Summer 2009 | windows magazine

Westminster Windows is a publication of Westminster Schools of Augusta.

Westminster Schools of Augusta 3067 Wheeler Road Augusta, Georgia 30909 706-731-7780 publications@wsa.net

Westminster Windows Summer 2009

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A Wo rd F r o m

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

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G r a d u a t i o n We e k e n d

Craig Johnson Upper School Principal

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A L egacy

Sue Ames Day School Principal

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We s t m i n s t e r S h i n e s

David Anderson Director of Finance and Operations

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F i n e A r t s N e w s

Carrie Brigham Director of Development Erin Lively Director of Marketing and Communications Aimee Lynch Director of Admissions Mike Freace Athletic Director

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t h e H e a d m a s t e r

for E ducation o n t h e S t ag e

a n d S t u d e n t N e w s

13 F a c u l t y A c t i v i t i e s 14 Tr a i n i n g S t u d e n t s 15 A wa rd s

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a n d H o n o r -R o ll

20 S p r i n g S p o r t s Wr a p -U p

Beth Gore Communications Coordinator Westminster Windows Editor

22 H ow D i d I G e t H e re ?

Erin Davis, Lynch21 Design Design and Layout

23 F a c u l t y S p o t l i g h t

Katie Ames, Contributing Editor

24 D e ve l o p m e n t N e w s

Westminster Windows is published as a service to our alumni, families, and friends.

Please submit questions, comments, or news items to publications@wsa.net.

Cover: Graduation for Westminster’s Class of 2009.

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a n d H i g h l i g h t s

Photos on page: (Background: Varsity girls soccer team celebrates their first State championship. Top: salutatorian Ryan Walters and valedictorian Becca Wiggins Middle: Marcus Tebbs is congratulated for his appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Bottom: WSA art teachers Vivian Hornsby and Mary Donnan Heppert with some students displaying African masks.)

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A Word From the Headmaster Dear Friends, Westminster held its 26th Commencement in May. The Class of 2009 joins the ranks of more than 700 Westminster alumni doing remarkable things here in Augusta and around the globe.

I’m very proud of the Class of 2009’s academic accomplishments.

With a class of 31 students, two distinguished themselves as National Merit Finalists and four were designated National Merit Commended Scholars. The class’ average SAT score is 1899 (633 average on each subtest: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing). This class’ SAT average is arguably one of Georgia’s very best.

This is not a surprise to you who know Westminster well. I regularly hear stories from alumni paying tribute to their Westminster education and its foundation for their success in college and adult life.

The most important element, though, is that a Westminster education is rooted in the Christian faith.

I was reminded of that during the recent baccalaureate service. One senior shared how God had been at work in his life while a student at Westminster. Born prematurely, the doctors said he would struggle in school and that college would be out of reach. Starting Westminster in 1st grade, he demonstrated an “I can do it” attitude, with his parents and teachers supporting him. By his senior year, this student who benefited from academic support was the senior prefect coordinating academic tutoring for other students who needed help. With support from an early age, his academic accomplishments during his years at Westminster were numerous and he begins college this fall.

Westminster’s faculty played an important role in this success story, just as they do in many stories.

Over the course of this school year, I’ve seen the depth of love faculty have for their students. I’ve also witnessed the promise from Scripture that says, “I can do everything through him (Jesus Christ) who gives me strength.” That’s God at work in and through a Westminster education.

Warm regards,

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

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Graduation Weekend

Graduation weekend is devoted to activities celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of our seniors.

Following are excerpts from the various speakers during the weekend events. The speeches made by our students were a great testimony to God’s faithfulness to our students and our school.

Baccalaureate

Because of the great teachers and staff at Westminster, I have been able to excel in academic work. Teachers such as Mr. Wise and Mr. Johnson inspired me to love history as well as government and the political process. This passion provided the motivation to apply myself to schoolwork even in the classes I might not have enjoyed or were harder for me.

God has also given me the opportunity to engage in activities such as track and debate, allowing me to learn new skills and meet new people. As a member of the debate team and its most recent captain, I have gained self-confidence, the ability to communicate ideas effectively, and the skill to analyze situations and evidence. This year, I was given the privilege of serving as Academic Prefect. Me – the kid who was not supposed to be able to attain an education – the kid who always needed tutors – I was now the one tutoring others.

That’s truly God. I also am aware of God’s presence in my life by the way he has supplied me with a great group of friends. My friends have always been willing to listen to my problems and complaints, no matter how ridiculous. They also have been an encouragement to me through the years.

My faith also has been strengthened by Bible classes and the Christian environment at Westminster, which have helped me to answer hard questions about my own faith and life’s difficulties. I now understand that God can use our struggles and difficulties for good, and that God does exist even when it seems like he is not there.

Through all that I have faced, I always knew that God was there with me and had blessed me with a great many resources to help me accomplish my goals. In closing, a verse that has meant a great deal to me is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ I cannot wait to see what the future has for each of us as we continue to trust in the Lord and his plans for our lives.

Mal Lawrence, Senior Testimonial When Mr. O’Neil asked me last week to speak at our baccalaureate service, I have to admit I was a little overwhelmed, as I had two AP exams left to study for as well as homework and other tests to finish. Now that all that is behind me, I am thankful for this opportunity to speak of God’s goodness and presence in my life.

Because I was born prematurely, many things have been more difficult for me, but the Lord has been faithful. Early on, doctors told my parents that many goals would be beyond my reach, such as going to a normal school or even thinking about college. But I have been able to achieve these aspirations and more: God has given me ‘a hope and a future’ that were not thought to be possible, and persevering despite my challenges has made the person I am today. As I plan to enter Augusta State University in the fall, I am truly aware of God’s hand in every part of my life.

He gave me parents who believed in me and helped me.

My dad has willingly studied with me for science tests and made sure I understood the concepts. My mom made flash cards and highlighted key terms, while helping me developing the necessary skills to study independently. My parents have been instrumental in helping me deal with the particular set of challenges that God has used to shape my life.

Thinking about other ways the Lord has been at work in my life at Westminster, I am impressed that our God is a God of big plans as well as little details. Christ was at work during my Day School years – handpicking each class and placing me with teachers who were able to nurture a sense of accomplishment.

Even when faced with the seemingly impossible, like learning cursive writing or mastering a Mad Minute, I felt encouraged by my teachers and peers.

Taylor Guido, Senior Testimonial I have been a student at Westminster since I was five.

Anytime I tell someone that, they can’t believe it. And they’re even more astounded to know that if given the chance to pick a different school, I wouldn’t. Westminster has been a part of my life -- and my classmate’s lives, as well. I know that I don’t speak for myself alone when I say that it has been more than just a place for classes. I have literally grown up at Westminster, as well as in this church [First Presbyterian Church].

As someone who was exposed to Christianity at a very young age, God has been a major part of my life. In these past few years alone, he has been working in my life in a somewhat terrifying way. Not in the sense of something horrible, but

Christopher Brannen, Morgan Webb, Josh Merriman, and Jonathan Lamberts

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Tuscaloosa. Dr. Egeler is the author of “Mentoring Millennials: Shaping the Next Generation.”

He has served as a teacher and administrator in international schools. He currently serves as vice president of International Ministries for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in Colorado Springs. Their challenge is to train and equip the next generation of Christian educators and leaders outside North America who will establish strong, self-sustaining Christian school movements to achieve effective Christian schools in their own cultural contexts.

Breck Ardrey, Paige Walker, Caroline Mullins, and Mackenzie Burgess

terrifying in the way that he has taken all of the walls and barriers I had surrounding him and torn them to the ground.

God has shown me that he is not only at Westminster or in church, rather, he is a part of my daily life.

This year has been full of difficulties, both academically and personally. But through these hard times, I have been reminded of the truth. God’s word perfectly states it in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: ‘But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, than I am strong.’

It is easy to forget the simple fact that Paul’s message conveys -- that God is enough. Not only is he enough, he’s more than we can imagine. He is so awesome that even when we fail, he’s greater than we hoped for. All other things in life will fail us: our friends, our family, our jobs, and even our bodies will one day give out. But God is always going to be enough; his love will never run out and he will never let us down.

God has used difficult times this year to truly open my eyes to his perfection. He has shown me that sports and school are never going to fulfill me the way that he can. My friendships can never be as deep as the connection with the spirit and myself. I know that the future will hold a number of different temptations, but none of them will be as fulfilling as Christ.

And with our identities firmly rooted in him, we can all go confidently into whatever trials life brings us.

3rd grade teacher Julie Wiggins poses with her daughter, valedictorian Becca Wiggins.

Becca Wiggins, valedictorian In just a few minutes, we will walk across this stage, receive our diplomas, and say goodbye to Westminster. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why people view graduation as an end.

After all, today marks the conclusion of our high school career and of our time at Westminster. On the other hand, people will also call graduation, or commencement, ‘the beginning of the rest of our lives.’

I would like to view our graduation from high school from a different angle. Instead of a beginning or an end, I look at it as a crossroads. Up until now, we have all been traveling on basically the same road – many of us have attended Westminster for years and grown up together. But now, our paths separate as we go on to different colleges across the southeast and even as far away as New York and Massachusetts.

The challenge that lies before us as we leave high school to pursue our future is to choose the right path. A large part of that is making wise decisions. In the words of our favorite Hogwarts professor, Albus Dumbledore, ‘It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’ Or, as Dr. Gregory A. Boyd puts it in his book, Letters from a Skeptic, ‘We are all in the process of solidifying our identities by the decisions we make.’ Our decisions and actions play a large role in who we become, or where our path takes us, so we must

Graduation

Dr. Daniel Egeler delivered the commencement address.

