Samuel Vaughan Wilson.

Ben Stidam ’05 passed the Georgia Bar Exam administered in July. He was sworn into practice before the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Georgia Supreme Court on November 13, 2013. Ben is currently pursuing his LL.M. in taxation at the University of Florida.

Zan Patorgis ’05 recently passed the Georgia bar exam after graduating from the Georgia State University College of Law in May 2013. Zan is now an attorney with the Administrative Office of the Courts, where he works with regulatory commissions such as the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and Board of Court Reporting. He drafts and edits contracts for the agency, revises HR policies and procedures, and works closely with judges around the state on legal issues.

alumni | news William Thompson ’09 graduated from George Washington University this past May. He is now living in Atlanta and works for Morgan Stanley as a Junior Financial Advisor in their Buckhead office.

Brooks Colquitt ’10 competed as an amateur in the Georgia PGA Championship at Berkeley Hills Country Club this July. He finished tied for 11th place at 2-under par and well ahead of many club professionals.

2005 classmates: Jeff Allen, Mandy Fleming Harris, Kasey Kasper Hendry, Taylor Voelker, Rawson Daws, Abbey Dutson, Emily Jackson & Mary Claire Merlino at Kasey Kasper Hendry’s rehearsal dinner in Highlands, North Carolina Jeannie Kinnett ‘08 graduated with honors from Davidson College in 2012.

She now works in production at a New York advertising agency.

Tripp Harrison ’07 graduated from Samford University in December 2011 and has been working for a private equity firm, Blue Equity, LLC, out of Louisville, Kentucky for the past year and a half.

Tripp spent the last six months of 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica where he assisted in running the daily operations of Shell Gasoline Jamaica and had responsibility for a petroleum holding facility, a production and distribution center and a total of 53 gas stations island-wide.

Tripp Harrison ’07 in Kingston, Jamaica at a Shell Tank Farm

Anne Elizabeth Goodgame ’09 graduated from Furman University this past spring and is spending eight months in Cherbourg and Normandy, France where she is an assistant teacher of English in a local high school.

Alyssa McNaughton ’09 graduated from Furman University this past spring and is currently working with Campus Outreach at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.

Ryan Smith ’09 is in Hartford, Connecticut where he works for Cigna. This summer, he spent two weeks in Peru where he hiked to the Inca settlement of Machu Picchu.

Class of 2012 graduates at a Georgia football game. (L-R) Back row: Clark O’Kelley, Fendall Laughlin, Doug Mohme, Nick Schroer; Front row: Abbie Frye, Elise Abernathy, Katie Williams, Darby Coxhead

Katherine Vansant ’10 was accepted to Tulane University’s Master of Accountancy program and was hired as a busy-season intern by Ernst & Young during the spring of 2013. At Tulane, she is the Executive Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and is a showing member of the equestrian team.

Jaye Rochell ’13 with fellow University of Tennesse football teammate

Brandon Moss ’13 is a member of the baseball team as a preferred walk-on at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. ETSU won the Atlantic Sun Conference this past season.

Kate Lackey ’13 was part of the production crew of Belmont University’s first main stage show of the season, Peter Pan, which ran from September 27 to October 6.

Class of 2013 alumni at the Auburn-Georgia game

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Billy Dugal ’08 received a Master of Finance from Southern Methodist University in May 2013.

Catherine Schamp ‘08 received a Master of Accounting from Southern Methodist University in May 2013. She currently works for Peregrine Investments in Dallas, Texas.

Bobby Fulton ’10 joined the United States Army.

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MARRIAGES Kirsten White Adams ’09 married Micah Adams on May 25, 2013 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Brandon White ’06, Caroline Blair ’09, Natalie Johnston ’09, Mollie Maner ’09, and Brittany Price ’09.

Hailey Procter Barnett ’02 married Michael Barnett on September 7, 2013 at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In attendance was Wesleyan alumna Jennifer Gay ’02.

Paige Gupton Chopra ’04 married Robert Chopra on October 5, 2013 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia.

Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Leslie Henderson ’04 as maid of honor, Maegan Hamlin ’04, Kimmie Freeman Goetz ’04, Michelle Klaer Collins ’04, and Katie Gallup Richardson ’04. Wesleyan alumni in attendance included: Hoyt Dwyer ’04, Matthew Bates ’04, Stephen Dodson ’04, Forester Gholston ’04, Michael Pope ’04, Megan Tribble ’04, and Callie Wilson Mahaffey ’04.

Michelle Klaer Collins ’04 married Grayson Collins on June 15, 2013 at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina.

Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Tricia Klaer Nall ’02 as matron of honor; Maegan Hamlin ’04, Paige Gupton Chopra ’04, Katie Gallup Richardson ’04, and Kimmie Freeman Goetz ’04. Wesleyan alumni in attendance included: David Shufford ’04, Anne Ashendorf Usilton ’04, Cy Simonton ’04, Hoyt Dwyer ’04, Matt Bates ’04, Chad Hall ’04, and Mike Pope ’04.

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Julie McCauley Groves ’02 married Bryan Groves on May 18, 2013 at Smithgall Woods in Helen, Georgia. Katy McCauley Bradbury ’00 was a member of the wedding party. Wesleyan faculty in attendance included Sidney Tucker and Pam Fedas, as well as former faculty, Kathy Benson, Carolyn Chapman, Julie Pack, and Joan Lecoy. Julie is the daughter of Modern and Classical Languages Department Chair, Jo-Ann McCauley.

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Kasey Kasper Hendry ’05 married Bryce Hendry on October 26, 2013 at the Highlands United Methodist Church in Highlands, North Carolina, with a reception afterwards at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Mary Claire Merlino ’05 as maid of honor, Abby Dutson ’05, Taylor Voelker ’05, Mandy Fleming Harris ’05, and Emily Jackson ’05.

Wesleyan alumni in attendance included: Lewis Robinson ‘05, Jeff Allen ’05, Rawson Daws ’05, Rachel Zimmerman ’07, Jake Berryhill ’05, Bobby Jackson ’06, Andy Merlino ’07, and Brad Zimmerman ‘05.

Caroline Blair Huff ’09 married Taylor Huff on October 12, 2013 at Burge Plantation in Mansfield, Georgia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Natalie Johnston ’09, Molle Maner ’09, and Kiersten White Adams ’09. Wesleyan alumni in attendance included: Caroline Payne ’09, Hope Peterson ‘09 and former faculty member, Alison Holby.

Matt Karempelis ’08 and Emily Worthington Karempelis ’08 were married on August 17, 2013 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with a reception afterwards at the Dunwoody Country Club. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Maggie Worthington Lawrence ’06 as maid of honor, Mary Elston Heaner ’07, Peter Karempelis ’06, Kyle Karempelis ’11, Bobby Worthington ’09, Webb Worthington ’05, and Will Worthington ’09.

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Rebecca Carpenter Kennedy ’02 married Zach Kennedy on June 1, 2013 at Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Wesleyan former staff in the wedding party included: Holle Kennerly. Wesleyan alumni and faculty in attendance included: Allison Christopher ’04, Mamie McIntosh ’06, Megan Walker ’12, Chris Cleveland, Melissa Thorson, Chad McDaniel, Stephanie McDaniel, and former faculty, Brian Kennerly and Andy Cook.

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alumni | marriages Tyler King ‘05 married Anna Linkenauger King on September 28, 2013 at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, with a reception afterwards at The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers Country Club in Williamsburg, Virginia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Carter Brunelle ’05 as best man, Kara King ’07, and Kelsey King ’09. Tyler is the son of Admissions Director, Mari Beth King.

Christina Peters Kluttz ’07 married Marcus Kluttz on July 13, 2013 at Decatur First United Methodist Chapel in Decatur, Georgia, with a reception afterwards at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Decatur. Amanda Havriluk ’07 served as maid of honor.