Dr. Egeler grew up in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, with missionary parents. He returned to the U.S. during high school. He holds a bachelor’s from The King’s College (NY), a master’s from Washington State University, and a doctorate in administration and instructional leadership from the University of Alabama –

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graduation

always seek to choose wisely and act rightly.

How, though, do we choose which road is the right one or which decisions will be best? First, we should seek and heed the advice of those who have walked before us. We have been blessed with wonderful teachers and parents who have prepared us well for the life ahead, both academically and spiritually. I’d like to take a moment to thank these people right now, for their dedication to our education and our spiritual growth. The Westminster teachers have been such a blessing to me and my classmates. They have not only taught us well but have been a source of encouragement, support, and inspiration throughout our years at Westminster. Just last week, two of my teachers led their classes in a time of prayer for those graduating. Moments like those simply do not happen at other schools, and I am so grateful for the Christian leadership of my teachers.

I can say the same about my parents, and the parents of my classmates. They were the ones who taught us how to read, checked our homework in Day School, and held the flashcards.

I am so grateful for the wonderful example and encouragement my parents have been to me through the years. Now, as we leave behind our teachers and parents, we must remember what they have taught us and strive to follow their example.

Hebrews 13:7 says, ‘Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.’ Our teachers and our parents have led us and taught us how to lead a God-honoring life, and we must never forget their example.

Most importantly, if we want our lives to be on the right path, one that glorifies and points to God, we must remain in relationship with him. I challenge you, my fellow graduates, to seek out Christian fellowship in college and to study the Bible regularly. Don’t let yourselves fall away from your walk with Christ, but continually seek his presence. When we do this, we find that our life is blessed and we are truly on the

right path, with each step bringing us closer and closer to our Savior and Lord. If we are always seeking Christ, then we will never go astray.

Valedictorian Becca Wiggins and salutatorian Ryan Walters lead the Class of 2009 recession after being declared graduates of Westminster Schools of Augusta.

Class of 2009 College Choices

Augusta State University: Mal Lawrence Clemson University: Lauren Powell, Blair Robillard, Rachel Smith, Stephanie Zimmerman College of Charleston: Taylor Guido Furman University: Allie Blalock Georgia College and State University: Casey Boutwell, Mackenzie Burgess, Sara Curtis, Caleb Johnson Georgia Institute of Technology: Jonathan Lamberts, Diana Pak, Larry Smith, Rob Thompson Georgia Southern University: Preston Story, Paige Walker Northeastern University: Judith Chang Presbyterian College: Ryan Walters Samford University: Becca Wiggins University of Georgia: Breck Ardrey, Christopher Brannen, Josh Merriman, Caroline Mullins, Morgan Webb University of North Florida: Britney Allen United States Merchant Marine Academy: Marcus Tebbs University of South Carolina: Josh Dillard University of South Carolina-Aiken: Richard Davenport Undecided: Jesse Rivers, John Allen Whitlow

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A L e ga c y f o r E d u c a t i o n What will happen when the last of your children finally its faculty a token of the great gifts the faculty have given to finishes his or her education and moves out to take a place Westminster students. Peggy notes, “Teachers continue to in the adult world? You will no longer be responsible to feed give sacrificially and abundantly much more than they are and clothe them. They will pay for their own cell phones and compensated for financially. As a parent and board member, internet service. There will not be youth retreats or college I have seen teachers go the extra mile for struggling students trips to fund. You will no longer have tuition bills. as well as exceptional students, to encourage each to excel and Drs. Charlie and Peggy Green have set an example at persevere. Our teachers often spend time with students after Westminster we hope school hours. They other alumni parents encourage students will follow. After by attending their the Green’s children, sporting events, plays, Walt and Caroline, and concerts. They had finished their pray for their students education, Charlie and continue to pray and Peggy established for them even after an endowment at graduation. Charlie Westminster for the and I both were faculty. The interest overwhelmed by the from this endowment concern, love, and awards a significant prayer support from monetary gift to both the faculty for our a day and an upper son Walt when he school teacher each was deployed to Iraq year. Two teachers are for two years as a chosen by the school Blackhawk helicopter leadership based pilot. They have done on their Christian the same for many example, dedication to others, not just in the Westminster’s mission, military, but also on and involvement in the the mission field in lives of their students. difficult places.”

Charles and Peggy Green, Steven (‘93) and Caroline Green (‘95) Whitcomb with The Green-Orr The Greens have Mack and Ella Parker, and Walt Green (‘97).

Endowment is named begun a tradition that in honor and memory of Charlie’s (Juanita and Charlie will honor our dedicated and loving faculty and thank them Green) and Peggy’s parents (Harry and Roberta Orr). The for the countless ways they continue to love our children.

Greens served Waynesboro as a nurse/physician pair for 42 If you would like to make a gift to the school and its faculty, years. Harry Orr was the CEO of an aluminum corporation contact Carrie Brigham in the Development Office. If you in California and Roberta was a nurse. Peggy explains, “We would like, you may add to the Green-Orr Endowment loved them very much and they were important not only in which will continue to benefit teachers yearly. our lives, but in the lives of their grandchildren.

Both sets of parents valued education, especially the education they saw Walt and Caroline Recipients of Green-Orr Award receiving at Westminster. Even though my The endowment makes yearly monetary awards to faculty. father was a strong public school proponent, he The recipients are named at the beginning of each school year. could see the difference Westminster made in our children’s lives. He lived to attend both of 08/2005 Kathy Buurma & Randall Nichols our children’s graduations and was moved by the 08/2006 Janice Esposito & Marsha Cantrell teacher’s tributes on Honors Night and the entire 08/2007 Julie Wiggins & Susan Smith graduation weekend.”

08/2008 Debbie Nye & Kent Hood Charlie and Peggy established the Green-Orr Endowment to give back to Westminster and

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W e s t m i n s t e r S h i n e s o n t h e S t ag e Paul Owen, Drama Director March at Westminster means spring is here. Change is all around. The weather is changing, flowers are blooming, and, at Westminster, the gymnasium is also going through a major transition. As the spring musical draws near, the gym suddenly transforms into an “auditorium” as stage extensions come into place, lights are hung, and set pieces are built and painted. This March Westminster presented “Once Upon a Mattress,” a musical comedy with plenty of laughs, choreographed dance, and, obviously, great singing.

I’ve been a familiar face at Westminster for several years but not always as a drama director. I came to the school in 2000 as the music teacher.

Three years ago I took over the theatre (notice I insist that it’s “theatre” and not “theater”) department. I’ve directed two one-act plays and three musicals, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” This past fall, the one-act play won their regional competition and then scored a Superior at State competition (the highest rating that can be received.)

This spring, expectations were high for the next musical. “Once Upon a Mattress” was an exciting success with a strong attendance each night.

There are a few aspects of our school’s program which I’m proud to say set us apart from others in our area. First, ticket prices didn’t go up from last year.

Second, we include kids of all ages in

our productions, from 5th graders to seniors. Obviously, student, parent, and faculty volunteers are crucial to our success. I was also grateful for assistance from adults already familiar to those who’ve been participating in Westminster drama for a few years: my wife, Amy (choreography), alumnus and WSA employee William Jewett (assistant director and lead set designer), alumnus Brent Carter (technical director) and Scott Doss (professional sound technician).

Another key element of theatre at Westminster is prayer. Before all dress rehearsals and all performances the cast prayed. As the director, I know how dependent I am for God’s direction and blessing on what we do. Without God’s blessing and guidance we can’t be successful. I always make sure that we honor God first and ask for His help.

Then we thank Him when things go well. The entire cast received a full-scale test in this area when the lead actress, Maggie Salley, lost her voice before the second performance. We made adjustments and cut some of her solos as she bravely performed her way through the show. The cast prayed. Maggie took some medications and, by God’s grace, her voice came back for the final show.

It was awesome to see God work through this and to see cast members getting in groups and praying on their own. The best part was seeing God heal her and give her such a wonderful testimony for the final performance.

Princess Winnifred was played by Maggie Salley.

The Jester and King Sextimus join the Minstrel (Mary Elizabeth Goodell) in song.

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As far as plans for next year’s shows?

I’m being my usual secretive self about these decisions but I promise two great productions. I’ll tell you this: both shows will be big productions… that have never been performed on Westminster’s stage.

Queen Aggravain and King Sextimus the Silent were played by Becca Wiggins and Paul Smith.

Becca Thompson played the Jester.

Sir Harry was played by Aaron Harris.

Fine Arts News Literary Competition

Westminster’s Literary team did well at both Region and State competition. We won 3rd place overall in our region.

Region Competition

State Competition

Mary Elizabeth Goodell: Dramatic Interpretation – 1 Place Becca Wiggins: Spelling – 3rd place st Becca Wiggins: Spelling – 1 Place Aaron Harris: Personal Essay – 3rd place Aaron Harris: Personal Essay – 1st Place Becca Wiggins: Girls Argumentative Essay – 3rd place Lila Capps: Piano – 3rd Place Maggie Salley: Girls Solo – 3rd Place Larry Smith: International Extemporaneous Speaking – 4th Place Becca Thompson, Maggie Salley, and Kelly McGahee: Girls Trio – 4th Place Josh Nichols, Garrett Brandenburg, Rob Thompson, Aaron Harris: Boys Quartet – 4th Place st

Poetry Contest Winners

Three of Westminster’s graduating seniors have swept the 10th-12th-grade poetry awards for this year’s Emily S. Cleckley Student Competition sponsored by the Sacred Heart Garden Festival: Casey Boutwell, 1st Place for “A Tree’s Tale”; Becca Wiggins, 2nd Place for “Spring”; and Diana Pak, 3rd Place for “A Summer Day.” In addition, a very talented 7th grader, Lauren McGahee, has won 2nd Place for her poem, “A Walk in the Green,” in the 7th-9th-grade division of the same contest.