Jarrod Leddy ’04 married Gaby Garcia on June 28, 2011 at Villa Christina in Atlanta, Georgia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Ben Frederick ’06 as best man, Adam Troyer ’05, and Walton Collins ’04.

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Megan Leddy Painter ’00 married Jeremy Painter on September 15, 2012 at Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth, Georgia. Michelle McDonald ’00 served as maid of honor.

Courtney Sanders Philips ’05 married Gavin Philips on October 12, 2013 in the Day Chapel of Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, Georgia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Kelsey Sanders ’11 as maid of honor, Laura Mohme ’05, and Lauren Olson Nilan ’05.

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alumni | marriages Katie Gallup Richardson ’04 married Brandon Richardson on August 24, 2013 at Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with a reception afterwards at 200 Peachtree.

Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Kimberly Freeman Goetz ’04, Michelle Klaer Collins ’04, Paige Gupton Chopra ’04, Maegan Hamlin ’04, and Leslie Henderson ’04.

Kaycee Gallup was the maid of honor.

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J.J. Russell ’09 married Abigail Scheid Russell on August 2, 2013 at Gardencourt at the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included: Chad Russell ’12 and Alyssa McNaughton ’09. Wesleyan alumni and faculty in attendance included: Andrew Patrick ‘09, Kevin Ruiz ‘08, and Brian Krehmeyer.

Emily Rankin Schofield ’03 married Paul Schofield on June 8, 2013 at The Hill in Athens, Georgia. Amanda Gustin ’03 was in the wedding party and Taylor Ashendorf ’03 was in attendance.

Travis Smith ’08 married Kelly Frazelle Smith on May 25, 2013 at Grace Midtown Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Wesleyan alumni in the wedding party included Sarah Smith ’03 and Paul Smith ’05.

Faculty member Nathan Emmelhainz officiated the wedding.

Former Wesleyan faculty member, Kathy Benson, was in attendance. Travis is the son of Mathematics Department Chair, Annette Smith.

17.

Erik Trum ’09 married Amy Wheble Trum on October 26, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City, Georgia, with a reception afterwards at Flat Creek Country Club in Peachtree City. Wesleyan alumni and faculty in attendance included: Ryan Jackson ‘09, Tyler Hediger ‘09, Andrew Sunderman ‘10, Kailee Trum ‘11, Brittany Price ‘09, Scott Schroer ’10, Evan Anderson ’11, Greg Lisson, and Chris Paroli. Former Director of Christian Life Brad Mauldin officiated the wedding.

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alumni | births

BIRTHS

David “Nash” Binner Son of Tommy & Jenny Cartwright Binner ’02 8 pounds, 2 ounces October 11, 2013

Luke austin brown Son of Tanner & Jill Austin Brown ’00 7 pounds, 14 ounces June 20, 2013

Connor Hamsley bryan Son of Andy & Mary Kate Olson Bryan ’04 7 pounds, 15 ounces November 1, 2013

Mary CHarles gholston Daughter of Ashley & Forester Gholston ’04 8 pounds, 1 ounce August 19, 2013

Attaway jack gibadlo Son of Stephanie & Ryan Gibadlo ’02 8 pounds, 1 ounces October 18, 2013

Joseph edward mcbrayer Son of Mandy & Adam McBrayer ’01 6 pounds, 15 ounces October 14, 2013

Emmalyn Olivia reynolds Daughter of Meagan & Grant Reynolds ’03 8 pounds, 14 ounces September 30, 2013

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

EMERSYN CLAIRE BENTLEY Daughter of Justin & Adrienne Inman Bentley ’02 8 pounds, 3 ounces October 25, 2013

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Caleb william west Son of AJ & Katie Brown West ’03 8 pounds, 11 ounces April 10, 2013

Elizabeth “Ellie” Slade Rockett Daughter of Jenny & Mark Rockett ’06 7 pounds, 5 ounces September 25, 2013

trent edward winter Son of Brian & Jenny Hall Winter ’02 9 pounds September 8, 2013

alumni | features

ATHLETIC CIRCLE OF HONOR

2013 INDUCTEES written by Rebecca Kennedy ’02 Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events

Since its inception in 2007, the Wesleyan Athletic Circle of Honor has grown to include fourteen alumni and faculty inductees. The Athletic Circle of Honor recognizes those athletes, coaches and friends of the school who have made significant contributions to Wesleyan’s sports programs on their respective fields of play and who have demonstrated model citizenship and sportsmanship while in high school and beyond.