Furthermore, Casey and Diana were recently notified that their poems are soon to be published in Mindscapes, an annual anthology of student work selected by the Georgia Council of Teachers of English. Congratulations to all of these fine writers!

If you’d like to read the winning poems, visit www.wsa.net. In the Fine Arts section, choose Student Work.

Congressional Art Competition Winners Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) announced the winners of the 2009 Congressional Art Competition. Thirty-six high school students from the 10th Congressional District participated in this year’s competition. Judges were provided by the University of Georgia. Jamison Holgate placed third with a charcoal self-portrait entitled “Luminous Silence.” Sabrina Rush and John Buckley also submitted works and received certificates.

Their works were eligible to be displayed in the downtown branch of the Augusta-Richmond County Library during the month of June. Dr. Broun also asked to display Jamison’s entry in the Evans District Office for the year.

Debate -National Forensic League Degrees

Jamison Holgate’s “Luminous Silence” is on display in Representative Broun’s Evans District Office.

The National Forensic League is an organization that promotes speech activity for high school students. Points are awarded to students participating in League-sanctioned debate and speech activities. The League awards various degrees based on a student’s accumulation of points in such activities. The following students have received the following degrees from the National Forensic League for their achievements in debate.

Degree of Merit (requires 25 points, 10 of which were earned in competitive speaking): Jay Hartmann, Brad Pond, Jep McNair, Paul Smith, Davis Chapman, Mary Elizabeth Goodell Degree of Honor (requires a Degree of Merit and 75 points): David Robeson, Gary Lee Smith, Jordan Wolfgram Degree of Excellence (total of 150 points): David Robeson Degree of Distinction (total of 250 points): Mal Lawrence

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F o r e i g n La n g u ag e Na t i o n a l E x a m s Each spring our foreign language students take the national exam in their particular language. Westminster requires each foreign language student to take their national exam. Each year we have several students medal in each foreign language.

National Latin Exam

Latin 1 Gold Medal (perfect score): Michael Goodell, David Newton, and Kelly Smith Gold Medal: Joshua Adams, Ben Budinger, Christopher Lamberts, Nina McCallie, Haley Meeks, Hope Patterson, Marshall Paulk, Caroline Powell, Charlie Stakely Silver Medal: John Buckley, Lila Capps, Javona Douglas, Maggie Howard, Trey Newton, Taylor Robertson Magna Cum Laude: Jeremiah Coleman Latin 2 Gold Medal: Haley Barinowski, Drew McCartney, Frances Plunkett, Catherine Zecha Silver Medal: Kerrie Edmondson, Anna Hearon, TK Lee, Jep McNair, Josh Nichols, Robert Oakman, Sabrina Rush, Sarah Saxon, Roy Smith, Haleigh Swierski Latin 3 Gold Medal: Isaac Halverson, Emily Harless, Jamison Holgate, Natalie Walters, Jordan Wolfgram Silver Medal: Megan McGahee, Peter Merrill, David Robeson, Maggie Snyder, Becca Thompson Latin 4 Gold Medal: Tyler Bone, Robert MacDonell, Silver Medal: Diana Pak Latin 5 Gold Medal: Becca Wiggins Silver Medal: Jonathan Lamberts, Caroline Mullins Magna Cum Laude: Josh Merriman, Stephanie Zimmerman Cum Laude: Allie Blalock For the National Latin Exam, book awards were earned by Becca Wiggins (for receiving five gold medals in her five years of Latin) and Robert MacDonell and McCamy Pruitt for each earning four gold medals during their first four years of Latin.

In addition to National Exam awards, Becca Wiggins received a $250 cash prize for being one of the top 10 winners of the 2009 Sight Translation Exam, sponsored by the Classical Association of the Middle West and South. Three hundred forty-six students from 48 schools in 15 states took the exam.

National French Exam

French 1 Wes Maddox earned 3rd place in State and 6th place in National Jasper Goethaert earned 7th place in State and 10th in National Elizabeth Daniel earned 8th place in State French 2 Ann Elizabeth Gore earned 8th place in State and 10th place in National

National Spanish Exam

Spanish 1 Bronze Medal: Alex Montesclaros, Paul Smith Silver Medal (Bilingual Student): Jose Rosaldo Certificate: Calvin Bond, Nicholas MacDonald, Antonia Kuntze, Cara Smith, Patrice Jean-Pierre, Summer Barfield Certificate (Outside Experience): Lindsay Williamson Spanish 2 Silver Medal: Akonwi Ngoh Bronze Medal: Elizabeth Gay Certificate: Alexandra Acree, Thomas Mehrhof, Caitlin Capps

Spanish 3 Certificate: Sharon Holland, Katelyn Matthai Certificate (Outside Experience): Liza Uemura, Rebecca Shine AP Spanish / Honors Spanish 4 Silver Medal: Christopher Brannen, Rachel Smith Bronze Medal: Josh Dillard Certificate: Garrett Brandenburg, Caleb Johnson, Emily Mecredy, Alyssa Cameron

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Student News Duke TIP Results

Westminster Graduate Accepted to Academy

As part of the 2009 Duke University Talent Identification

Program, 19 of Westminster’s 7th graders took the SAT or ACT. Founded in 1980, the Duke Talent Search program is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from over 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school.

Candidates are invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination.

To qualify for State Recognition, students who take the SAT must meet at least one of the following criteria: Math > 520, Critical Reading > 510, Writing > 500, or a combination of Math = 510, Critical Reading = 500, Writing = 490.

The following students received State Recognition for their performance on the tests: Grace Goodell, Chandler Holgate, Caleb Lively, Lauren McGahee, Rebecca McGahee, Arthur Rankin, Mallory Walters and Claire Zecha.

Congratulations, students!

Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) congratulated three local students on their prestigious appointments to United States service academies. Marcus Tebbs (‘09) was accepted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“My Service Academy Board’s decision was based on academic excellence, leadership capabilities, and career goals,” said Dr. Broun. “Marcus and the other local appointees demonstrated that they possess the integrity, commitment, and discipline necessary to lead to a successful military career.

As a Marine and Navy veteran, I am proud to represent these fine men in Congress.”

Marcus is the son of Mark and Leisa Tebbs. He was the captain of the varsity basketball team at Westminster. He was also a member of the tennis and soccer teams. Marcus served as one of nine Senior Prefects, the school’s top student leadership positions. He is looking forward to joining his older brother, Jared Tebbs (’07), who is already enrolled at the Merchant Marine Academy.

school News Middle School Student Council The Middle School Student Council raised $700 this year for Food for the Hungry, a world hunger-relief organization our school has supported for several years. Additionally, the spring bake sale raised money to purchase a new 4-slice toaster for student use in the lunchroom.

Science Olympiad Having met the challenge at Region, our team competed at the State Science Olympiad competition at Emory University.

Competing with 28 other school groups, our team ranked 10th overall in the competition. Westminster students were recognized as follows:

Junkyard Challenge: McCamy Pruitt, Robert MacDonell, Aaron Harris – 2nd place Ecology: Robert MacDonell, David Robeson – 2nd place Health Science: , Jonathan Lamberts – 3rd place Trajectory: Robert MacDonell, Josh Coleman, Ned Pruitt – 4th place Forensics: Becca Wiggins, Jamison Holgate – 4th place Environmental Chemistry: McCamy Pruitt, Ned Pruitt – 5th place Egg-o-naut: Aaron Harris, Jonathan Lamberts – 8th place Chemistry Lab: Becca Wiggins, Aaron Harris – 10th place The team is coached by the Upper School science faculty (Ron Hall, Michael Merwin, Dwight Redick, and Susan Smith). We also gratefully acknowledge coaching This year’s Science Olympiad team had a support from the following volunteers: successful season of competition.

Mrs. Sue Redick for her engineering help Dr. John Gore for device help Dr. Becky Mecredy for coaching the Health Science event Mrs. Susan McGahee for transportation help Mr. Mike Rorick and various parents for helping fund our devices All parents who helped with “brain food” for practices

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school News continued...

NHS Service Project

Westminster’s Agape chapter of the National Honor Society organized a school-wide project to support Luch Solntsa,

an organization located in Kyrzyl-Kiya, Kyrgyzstan, whose mission is to support the interests of disabled children and their families. Westminster alumna Kara Downey has worked in Krygyzstan and is our contact with this organization in a spiritually and physically impoverished area.

Day School students participated by donating personal hygiene necessities, picture books, and clothing. Prep School students held a week-long bake sale during lunch and raised $400. Donations also were collected during chapel services.

Junior Class Service Day

In April, the entire Westminster junior class participated in a service project. Chaperones Thayer McGahee, Craig Gibbs,

Mike Freace, and Steve O’Neil accompanied the juniors to Aiken High School where each WSA student was paired with a child participating in the Special Olympics. The juniors helped their partner child with their events and served these children throughout the day.

Westminster juniors enjoyed a full day at Special Olympics competition at Aiken High School.

Westminster parent Thayer McGahee helped organize this fun service project.

Mary Frances McGahee and Sarah Walters hold onto their charges for the day.

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Will McCartney, Heather Rivers, and Peter Merrill pose with their young athletes.

Faculty Activities Critical essays by Dr. Jane Blanchard, Prep School English teacher, are forthcoming in three literary journals: “The Spenserian Paradox of Intended Response” in Renaissance Papers, “Marlowe’s and Shakespeare’s Late Masterpieces: ‘such stuff / As dreams are made on’” in South Atlantic Review, and “Contesting Constancy in The Merchant of Venice” in Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature.

Julie Wiggins, curriculum coordinator for the Day School reports on summer professional development plans. “Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is presenting ‘Curriculum Mapping: Getting Started,’ a three-day workshop on curriculum mapping, in Atlanta in June. Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, president of Curriculum Designers Inc., will lead the workshop.

According to the conference brochure: ‘Curriculum mapping is an essential tool that documents the relationships between core skills, content and assessments within the curriculum. Through the collection and examination of current curriculum data, targeted improvements can be measured and curriculum mapping can be viewed as an on-going professional development tool reflective of a learning community.’

“I attended a similar workshop led by Dr. Jacobs last January, and I am convinced that this information and process will help our school. Almost a dozen Day School teachers are planning to attend. I have dubbed this adventure the ‘Curriculum Mapping Retreat’ because we are looking forward to the fellowship as much as all that we will learn. Just spending time together will be fun!

“Beginning next fall, Day School faculty and administration will begin mapping our Social Studies curriculum. As we map, we hope to meet each quarter to review and share our maps to better coordinate what we are teaching and determine how we might better meet the needs of our students.”

Teachers Recognized for Service This year Westminster began making special recognition for faculty and staff who have been at Westminster for 20 and 25 years. Following are those who were recognized this year.

Since this is the first year of such recognitions, some staff have actually surpassed the milestone.

Kathy Buurma 26 years of service

Barbara Volpitto 24 years of service

Janice Esposito 23 years of service

Craig Johnson 22 years of service

Susan Smith 21 years of service

Randall Nichols 21 years of service

Susan Tostemar 20 years of service

Mary Donnan Heppert 20 years of service

Ken Curry 20 years of service

Monica Boyd 20 years of service

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Training Students to Lead Six years ago (during the 2003-04 school year) the prefect program was started at Westminster. The program was created to engage more seniors in leadership at the school and was comprised of seven prefects with titles ranging from Academic Prefect to Chapel Prefect to Service Prefect. In its inaugural year, the program replaced the more traditional high school government of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Emily Mecredy, Katelyn Rimer, McCamy Pruitt, Alyssa Cameron, and faculty chaperone Laura Bragdon at the campsite.

This upcoming year the program will be tweaked once again. The most noticeable change will be the name; the program will now be called the Student Leadership Team (SLT). This simple change signifies the change in culture of leadership at the school. While each member will be called upon to lead specific focus areas of the school as a prefect, every member is part of a team challenged with leading student life, spiritual life, academics, athletics, and culture at the school. Student leadership is moving from “specialized” leading (student leaders only focus on their area of responsibility) to “ team” leading (providing opportunities to lead in all

aspects of the school). As a team they have already been asked to develop their vision for student leadership at Westminster, the school theme for 200910, and a conduct policy for their team.

To help develop their leadership skills, each SLT member has a mentor for the school year. Mentors really are individuals who have a passion to serve our school and help grow our students as leaders. This relationship is an integral part to the leadership development of each student, as there is a well-defined relationship between strong mentors building strong leaders. Mentors have always been a part of our prefect program, but we hope to continue to shift from teacher/student (or supervisor/ worker) to mentor as a guide to growing into leadership. One generation has experience as well as knowledge to pass to the next generation. It is the idea of nurturing raw talent and allowing it to develop with its own personality.

The SLT group has been challenged with 1 Timothy 4:11-13: “Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity,

Faculty chaperone Craig Gibbs and Josh Nichols relax while Aaron Harris prepares dinner.

Will McCartney and McCamy Pruitt consult a map to plot the day’s adventure.

show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.” This is our challenge to our SLT. Mike Freace, the faculty coordinator for the leadership program says, “It has been amazing to see how God is already working in their lives as they prepare to lead their peers in the upcoming year. The students on the SLT have a true heart for leadership and change with a focus towards authenticity and leaving a legacy at our school. A taste of where their heart stands is the theme they’ve chosen for 2009-10: ‘Break the Mold . . . see what we’ve never seen, do what we’ve never done.’

This theme points towards an increased expectation in our relationships with Christ, not just as an individual, but also as a school collectively.”

Please remember to pray for this group as they continue to seek God’s will for their school leadership in 2009-10.

The group’s annual student leadership trip to Minnesota was June 21-27. This was a valuable time for team-building and for further clarifying their vision and pursuing God’s will for Westminster.

Student Leaders for 2009-2010 Will McCartney, Head Aaron Harris and Josh Nichols, Chapel McCamy Pruitt, Student Life

Katelyn Rimer, Service Alyssa Cameron, Academics Emily Mecredy, Alumni Development

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s t u d e n t awa r d s 5 th Grade Awards

Upper School Awards and Honors

Will Nabholz Art Sophie Pollock Music P.E. Girl Julia Hatcher Josh Woods P.E. Boy Abbey Robertson Math Science Jenna Cliatt Brantley Barinowski Bible Social Studies Anna Robertson Julia Hatcher Language Arts Brantley Barinowski Ruth Award Timothy Award George Inman (Ruth and Timothy Awards for Chrstian Character)

Josh Nichols: Christian Leadership Award

2009 Faculty Cup Awards 6th Grade: Sibley McCallie and Bryce Barinowski 7th Grade: Grace Goodell and Josh Willis 8th Grade: Ciara Session and Jamaal Caleb 9th Grade: Haley Barinowski and Drew McCartney 10th Grade: Jamison Holgate and David Robeson 11th Grade: Alyssa Cameron and Aaron Harris 12th Grade: Taylor Guido and Mal Lawrence

Academic Awards 6-12 Grades Joshua Adams Teacher’s Award Jason Bailey Teacher’s Award Bryce Barinowski Teacher’s Award

Highest Average

Haley Barinowski Highest Average

Allison Blanchard Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Casey Boutwell Highest Average Palmer Brigham Most Artistic Brian Buckley Highest Average John Buckley Teacher’s Award Benjamin Budinger Highest Average Paul Budinger Teacher’s Award Mackenzie Burgess Teacher’s Award Bradley Carter Teacher’s Award Charles Cates Teacher’s Award Christopher Cawley Teacher’s Award Amy Chan Teacher’s Award

Highest Average

Most Artistic Judith Chang Spirit Award

Teacher’s Award Andrew Clark Teacher’s Award

Highest Average Jeremiah Coleman Teacher’s Award Jacob Criss Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Sara Curtis Teacher’s Award Elizabeth Daniel Teacher’s Award Margaret Daniel Teacher’s Award Richard Davenport Teacher’s Award Brenton Durkee Teacher’s Award Lane Fisher Teacher’s Award Emily Forrester Outstanding Choral Member Elizabeth Gay Highest Average Jon Gibbs Highest Average

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Geography 8-1 Middle School Drama Keyboarding-2 English 6-1, Intro to Spanish-3, Social Studies 6-1, Math 6-1, and Science 6-1 Honors Freshmen English, Latin 2, World History/Bible-2, Honors Geometry, Honors Biology-2 New Testament Studies-1 French 2, Geometry, and Advanced Physical Science Family Studies Art 6-3 Advanced Prealgebra 8 World History/Bible-2 Physical Science 8-1 Art 6-3 and Intro to Spanish-2 AP US Government Math 6-1 AP English Language Bible 8-1, Art 8-2, Advanced Prealgebra 8 Bible 7-2 English 7-1, Intro to French-3, Geography 7-2, Prealgebra 7-2 Art 7-1 Art Family Studies Keyboarding-3 Intro to Spanish-1 World History/Bible-1, Algebra 1-2 Keyboarding-2 Science 6-2 British Literature, Honors Precalculus English 8-1 Bible 6, Intro to Spanish-1 Christian Leadership, Introduction to Government Computer 7-2, Art 7-1 Bible 8-2 Chorus 6 Spanish 2 Bible 6, English 6-2, Math 6-2, Keyboarding-1, Intro to Spanish-2, Social Studies 6-2, Science 6-2

Jasper Goethaert

Marion Goethaert

Grace Goodell

Mary Elizabeth Goodell Michael Goodell Ann Elizabeth Gore Taylor Guido Grace Halverson Madison Handy Emily Harless Aaron Harris Jay Hartmann Veronica Hayes Jamison Holgate

Sharon Holland Ashlan Jackson Patrice Jean-Pierre Samuel Johnson

Antonia Kuntze

Jonathan Lamberts

Mallory Lawrence TK Lee Anthony Lewis Tyler Lewis

Abigail MacDonald Wes Maddox

Madison Malarkey Drew McCartney Sam McCartney

Meredith McElmurray Kelly McGahee Lauren McGahee

Megan McGahee

Rebecca McGahee Jim McPhail

Emily Mecredy

Haley Meeks Thomas Mehrhof Peter Merrill Josh Merriman Ben Morgan

Patrick Moseley Caroline Mullins

Tanner Myers Will Newton

Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Most Artistic Outstanding Choral Member Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Highest Average Most Artistic Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Most Artistic Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Most Artistic Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Outstanding Band Member Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Teacher’s Award Highest Average Highest Average Teacher’s Award Most Artistic Teacher’s Award

Computer Concepts 8-spring, Intro to Algebra Honors French 3 English 7-1 Art 7-3 Chorus 7-8 Intro to French-2 Computer 7-3 Intro to French-1, Prealgebra 7-1 Computer Programming, Acting & Interpreting Geography 8-2 French 2 AP US Government Basic Art Keyboarding-1, English 6-2 Honors World Literature; Honors Latin 3 Chorale Honors Freshmen English-2 New Testament Studies-1 Basic Art AP European History; Honors Algebra 2, Honors Chemistry New Testament Studies-2 French 1 Freshmen English, Spanish 1, Biology Computer Concepts 8-fall Art 8-2 Spanish 1 Algebra 2, Anatomy & Physiology AP Statistics Apologetics-fall Advanced Physical Science Art 8-1 Intermediate Band Physical Science 8-1 Social Studies 6-2 Bible 8-1, English 8-1, French 1, Geography 8-1, Honors Algebra 1 Physical Science 8-2 Computer 7-1 Honors Freshmen English-1, Honors Biology-2 Keyboarding-3 Art 6-2, Science 6-1 Art 7-2 Freshmen English Bible 7-2, Computer 7-2, Earth Science 7-1 Intro to French-3, Earth Science 7-1 New Testament Studies-2 Honors Latin 3, AP European History Computer 7-1 U.S. History Chemistry Honors Physics AP Spanish Language, AP US History Algebra 1-1 Modern European History American Literature AP English Literature Physical Science 8-2 Honors Algebra 1 Algebra 1-1 AP Statistics AP Latin-Vergil Art 6-2 Prealgebra 7-2