“It would be hard to quantify Will Jackson’s influence and contribution to our athletic programs and upon the boys and girls who represent Wesleyan. He laid the foundation for the success we now enjoy. We will forever be indebted to Will; his fingerprints remain indelibly imprinted on all of our athletic programs.”

-Marc Khedouri, athletic director Involvement at Wesleyan: • Athletic Director, 1997-2003 • Head Football Coach, 1997-2005 • Varsity Football Community Coach, 2008-2012

Achievements while at Wesleyan: • Guided Wesleyan into GHSA competition • Wesleyan won six state championships and our first GADA Director’s Cup in 2001-2002 under his leadership • Namesake of Wesleyan’s highest coaching award, The Will Jackson Award Will and his wife Frances are now retired and living in Big Canoe. Will still attends every Wesleyan varsity football game.

During basketball season he can be found running the clock in Yancey for home games. During the spring he supports the baseball team wherever they play. Although retired, he continues to pursue his two passions in life: Stanford football and Wesleyan!

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

WILL JACKSON • Former Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

This year, Wesleyan’s Athletic Department has chosen Will Jackson, Grayson Garvin ’08, and James Ramsey ’08 for inclusion in the Circle of Honor. On January 24, 2014 during the varsity basketball game, an induction ceremony will honor these three gentlemen and their contributions to Wesleyan’s athletics programs, their exemplary leadership, and their outstanding effort and resulting achievements.

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alumni | features

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Grayson Garvin ’08 • Baseball

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“Grayson was the most dominant high school pitcher I have seen. When he had the ball in his hand, we didn’t have to worry about the other team hitting the ball, let alone scoring any runs.

It simply was not going to happen.

Single Game Records • First in strikeouts (17) 2006 • Second in strikeouts (16) 2007

He commanded the game from the mound by setting the tempo for the game and the attitude for the team. His over-powering fastball, which he could throw to both sides of the plate, and his dominating off-speed pitches were too much for any high school team to handle. Teams were mentally and emotionally defeated soon after Grayson faced his first batter.”

- Brian Krehmeyer, head baseball coach

Awards received while at Wesleyan: • 4-time letter winner • State Championship Team 2008 • Gwinnett Daily Post Pitcher of the Year • Gwinnett first team • Region Player of the Year • All County HM • Gwinnett Dugout Club first team • Gwinnett Dugout Club Pitcher of the Year

Achievements while at Wesleyan: Career Pitching Records • First in wins (29) • First in strikeouts (337) • First in ERA (1.60) • First in innings pitched (219) • First in complete games (16) Season Pitching Records • First in wins (11) 2006 • Second in wins (10) 2007 • First in strikeouts (125) 2007 • Third in strikeouts (103) 2006 • Fourth in strikeouts (95) 2008 • Second in ERA (.97) 2008 • First in innings pitched (81 2/3) 2007 • Second in innings pitched (72) 2006 • First in complete games (7) 2006 • Third in complete games (5) 2008

Awards received while at Vanderbilt University: • All-America second team 2011 • SEC Pitcher of the Year 2011 • All-SEC first team 2011 • Set school record of 13 wins in a season 2011 • Three-time letter winner 2009, 2010, 2011 • All-SEC Academic Team 2010, 2011 • Selected in the first round of the MLB June Amateur Draft (59th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays 2011 Grayson graduated from Wesleyan in 2008 and attended Vanderbilt University where he played baseball and majored in Human and Organizational Development. He is now playing in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

alumni | features

James Ramsey ’08 • Football and Baseball “James was no doubt one of the very best baseball players I have coached. More than that, James was one of the hardest workers on the field and a great leader of our teams. After he left Wesleyan, I have had the pleasure of developing a strong relationship with James and it has been an incredible blessing in my life. James understands that he has a lot of influence in the baseball world and he uses that influence to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to any and all who he comes upon. I am thankful to call James a friend.”