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Jennifer Norland Teacher’s Award Chandler Norris Highest Average Erin Nye Highest Average Robert Oakman Highest Average Anna O’Neil Most Artistic

Teacher’s Award Hope Patterson Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Sam Paulk Teacher’s Award David Peltier Teacher’s Award Anna Plunkett Most Artistic Lauren Powell Highest Average Lawson Powers Teacher’s Award McCamy Pruitt Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Ned Pruitt Teacher’s Award

Highest Average Arthur Rankin Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Chloe Ray Teacher’s Award Aaron Reynolds Teacher’s Award

Outstanding Band Member Katelyn Rimer Highest Average Shayne Rimer Highest Average David Robeson Teacher’s Award Ciara Session Teacher’s Award Rebecca Shine Teacher’s Award

Highest Average Abby Smith

Teacher’s Award Cara Smith Highest Average Gary Lee Smith Teacher’s Award Kelly Smith Highest Average Rachel Smith Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Meagan Snyder Teacher’s Award Drew Speese Teacher’s Award Charlie Stakely Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Marcus Tebbs Highest Average Rob Thompson Teacher’s Award Liza Uemura Teacher’s Award Nathan Vital Most Artistic Paige Walker Teacher’s Award Mallory Walters Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Natalie Walters Teacher’s Award Ryan Walters Teacher’s Award Sarah Walters Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Jesse Wheeler Teacher’s Award Becca Wiggins Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Joshua Willis Teacher’s Award Jacob Woods Teacher’s Award Catherine Zecha Highest Average

Teacher’s Award Claire Zecha Teacher’s Award Dian Zhang Highest Average

Basic Art World Literature, Geometry Intro to French-2 Modern European History Art 8-1 Intro to Algebra, MS Drama English 8-2, Geography 8-2 Latin 1 Earth Science 7-2 Intro to Spanish-3, Social Studies 6-1 Art 6-1 British Literature, Anatomy & Physiology English 7-2 Apologetics–fall, AP US History, AP English Lang., Honors Precalc.

AP Latin: Vergil, Honors Physics Honors Geometry Honors Biology-1 Geography 7-1 Earth Science 7-1 Advanced Art English 6-1 Beginning Band Algebra 2, Chemistry Computer Concepts 8-1 Theatre Production, Honors Chemistry Computer Concepts 8-2 American Literature Honors Spanish 3 American Literature Biology Theatre Production Latin 1 AP Spanish Lang, AP Biology AP Calculus AB US History Honors Spanish 3 Bible 8-2 English 8-2 Intro to Government Apologetics-spring World Literature Art 7-2 Precalculus Bible 7-1, Computer 7-3, English 7-2, Earth Science 7-2 Intro to French-1, Geography 7-1 Honors Algebra 2 AP Chemistry Honors French 3, Precalculus AP Biology Art 6-1 Apologetics-spring, AP English Lit., AP Latin: Vergil, AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry Chorale Art 7-3, Prealgebra 7-1, Intro to French-2 Math 6-2 Computer Programming, Honors Freshmen English-2 World History/Bible-1 Latin 2, Honors Biology-1 Bible 7-1 Algebra 1-2

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Prep School Athletic Awards

Prep School athletic awards for the entire year are announced at the spring Athletic Banquet, rather than awarded at the close of each season. This year’s banquet was another celebration of God’s blessing and our thankfulness for our student athletes, our coaches and parents.

Boys Varsity Soccer: Will McCartney (Best Offensive Player, All-Region), Marcus Tebbs (Best Defensive Player, All-Region, All-State), Josh Dillard (Coach’s Award), Aaron Harris (Most Valuable Player, All-Region, All-State) Girls Varsity Soccer: Breck Ardrey (Most Valuable Player, All-Region), Annie Speese (Best Offensive Player, All-Region), Kerrie Edmondson (Best Defensive Player, All-Region), Stephanie Zimmerman (Coach’s Award, All-Region) Boys JV Basketball: Evan Crutchfield (Most Valuable Player), Patrick Moseley (Best Defensive Player), Houston Maund (Coach’s Award) Girls JV Basketball: Caitlyn Capps (Coach’s Award), Haley Barinowski (Most Valuable Player), Katie Nye (Best Defensive Player) Girls Varsity Basketball: Antonia Kuntze (Best Offensive Player), Annie Speese (Best Defensive Player), Katelyn Matthai (Most Valuable Player, All-Region), Caroline Mullins (Coach’s Award) Boys Varsity Basketball: Caleb Johnson (Coach’s Award), Marcus Tebbs (Most Valuable Player, All-Region), Emanuel Naykene (Best Defensive Player, All-Region), Oli Nesges (Best Offensive Player, All-Region) Varsity Swimming: Rob Thompson (Most Valuable Swimmer), Sharon Holland (Most Improved Swimmer), Josh Nichols (Coach’s Award) Varsity Baseball: Jeremiah Coleman (Coach’s Award), Evan Crutchfield (Best Defensive Player), Michael Bone (Most Valuable Player) Varsity Track: Josh Dillard (Most Valuable Runner), Mackenzie Burgess (Most Valuable Runner), Parker Rhodes (Most Improved Runner), Marcus Tebbs (Coach’s Award) Varsity Tennis: Richard Davenport (Coach’s Award), Maggie Wilson (Coach’s Award), Maggie Snyder (Coach’s Award), Brennan O’Shea (Most Improved Player), Paige Walker (Most Improved Player), Ryan Walters (Most Valuable Player), Rebecca Shine (Most Valuable Player) Varsity Golf: Thomas Mehrhof (Most Valuable Player), Rodney Wendt (Most Improved Player), Patrick Moseley (Coach’s Award) Competitive Cheerleading: Abby Smith (Most Spirited), McCamy Pruitt (Coach’s Award), Frances Plunkett (Best All-Around), Natalie Walters (Coach’s Award) Varsity Cheerleading: Natalie Walters (Coach’s Award), Mackenzie Burgess (Best All-Around), Taylor Guido (Heart Award) Male Athlete of the Year: Marcus Tebbs Female Athlete of the Year: Annie Speese

Presidential Fitness

Congratulations to all of our students who worked hard in improving their fitness through the Presidential Physical Fitness Program this spring. Presidential Fitness is a national initiative to promote physical fitness for all ages. Anyone, from individuals to corporations to schools, can participate each year and log their results. The program offers recognition for outstanding performance in the five categories of the program. To find out more about this program, visit their Web site at www.presidentschallenge.org.

Two of our Day School students received the Presidential Fitness award (the highest level of achievement) by achieving 85% or above in all five events: 4th grader Drew Woods and 5th grader Julia Hatcher.

The following students received the National Fitness award by achieving 50% or above in all five events: 1st Grade Katy Cliatt, Grant Fuller, Abigail Griner, Sam Hatcher, Sam Herrin, Kate Lynch, Weston McGuire, Carson Smith, Erica Swierski, Mckenna Wiggins 2nd Grade Sarah Banta, Caroline Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Andrew Daniel, Ashlyn Dawkins, Thomas Drake, Conner Ewart, Sarah Margaret Farr, Will Hitchcock, Collin Landrum, John McCraith, Emma McElmurray, Dorothy McLeod, Tess Newton, Meaghan Rich, Olivia Wahl, Madelyn Wildes, Isabel Willis

3rd Grade Alyssa Carrod, Kylie Duckworth, Anna Ellicott, Katie Bell Fulcher, Thomas Gore, Elizabeth Inman, Chandler Lowe, Ellie Lynch, Luke McCartney, Noelle McGuire, Mary Virginia Michels, Caroline Paulk, Kat Peterson, Annabel Poteet, Aubrey Reynolds, Lauren Starrette

4th Grade Jonah Adams, Ava Burgess, Kealy Ewart, Cameron Frank, Joshua Fulcher, Lindsey Harville, Noah Kershner, Olivia MacDonald, Mary Garrett McLeod, Eli Kate Merrill, Jacob Newbrey, Julia Pruitt, Emily Rogers, Rebecca Smith, Luke Willis 5th Grade Brantley Barinowski, Jenna Cliatt, Evan Downs, George Inman, Charles Knox, Emily Lewis, Caroline McCully, Rob Newton, Tumah Ngoh, Catherine Paulk, Abbey Robertson, Anna Robertson, Thomas Williamson, Emily Yarid

The following Upper School students earned Presidential Fitness awards (the highest level of achievement) in the program: 6th Grade 7th – 8th Grades 9th Grade Abigail MacDonald, Sibley McCallie, Chris D-Arco, Grace Goodell, Johnathan Haley Barinowski, Javona Douglas, Jay Addison Powers, Jacob Woods Gore, AJ Lewis, Nina McCallie, Lauren Hartmann, Anna Hearon, Ivey Herrington, McGahee, Tim Nabholtz, Trey Newton, Drew McCartney, Patrick Moseley, Marshall Caroline Powell, Charlie Stakely, Joshua Paulk, Ned Pruitt, Sarah Saxon, Roy Smith, Willis, Claire Zecha Catherine Zecha

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Honor Roll

Middle School High Honor Roll (A) Bryce Barinowski Amy Chan Jacob Criss Jon Gibbs Marion Goethaert

Grace Goodell Michael Goodell Abigail MacDonald Wes Maddox Sam McCartney

Lauren McGahee Ben Morgan David Newton Hope Patterson Arthur Rankin

Middle School Honor Roll (A-B) Joshua Adams Hannah Ardrey Jason Bailey Palmer Brigham Ben Budinger Jamaal Caleb Bradley Carter Chris Cawley Drew Clark Joseph Coleman Elizabeth Daniel Margaret Daniel Brenton Durkee

Lane Fisher Jasper Goethaert Anna Grimm Madison Handy Caleb Herrin Chandler Holgate Leila Knox Christopher Lamberts Caleb Lively Madison Malarkey Nina McCallie Sibley McCallie Michael McCraith

Rebecca McGahee Tanner Myers Timothy Nabholz Kevin Nadeau Will Newton Maria Nunez Erin Nye Anna O’Neil Anna Plunkett Caroline Powell Addison Powers John Powers Matt Reid

Prep School High Honor Roll (A) Haley Barinowski Tyler Bone Emily Harless Jay Hartmann Cassie Hartmann Mollie Hartmann Jamison Holgate

Robert MacDonell Will McCartney Drew McCartney Megan McGahee Emily Mecredy Caroline Mullins Lauren Powell

Prep School Honor Roll (A-B) Alexandra Acree Britney Allen Breck Ardrey Allie Blalock Allison Blanchard Calvin Bond Casey Boutwell Garrett Brandenburg John Buckley Alyssa Cameron Caitlin Capps Lila Capps Charles Cates Judith Chang Davis Chapman Josh Coleman Sara Curtis Kerrie Edmondson

Elizabeth Gay Mary Elizabeth Goodell Ann Elizabeth Gore Taylor Guido Kaitlyn Hadden Grace Halverson Isaac Halverson Aaron Harris Anna Hearon Ivey Herrington Sharon Holland Emily Hood Ashlan Jackson Patrice Jean-Pierre Antonia Kuntze Jonathan Lamberts Mal Lawrence Nicholas MacDonald

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Aaron Reynolds Shayne Rimer Mallory Walters Catherine Zecha

Carley Rhoden Melissa Rhodes Taylor Robertson Drew Sladky Charlie Stakely Ryan Thurmond Joshua Willis Austin Wolfgram Jacob Woods Allie Zimmerman

Ned Pruitt McCamy Pruitt Katelyn Rimer Cara Smith Kelly Smith Rachel Smith Natalie Walters

Ryan Walters Sarah Walters Becca Wiggins Catherine Zecha

Kelly McGahee Jep McNair Jim McPhail Haley Meeks Peter Merrill Josh Merriman Max Mueller Oli Nesges Akonwi Ngoh Chandler Norris Brennan O’Shea Diana Pak Frances Plunkett David Robeson Heath Robinson Sarah Saxon Rebecca Shine Roy Smith

Larry Smith Meagan Snyder Drew Speese Annie Speese Eric Speese Haleigh Swierski Becca Thompson Rob Thompson Charlotte Thornton Liza Uemura Paige Walker Morgan Webb Rebecca Wickes Casey Williams Lindsay Williamson Jordan Wolfgram Stephanie Zimmerman

Sp r i n g s p o r t s W r ap - Up Mike Freace, Athletic Director The 2009-10 school year has finally come to a close and athletics has wrapped up for another year. The past year has been characterized by a first-ever girls soccer state championship, a gold medal and a number of records being broken. In addition, over 85% of our students participated in athletics this year, a record number. We are so glad that you joined us on this journey that was both a memorable and significant one in the history of Westminster athletics.

Girls State Championship (Soccer)

We were extremely excited to earn our first girls state championship at Westminster in May. The girls varsity soccer team captured the title by defeating a previously undefeated First Presbyterian Day School in penalty kicks after going through four overtime periods. If you were there, it was an intense game well worth the admission price.

State Championship & Gold Medal (Tennis)

Westminster also was honored to have junior Rebecca Shine win her second consecutive individual tennis State championship this April. Rebecca went through the entire season undefeated, winning both the State and Region championships. This was her third consecutive Region championship.

In addition, Rebecca was nominated by the Greater Augusta Sports Council in the area of “Outstanding Female Athlete.” She was awarded the gold medal in this category, signifying her as the outstanding female athlete in Augusta at any level. Congratulations to Rebecca and her family on all of her accomplishments.

Region 4AAA Tennis Results

In Region 4AAA tournament play, congratulations to Ryan Walters and Rebecca Shine for their first-place Region wins in the boys and girls singles, respectively. Maggie Snyder placed 3rd in girls singles, and Charles Cates and Jordan Wolfgram placed 4th in boys doubles.

Track and Field Results

Westminster’s varsity girls soccer team won the State title for the first time.

The following Wednesday (after school had ended for the year) there was a schoolwide celebration held at the soccer field to honor our girls’ accomplishment.

The turnout was excellent.

Students and parents were treated to the game relived as Mike Hearon interviewed Randall Boutwell (“the greatest Wildcat fan”), Ginny Boone (alumna Lady Wildcat) and current members of the girls Mike Hearon interviews team soccer team. co-captains Annie Speese and Breck

The Wildcats made a good showing in track and field events. Westminster finished 3rd place overall in boys Region competition. Parker Rhodes finished in 1st place in 200 meter dash, with a time of 23.77. The 4 X 100 meter relay team finished 1st place with a time of 45.79. The relay members were Parker Rhodes, Patrick Moseley, Josh Dillard, Marcus Tebbs.

In State competition, the Wildcats finished 7th overall in boys track and field. Josh Dillard finished in 2nd place in the 110 high hurdles, with a time of 16.36. Josh finished 10th in individual rankings at State. The relay team finished 2nd place in the 4 X 400 meter relay with a time of 3:35.31

Record Breakers

Annie Speese inked her name in the Westminster record books in six different categories this spring. Annie broke the school record in soccer for “goals in a season” (36), “assists in a season” (25), “points in a season” (97), “goals in a career” (90), “assists in a career” (62) and “points in a career” (252).

In her second varsity season, Annie was only a sophomore.

We look for more great years from Annie. For her efforts in breaking these records, she was named to the GISA AllState Team, the GISA Region 4AAA Team and was nanamed The Augusta Chronicle’s Female Soccer Player of the Year.

Congratulations to Annie on a great year.

Ardrey about the championship game.

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Athletes of the Year

At the sports banquet in May, the athletic department handed out its annual Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards. This year’s awards were given to senior Marcus Tebbs and sophomore Annie Speese. Marcus was a key contributor in soccer, basketball, and track, garnishing All-State recognition in soccer, and All-Region recognition in both soccer and basketball. Annie participated in both basketball and soccer and was named AllState and All-Region in soccer. In addition she broke numerous school records and led the girls soccer team to their first State championship. Congratulations to both Marcus and Annie for all their contributions to Westminster Athletics in 2008-09.

Annie Speese

Marcus Tebbs

Hall of Fame Westminster Athletics was honored to induct two new members into the WSA Hall of Fame this May. Mr. David Hanks and Mrs. Anna Day Batzig (’99) were inducted during the annual school sports banquet for their contributions on and off the field to the athletic program. Both gave extraordinary testimony to Westminster and the impact it has had on their lives over the past years. We are honored to have David and Anna as the newest members of the Hall of Fame, joining past members Charles Howell III (’97), John House (’93), Julieanne Savage Halvorson (’99), the 2000 Boys state championship soccer team, Anne Merwin Peppinger (’96), and Chad Cook (’94).

Mr. David Hanks and wife Betty

Mrs. Anna Day Batzig, Elijah, Micah and husband Nick

S c h o l a r s h i p s A wa r d e d f o r 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0

Each year students are selected to receive various named scholarships established at Westminster. The scholarships have been established by friends and families to honor the memory and contributions of various individuals, including faculty, board members, and students. Following is a list of the recipients for next year’s scholarships.

Madison Malarkey received the Rosemary Lester Memorial Scholarship Megan McGahee received the Dr. Richard N. Moss Memorial Scholarship and the Aquilla Smith Memorial Scholarship Aaron Harris received the Cristina Hope Oliver Scholarship Will McCartney received the Matthew Clark Memorial Scholarship Emily Yarid received the Barbara Moore Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Haley Barinowski received the Elliott Edgars Hamilton Rivers Memorial Scholarship Taylor Guido received the James R. DiMeolo Scholar and Athlete Scholarship

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How Did I Get Here?

Jeremy Rueggeberg (’94)

Lisa and Jeremy Rueggeberg and daughter Charis live in East Asia.

Jeremy and his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Charis, currently live and serve in East Asia. Jeremy graduated from Westminster in 1994, attended Augusta State University (’00) and received his master’s from Wheaton College (’09).

Jeremy and Lisa teach English and build relationships with university students through a cooperative program between English Language Institute/China and Asian governments. ELIC sends the greatest number of English teachers to Asia, continuing to impact its people and nations in a real and lasting way.

As I sit and think through how to construct this short article, I gaze out my office window at the quieted campus where I teach. It’s just one of 40 such universities in the East Asian city where I now live, making our city’s student population around 300,000. My university, though considered a small campus with just over 5,000 students, along with teaching buildings, a library, offices and a sports track, all crammed together into a space about half the size of Augusta State University…this place and these students have become my calling.

The campus is quiet for about an hour at this time of day, just after lunch. The students have all retreated back to their dorms to sleep, study and daydream of how to find jobs in today’s global

economy. Soon, one student will emerge and walk down the concrete canyons of buildings and broken sidewalks, and then another, and then groups, like ants learning there’s food just down from the hill. Classes will resume soon and the sleepy will stumble in late, with pillow marks on their faces and disheveled hair.