- Mike Shaheen, former head baseball coach

Season Records in Baseball • First in walks (28) 2008 Awards received while at Wesleyan: • 4-time letter winner, baseball • 3-time letter winner, football • Baseball State Championship Team 2008 • Led Gwinnett County with .468 batting average 2007 • All-County • All-Region

James graduated from Wesleyan in 2008 and attended Florida State University where he played baseball and majored in Finance with a minor in Real Estate and Religion. He is now playing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Achievements while at Wesleyan: Career Records in Baseball • Fourth in hits (123) • Fourth in singles (70) • Fourth in doubles (25) • Fourth in runs (108) • Second in walks (61) • Second in triples (4)

Awards received while at Florida State University: • All-American first team 2012 • All-American third team 2011 • American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) National Player of the Year 2012 • First team honors from the ABCA, Baseball America, the NCBWA, Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game 2012 • Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner (national award given to only one Division I athlete in each sport) 2012 • CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America 2011, 2012 • CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America of the Year 2012 • ACC Player of the Year 2012 • All-ACC first team 2011 • ACC All-Tournament Team 2011 • ACC Student-Athlete of the Year 2011, 2012 • All-ACC Academic Team 2010, 2011 • ACC Academic Honor Roll 2009, 2010, 2011 • Team captain 2012 • Golden Torch Award (for the highest GPA on the baseball team) 2009, 2010, 2011 • Member of the Homecoming court 2011 • Selected in the first round of the MLB First Year Player Draft (23rd overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals 2012

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alumni | features

FINE ARTS CIRCLE OF HONOR

2013 INDUCTEES written by Rebecca Kennedy ’02 Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events

Wesleyan’s Fine Arts Circle of Honor recognizes members of the Wesleyan community who made significant contributions to Wesleyan’s fine arts programs, and who have continued to pursue their passion for the arts in their colleges and communities. “We are excited to honor those who have set such fine examples in the arts at Wesleyan,” said Director of Fine Arts, Meg Foster, “and hope that our current students will be inspired by their stories.”

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KIM BURDGES ’01 • Chorus and Theater

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“Sweet-spirited, respectful and diligent, Kim was a model student in Select Women’s Chorus. Her talent and creativity matched her positive attitude and committed pride. She was a leader in every way, a faithful teenager who served those in need around her.

Although I only had the opportunity to serve as Kim’s choral teacher her junior and senior years of high school, I have continued to see her grow as a colleague and friend throughout the years. I have discovered that Kim’s angelic personality is playfully balanced with a hilarious wit and insightful sense of humor. Don’t let her fool you: this beautiful, gentle spirit has directed shows, sung in extremely interesting rock bands, and continues to find ways to express herself in admirably creative ways.”

- Amy Hoffman Houghley, former high school chorus teacher

On May 1, 2014, three alumni will be inducted into the Fine Arts Circle of Honor during a ceremony at the Artist Market’s opening night celebration. Congratulations to Kim Burdges ’01, Darshan Bryner ’03, and Emily Worthington Karempelis ’08, who are fondly remembered by former and current Wesleyan faculty.