I’ve seen this pattern repeated for around six years now.

How did I get here? I often ask myself this question, especially on days like this, when it’s a bit overcast and rainy and I “feel” more reflective than driven. One just doesn’t suddenly come to a spontaneous decision to move both wife and young daughter across the globe to set up a home in East Asia.

People do that sort of thing for vacation, with the thought in mind that no matter how “good or bad it is,” we’ll be going “home” soon. But, for us who aren’t on vacation, there is far more involved in the process of learning how to effectively enter another people’s language and culture, especially when so utterly different from my own. Essentially, there is a world of difference between learning to live out of an East Asian set of dresser drawers rather than out of a suitcase.

Achieving a healthy longevity anywhere, whether in Augusta or East Asia, relies upon these essential elements: Having a secure personal identity, having a servant heart, being people-centered rather than project-driven…and having a God big enough to hold all those things together. For me, Westminster Schools was what the Father used to provide for me the first few rungs in the ladder of my faith in God. These sustain me still today. There are other significant rungs, but those came later.

When first attending classes at Westminster in 8th grade, I hadn’t had any understanding of the Bible or what it looked like to grow in one’s faith. In our first Bible class we studied 1 Kings.

To me the names and concepts of the book seemed as foreign and far-fetched as learning about Santa Clause’s friends.

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But that would change over the next five years of Westminster as I learned the elements of my faith, giving me -- for the first time -- the vocabulary I needed to express my beliefs and verbalize my commitment to our Lord…even calling others to make that same commitment.

But more than just academic content, what has remained with me today was the personal side of Westminster’s mission. It was through hearing personal testimonies each week in chapel, getting to see the faith and deeds of my teachers (I was often the one to test that faith), and through being introduced to various youth group activities that I began to learn how to grow in my daily walk with the Father, and that struggles are just a natural part of the life of faith. This point I cannot stress enough!

Looking back on my high school experience 15 years later, I have confirmed what I’ve always believed to be true… “academics are way overrated.”

That’s not to say they’re not important, because they are. But, when looking at what qualities are useful for our youth to impact their generation in all levels of the social strata, it’s not math, science, literature, Spanish, drama or even Bible class. It’s in having quality character which has been molded by the hands of the Father into the image of Jesus. This doesn’t come easy. And it doesn’t come packaged and shipped for $19.95 to our doorstep. Character building will take place as our children suffer and grow through their doubts, disappointments and disbeliefs. But I believe that as with my own experience, during these “moldable” times, God will use Westminster’s faculty and staff, as well as other parents, to help steer our young into the healing arms of the Lord. This, in my opinion, is the greatest call of any academic institution.

Westminster has done it well and I am here today in East Asia, serving, learning and loving, because my teachers helped me see how One served and loved me first.

F a c u l t y Sp o t l i g h t Westminster has dedicated and talented art teachers. Mary Donnan Heppert teaches art in the Day School. (This year, Miss Heppert has also taught one high school art class.) Vivian Hornsby teaches art in the Middle and Prep Schools. In addition to being co-teachers, they are friends and collaborators in art education. Following are excerpts from conversations with Miss Heppert and Mrs. Hornsby.

students] don’t understand and a lot they have never been exposed to. Classical art is beautiful and it’s important to get the foundations, but modern art is just as important. They need to know that art is part of their society and that for many people it is a commodity. I want them to grasp that art is actually a viable part of the economy. The career of an artist is never as easy as it seems.”

Mrs. Hornsby maintains that her Upper School instruction is built on the classical art foundation Miss Heppert taught the students in Day School. “Their basic art education provides a great foundation for me to be able to teach modern forms.

Miss Heppert does a great job teaching classical antiquity. She teaches them the basic principles of design and color along with several artists and their particular movements. In modern art you still need the basic and important rules from classical art. The student’s creativity is so amazing to me. Everyone is individually different. It really is how God planned.”

Both teachers are adamant that they love teaching art. Mrs. Hornsby explained, “I love watching them create something from nothing and seeing how surprised they are at what they’ve done. It’s like I’m experiencing their sense of achievement and discovery with them.”

Mrs. Hornsby talked about the benefits of Westminster: “I really love that Westminster is a small school. It makes relationships so much easier. I love that I can communicate and pray with other teachers and students, and that they can pray for me even about my personal stuff. The Lord put me in such a perfect place at the perfect time in my life. I am so blessed to be here. I am living out my dream here at Westminster, and not many people can say that they are doing what they are meant to do.”

Miss Heppert added, “God clearly hand-picked Mrs. Hornsby for our school for this season. There’s a beautiful story about how Westminster and Vivian found each other.

It’s such a great testimony of how God cares about all our concerns and he blesses us in so many ways.”

Miss Heppert said, “I’ve been teaching for 30 years; nine of those years I spent in the regular classroom before I started teaching art. But the Lord put on my heart that part of being created in the image of God is being creative.

Art instruction is like putting Miracle-Gro on people’s hearts and cultivating their Godgiven gifts. Doing art is not about cultivating talent but about exercising God-given gifts. That’s one way we’re like God and we reflect his image.”

Mrs. Hornsby and Miss Heppert Miss Heppert continued, “So much of visual imagery is God-inspired in nature. The art world is responding to God-inspired creation even if they don’t recognize God as the artist. One of the best things about teaching at a Christian school is bringing God into the classroom. I ask my kids who the first artist was and they all say “God.” “I feel God’s pleasure when I’m creating. Creating anything artistic (whether it’s visual art, music, or drama) is an expression of worship and to be able to do it well and to meet my own expectations is a fulfilling experience. I think God is pleased when we exercise that creativity and learn how to do it better.

“Our students have won over 900 awards in various art contests, from local contests to national and international contests. But these awards are not a barometer of how talented our kids are but rather they are God’s blessings on creativity exercised.”

Mrs. Hornsby added her thoughts on teaching art: “Academics at Westminster are challenging and a lot of these students just need a release. I want the kids to have fun; art is labor-intensive but everyone is capable. When the kids come in here, I want them to experience an environment where anything is possible. My favorite part about teaching is watching the students grow in their appreciation for art, and I love brainstorming with students about how to get their creative ideas from their heads into the real world.

“Also, there’s a lot about contemporary art they [the

Outside the Classroom

Miss Heppert has been on nine missions trips during her summers and breaks. This spring and summer she is pursuing personal development. She calls it “practicing.” She is studying under four different established artists in their field for oil painting, photography, pastels, and watercolor.

Mrs. Horsnby is a practicing artist and has shown her work in several venues such as the Morris Museum’s Art for Educators, Columbia Museum (where she assisted in teaching a sculpture class), and Gertrude Herbert’s Oysters on Telfair. Over the summers Mrs. Hornsby teaches summer ceramics and spends her time refining her skills in art making by experimenting with new sculpture techniques such as metal enameling, glass fusing, and barrel firing so that she can share more modern techniques with the eager students at Westminster.

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Development News It is hard to believe we have finished the school year and are halfway through the summer.

As I look back on my first year in the Development office at Westminster, I am amazed at all that the Lord has done through his people. The generosity of the Westminster family has never been so evident, as more gifts than ever were given toward this Carrie Brigham year’s Westminster Fund goal of $300,000 - our largest goal ever. And thanks to you, we exceeded our goal for a total of $301,966.74. Contributing to this year’s campaign were many sacrificial gifts from you and an incredible amount of support for this year’s golf tournament and auction. Not only were these events successful fundraisers, they were wonderful opportunities to build community.

Many of you also took the opportunity to redirect your tax dollars to last year’s GOAL Scholarship program tax dollars to last year’s GOAL Scholarship program through the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit. These dollars totaled $60,000 and allowed us to award scholarships to 10 public school students who will join the Westminster family in the fall. We are looking forward to doubling this amount for next year. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Development Office.

This past year has been a challenging one in our economy, but it is never challenging for God. He continues to give us more than we ask for or even imagine. Thank you for your support both financially and with your time and amazing talents. And praise God from whom all these blessings flow! I can’t wait to see what God has planned for us in the year ahead!

Gratefully,

Carrie Brigham Director of Development cbrigham@wsa.net or 706-731-5260, ext. 2219

Auction News Thanks to all our auction participants for a fun and profitable evening. “Boots and Bandanas” at Charlie and Kimberly Knox’ home raised $69,500 for Westminster. We thank our auction sponsors for helping to underwrite the evening.

The Auction Committee poses on a restored stagecoach. Day School classes donated original works of art collaboratively created in art class.

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Important Dates and Upcoming Events Golf Tournament – Friday, October 9, 2009, Belle Meade Country Club, Thomson, Ga. Fall Festival, Alumni BBQ and Homecoming Game Saturday, October 10, 2009 Alumni Reunions – Mark you calendars for a fun-filled Homecoming weekend. Reunion classes ending in 4 and 9 will be honored.

Class of 2004 – 5 year Class of 1989 – 20 year Class of 1999 – 10 year Class of 1979 – 30 year Class of 1994 – 15 year Young Alumni Social (Classes 2005-2009) December 21, 2009 – be looking for more information

Distinguished AlumnA Named This year we made our first Outstanding Alumni award. Kay Lovingood (‘80) received this award for her contribution to her community, her continued support for Westminster, and her professional contributions. Kay has continued to live her professional and personal life in the spirit of Westminster’s mission statement.

Alumni News and Highlights Please send your class news and photos to Carrie Brigham, Development Office, at cbrigham@wsa.net. degree in nursing. She works as a registered nurse at University Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

In her off-duty time, Rachel and her sisters coached a Family Y girls’ soccer team this past spring. She also plays violin for worship services at Warren Baptist and an occasional wedding.

Isaac Robeson graduated in May from Georgia Tech with a B.S., summa cum laude, in aerospace engineering. While attending Tech, he worked regularly for Mallory Farmer with brother Matt ’03 Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Tex. One Class of 2005 summer he worked in Mallory Farmer graduated magna cum a lab at the University laude from the University of Georgia of Illinois. This with a degree in early childhood summer he will intern Isaac Robeson education. She will be pursuing her again with Lockheed master’s degree this fall. Mary Charles and will be working on an international Coleman graduated cum laude from missile defense system. In the fall, he the University of South Carolina. Ivan begins work on his master’s degree in Stojanov graduated from University aerospace engineering. Tech has offered of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and him a scholarship for this further will be attending the Medical College study. Charlotte Elizabeth Boyd of Georgia School of Dentistry this fall. graduated in May from the Medical Keith Hearon is spending the summer College of Georgia with honors, cum on a Cross Cultural Project (CCP) laude. She received a B.S. in radiologic team through Campus Outreach. The science, diagnostic medical sonography.

CCP team is partnering with Campus Charlotte also received the Barbara Outreach Johannesburg. Ministry A. Schnuck Clinical Sonography team members build relationships Excellence Award. The award is with students on the University of given in recognition of a sonography Johannesburg-Kingsway campus in the student who demonstrates outstanding hopes of sharing the gospel. Having professional achievement in the areas of graduated from Georgia Tech this leadership, patient care, scholarship, and spring, Keith will begin graduate studies clinical excellence. Charlotte currently in the fall. Ashley Elizabeth Rogers is works at Trinity Hospital in Augusta as engaged to her long-time Augusta high a sonographer. Mary Ellen Stebbins is school sweetheart, Nathan Packer. continuing her studies toward a master’s degree in fine arts in theatrical lighting Class 2004 design at Boston University. She works Rachel Harper completed two years for the Huntington Theatre at Boston at the University of Georgia and then University as part of her graduate graduated with honors from the Medical program. If you’d like to view some of College of Georgia with a bachelor’s Mary Ellen’s lighting design work, visit

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her Web site at http://web.me.com/mestebb.

Marriages: Lee Turley married Jessie Diekmann on May 24, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn. The couple will reside in Nashville. Elizabeth Venable Roberts married Adam Roberts on January 29, 2009. The ceremony took place at the Botanical Gardens of Georgia in Athens, Ga. They reside in Adam and Elizabeth Venable Roberts Duluth, Ga.

Class of 2003 Lauren Haburchak and Jim Tindall are engaged to be married in December.

Class of 2002 Pamela Thompson Kinnaird is currently employed as a software consultant. Her husband, Peter, is pursuing a master’s degree at Georgia Tech. They purchased their first home last summer and have taken up the hobby of vegetable & fruit gardening.

This project is their first gardening experience and they are very thankful to have made friends with some of the more Cabbage from Pamela experienced Kinnaird’s victory garden. gardeners in their neighborhood. Through gardening they are learning more about God’s creation!

Edmund Booth works with UTi Integrated Logistics. He recently transitioned from their BMW client in

S.C., to Case New Holland and is now the project general manager. He resides in Pennsylvania. Adam James has completed his second year as a physical therapy student at the Medical College of Georgia. He attends New Hope Worship Center and mentors high school boys in their youth network.

Class of 2001 Congratulations to Westminster alumni who graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine and are beginning their residencies: Katherine Mohney Duello, Tufik Assad, Andrew “Robert” Lehn.

Class of 1996 Cullen RodgersGates and his family of five live in Durham, N.C. Cullen is a stayat-home dad while Mandy completes graduates studies at Duke Divinity Mandy, Cullen, School. In addition Ethan, Caleb, to caring for Hannah and Hannah Rodgers-Gates (8), Ethan (6), and Caleb (2), Cullen is a communications consultant to the Congo Initiative (www.congoinitiative. org), providing communications and fundraising services in support of a new Christian bilingual university in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Class of 1992 Al and Christi Volpitto Wildes have three children: Madelyn (WSA rising 3rd grader), Cameron, and Kathryn.

Andrew Lehn with his family, including siblings Anthony (’07) and Adrienne (’00) and cousin Melissa Walters (’07).

Tufik Assad (second from right) celebrates with fellow MCG graduates.

Class of 1999 David Cantrell has recently been featured on Presbyterian College’s Web site for his work with Goodwill Industries and for his community service outside of work. David also recently received a service award from Augusta-West Rotary Club.

The Volpitto family celebrates Kathryn Wildes’ baptism. Paul and Barbara Volpitto with their children and grandchildren.

Jennifer and Greg Volpitto (’89) with their children Millie, Davis, and Ada. Al and Christi Volpitto Wildes and their children Madelyn, Cameron, and Kathryn.

Class of 1980 Kay Lovingood has written a threemovement orchestral suite titled “ALASKA!” Movement 1, “Images,” shows her excitement over traveling to Alaska and seeing its many beautiful scenes: eagles and hawks soaring across the sky, wide-open spaces,

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fishing fleets, and a large variety of wildlife and wildflowers. The second movement, “Solitude,” gives the sense of being alone with the One who created the scenery of that state.

Finally, movement 3, “Heritage,” depicts the history of Alaska, with its Russian background, Native American population, and recent statehood.

The Columbia County Civic Orchestra performed movement 2 during its March 28 concert and is looking forward to premiering “ALASKA!” in its entirety soon. Kay sent a recording of the piece to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, receiving a nice note in return.

Class of 1978 Leslie Robinson Landiss received a B.S. in biology from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. She is currently working in the Development Office at Lipscomb University, as the executive assistant to the vice president of Development. She has been married for 24 years and has two children, ages 19 and 17.

Photos on back cover: 5th grade girls enjoy Field Day fun.

Headmaster Steve O’Neil accepts the State trophy from girls varsity soccer head coach Mike Freace.

Seniors enjoy their traditional Last Day water fun.

5th graders were promoted to middle school at their annual ceremony.

Varsity cheerleader Natalie Walters cheers the Wildcats and fans.

Varsity soccer players Anna Hearon and Caroline Mullins celebrate State victory.

A l u m n u s ’ Da y I n c l u d e s – P i r a t e s ?

A 2006 Westminster graduate, Jeff Chrjapin now attends the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). As a student there, part of his training is aboard ships. He wrote to tell us something of his unique educational experience and to share some photos from his journeys. Thus far, he has spent more than 300 days aboard five different ships of different national origin, traveled to 16 countries, and spent time ashore in 13 countries -- all as part of his education. Onboard, he has worked on the bridge helping with navigation, cargo loading, and general ship driving. During his second sea year, he spent his time aboard the Pecos (a 700’ military contract tanker) working on the bridge. The Pecos spent two months off the coast of Somalia and had multiple sightings of pirate ships; one even followed them for several miles. School assigns projects for him to do while underway, “with no supervision other than a good luck and send off from them.” Jeff shares two interesting sea stories here.

Jeff standing on the nuclear bomb sight in “In my first sea year, my ship was in port in Sri Lanka. I left the ship by myself with my passport and wallet. Upon leaving the port, I showed authorities my passport Nagasaki, Japan and then walked about the city, Columbo, by myself. Since Sri Lanka is a war-torn country, there was a high level of security throughout. After ambling through the city for a time, I met up with my sea partner (another USMMA student) and we decided to go back to the ship. We took a cab back to the gate, where we were asked for our passports and shore passes. “’What’s a shore pass?’ I asked. I neither knew what they were nor had one. The guards, all of whom were armed with AK47s and other automatic weapons, were outraged. The cab driver came with me while I was dragged off to the guardhouse, explaining to them in their language what had happened. Fortunately (or unfortunately) my sea partner got to enjoy the company of these Sri Lankans a bit more, as they basically held him at gunpoint inside the cab. Luckily things were worked out in about 10 minutes and we returned safely to the ship.

“During my second sea year, I was aboard the Ascension (a 328’ converted timber ship). We were departing Ascension Island. After a long day, I got off of work at five o’clock and took a shower. I was exhausted from a full day of work and ready to relax for a few minutes while eating in the mess hall. While trekking down to the mess hall, the 1st assistant engineer came by saying that there was an oil spill on deck. I turned around and went back to my room and put on the dirty clothes that I had just taken off. There was a heavy fuel oil (HFO) spill on deck. This fuel is rather nasty and disgusting, as it turns hard when it is cool and is somewhat comparable to tar, but in a more despicable fashion. After about an hour of cleaning up the spill with most of the rest of the crew, I went back and took my second shower of the evening.

“Again, I was hoping to get something to eat and did successfully make it to the mess hall this time. While sipping on a glass of juice, I heard the 3rd assistant engineer screaming in the engine control room, which was on the deck below me. It sounded vaguely like ‘Fire!’ but it was through the deck, so it was easily mistaken. Then the Chief Steward walked up to the door of the mess hall and told me, ‘The 3rd says there’s a fire in the engine room.’ I gracefully sprinted up four flights of stairs to the bridge while fearing for my life. When I got to the bridge and reported to the Mate on Watch (who was a Russian immigrant), he said, ‘Yes, we turn on fire pump for 3rd engineer.’ What he failed to understand is that the 3rd did not need the pump to be turned on; the 3rd needed him to sound the alarm for a fire -- quite a difference. Eventually he did realize and sounded the fire alarm, and I rushed down to wake the Captain and inform him of the situation. After mustering on the stern, it was determined that the ‘fire’ was a stack fire, which nothing can really be done for anyway. After a while, the threat was over and we could all go back to sleep. There were no further occurrences onboard that night and I was finally able to get the rest and relaxation I had been looking for all evening.”

An UNREP or underway replenishment

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