Involvement at Wesleyan: Advanced Women’s Ensemble, 10-12 grade Mixed Ensemble, 10-12 grade Madrigal Dinner, 10-12th International Thespian Society Performed in: JB (1998), Scapin (1999), Twelfth Night (1999), Le Petit Prince (2000), The Merry Wives of Windsor (2001), The Tempest (2001), Shakesphere Cabaret (2001) Awards received while at Wesleyan: Wing Award 2001 Kim graduated from Wesleyan in 2001 and attended Rollins College where she studied Film and Writing and was the entertainment editor of The Sandspur. She is now the co-founder of Mixtape Atlanta and works in marketing at TNT We Know Drama.

alumni | features

Darshan Bryner ’03 • Band

Emily Worthington Karempelis ’08 • Visual Arts

“Darshan Bryner made a significant impact on the band program at Wesleyan and continues to do so today. Darshan was a charter member of the Wesleyan Marching Wolves in the fall of 2000. He applied his piano skills to percussion and made a significant contribution to the marching and symphonic bands. Two significant things happened during his junior year; first, he wrote an arrangement of Pat Metheny’s “Heat of the Day” for the symphonic band and was a part of the spring performance in 2002. Secondly, he learned saxophone and ended up contributing to the marching band and symphonic band in this way, earning selection to the GISA All-Select Band and the GMEA District Honor Band.

Additionally, Darshan played in the pit orchestra for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Annie. In each of the past two years he has given a pre-game talk to our marching band and, this year, made a video that was played for the current members at band camp of how marching band has impacted his life. I have tremendous respect for Darshan – he is an extraordinary young man. I am honored to call him a friend and am grateful for the great times we have had together.”

- Jeff Foster, high school band director

“Emily Worthington was one of those outstanding students who excelled in everything she did and had a heart that was filled with kindness. She would light up the room with her smile and did everything with a servant’s heart. She took various art classes throughout her high school career, from 3D to Drawing and Painting. Emily appreciated detail in composition and design and had a real artist’s eye for finding beauty in the most ordinary of things. I feel truly blessed to have taught her and to have been a part of her high school experience.”

- Jenny Berg, former high school art teacher

Awards received while at Wesleyan: • Wing Award 2003 • Valedictorian 2003 Darshan graduated from Wesleyan in 2003 and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he majored in mathematics. He recently received his Ph.D. in statistics from Florida State Univesity and is now a mathematician for the Navy.

Awards received while at Wesleyan: • Won a Gold Key Award, drawing • Winner of the highest award given to art students Awards received while at the University of Georgia: • National Kitchen & Bath Association Student Competition: - National Finalist 2010 - One of two Student Representatives 2010 - Charrette Fall Scholarship Winner 2010 Emily graduated from Wesleyan in 2008 and attended the University of Georgia where she majored in Furnishings and Interiors. She is now working at Studio Entourage and Linda MacArthur Architect in Atlanta as an Interior Architect.

WESLEYAN MAGAZINE • FALL 2013

Involvement while at Wesleyan: • Marching Band, 10-12 grade • Symphonic Band, 10-12 grade • Basketball Band, 10-12 grade • Arranged a piece in the spring musical 2003 • Played in the orchestra pit of theater productions Annie & You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown 2003

Involvement while at Wesleyan: • Accomplished visual artist • Artwork still hangs in the natatorium

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The Wesleyan Wolf Players Present

The Good Doctor

Anniversary Pictures

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rob Binion, Chairman Bob Atkinson Charlotte Betltrami Land Bridgers Dan Cowart Edress Darsey Steve Deaton Diane Duane Erika Laughlin Mark McIntosh Tom Menefee Mike Nicklaus Michael Parks Mary Ramsey Paul Robertson Frank Simpson Bill Stark Danny Strickland Anna Tanner Bill Warren Bob Worthington Zach Young, Ex-Officio

ALUMNI BOARD Allison Christopher ’04, President David Andersen ’01, Annual Fund Chair Reed Dailey ’01, Vice President Calder Justice ’02 Christie Groome ’03 Blake Bowen ’04 Eric Karaszewski ’04 Stuart Lawder ’05 Emily Sheppard ’05 Page Long ’06 Mark Rockett ’06

Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of the new mailing address. (Rebecca Carpenter Kennedy ’02) 678-223-2133 or rkennedy@wesleyanschool.org).

Office of Communications 5405 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 448-7640

WESLEYAN SCHOOL

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORCROSS, GA PERMIT NO. 130