Windows | Fall 2014

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S C HO O L S O F AU G U S TA

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WESTMINSTER SCHO O L S O F AUGUS TA

WESTMINSTER SC HO OLS OF AU GU S TA

WESTMINSTER S C HO O L S O F AU G U S TA

A BrAve New worLd: Commencement 2014 FINe ArTS: A New York State of Mind A JourNey weLL TrAveLed: Boys Varsity Soccer Wins State Championship

FALL 2014

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WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS OF AUGUSTA

WINDOWS a publication of Westminster Schools of Augusta Westminster Schools of Augusta 3067 Wheeler Road Augusta, GA 30909 706-731-5260 or wsa.net s tev e o ’ neiL Headmaster craig John s on Academic Dean Joey men en d ez Upper School Principal Brian ca s e Middle School Principal s ue ames Lower School Principal Jane Brown Director of Finance and Operations carrie Br ig ha m Director of Development andrew B rya n Athletic Director mike f r ea c e Director of Student Life aimee Ly n c h Director of Admissions k at ie tu c k Director of Marketing and Communications Windows Editor t rey keen a n Windows Design and Layout

Special thanks to contributing photographers: Jessica Blanchard, Carrie Brigham, Anna Brown, Andrew Bryan, Branch Carter, Jenine Carter, Lisa Cook, Emily Forrester, Tammy Gibbs, Paige Kelley, Dawn McCraith, Steve O’Neil, Ralph Nichols, Katie Tuck, Matt Willis and Pete Wilson Special thanks to contributing writers: Haley Barinowski (’12), Caroline Cain (’14), Mary Elizabeth Goodell (’12) and Sarah Saxon (’12) Windows is published as a service to our alumni, families and friends. Please submit questions, comments or news items to publications@wsa.net Cover: Mallory Walters (’14), Rebecca McGahee (’14) and Katie Stewart Schafer (’14) enjoy the inflatable water slide during Senior Spirit Day on May 7.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS A Word from the Headmaster

3

L e arn in g for L ife Benvenuti in Italia

4

Faculty Focus

6

Michael J. Cave Memorial Scholarship

7

A Brave New World

8

2014-15 Scholarship Recipients

10

Classroom Kudos

12

f i n e a rts A New York State of Mind

13

Fine Arts Accolades

14

athL e tics A Journey Well Traveled

15

2014 Westminster Athletes of the Year

16

Wildcat Wows

17

c ommu n ity

18

a L umn i 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

19

On the Job

20

2014 Westminster Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

21

Alumni Notes

22

a r o u n d campu s

29

de v e L opin g n e ws

30

a word from the headmaster Dear Friends, On a recent cold and rainy Boston evening, I hosted an alumni gathering over dinner at Cambridge’s Park Restaurant and enjoyed listening to them reminisce about the good old days at their alma mater. Westminster has nine alumni working and studying in the Greater Boston area. They include a Brandeis University graduate student, a Harvard School of Dental Medicine resident, a Harvard University undergraduate, a biomedical chemist, an immigration and refugee research fellow at Harvard Law School, a food service executive, a postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant and a seminarian at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

L to R: Palmer Lawrence (’05), Keith Hearon (’05), Daniel Smith (’04), Hope Patterson (’13), Robert Long (’07), Ivan Stojanov (’05), Steve O’Neil & Amy (Rhoden) Smith (’04)

years. They learned how to write, learn, study, problem solve (including how to think about problems), manage time and be disciplined.

Their ability to write well gave many of them a competitive edge with school admissions and job searches. One alumnus said that his training with writing while a Westminster student affected his life’s direction.

High expectations and high standards were words frequently used to answer my question, and they were grateful the faculty “kept the bar high.” One alumna recalled sixth grade as an academically challenging year, and one that was transformational, setting her on a path to achieve her goals today.

All of them shared memories from the fine arts, athletics and activities like debate that complemented their school-day coursework.

As is customary for me at these types of Through these activities, they were given events, I asked a simple question, “How did opportunities they may not have had Westminster help you become who you are otherwise and were stretched to do things today?” As they answered my question over they hadn’t imagined possible. One alumna the next hour and a half, I took copious recalled an encounter in debate in which iPhone stenographer-like notes. Their she was challenged by her coach to see who answers coalesced around four main themes, what one alumnus called “Westminster’s gifts” she really was - a young woman with strong to him. They were academic preparation, high oratorical skills and intellectual promise.

Another mentioned his gratefulness for expectations, cocurricular opportunities and Westminster’s priority for and balance relationships. between fine arts and athletics.

They expressed that they were well prepared When the alumni waxed most nostalgic, for their undergraduate studies and even it was over their fond memories of deep in their lives today because of skills they acquired and honed during their Westminster relationships with classmates and faculty.

Those life-long relationships continue today!

They remembered the faculty caring for them and serving as role models and mentors.

I was reminded that teachers teach more than subjects, they teach students a “living curriculum.” Our alumni were keen observers of the faculty, watching closely how they lived out their Christian faith and even how they loved their own families. What a blessing it is to not only have talented faculty, but faculty who are given permission to bring their faith to work each day!

As I left Park Restaurant and walked outside into a drizzly Boston night, I praised God for Westminster’s alumni and for the hope they offer our nation and world as they seek to live “extra”ordinary lives for Jesus Christ.

Warm regards,

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

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Learning for Life

Benvenuti in itaLia When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? Spaghetti, pizza, Roman soldiers, the Pope, and Olive Garden are just a few common stereotypes that may leap to the forefront.

Six Westminster students sought to explore beyond these things and experience Italy firsthand during the Westminster Upper School’s Italian Excursion over Masters Break.

“The purpose of the trip was to provide students with the opportunity to learn and interact with new cultures, experience history in person, and generally become citizens of the world,” said Upper School history teacher and trip leader Miss Lisa Cook.

Part of Westminster’s mission is to open its students to global experiences, and the ideal way to accomplish this is to open the doors of the global classroom. During the trip, students traveled to Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, taking in the iconic sights, savoring traditional Italian cuisine and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

While the trip helped the students connect the material they learn in the textbooks to real life places, it also helped them connect with the world around them.

“The students gained a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in,” said Miss Cook. “I think they enjoyed the ability to see beautiful sites and meet new people.” 

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in their own words: “I signed up for the trip because I've always wanted to go out of the country, especially to Europe. The thought of going to Italy with Miss Cook and my friends sounded so much fun and like an experience of a lifetime!

My favorite part of the trip was the traditional Italian dinner we had in Florence.

When Miss Cook asked our waiter what he recommended, he said, ‘Close your menus!

I'm going to make a special meal for you all!’ Indeed he did! We didn't order any of the food he made us, and everything was a surprise! Not only was the food outstanding, the atmosphere was great, too. We really got closer as a group. On a side note, when we told our waiter we were from Georgia, he said, ‘Oh! Hotlanta! Are you a Georgia Bulldog fan or a Georgia Tech fan?’ That was really cool.

I learned that I'm not as ‘picky’ as I thought I was when it comes to eating. In Italy, I tried new foods that I definitely would not have tried in America, and in the weeks following the trip, I have even tried new foods. Going to Italy definitely expanded my palate!

Italy is definitely all it's cracked up to be!

It was really amazing because Europe is so different from the States; it was a nice change. I would definitely like to travel abroad again one day, especially to Florence! Florence has many students, and all the people are very friendly. It's also not as fast-paced and crowded as Rome. However, I did realize that I really love the South and never want to leave!”

“I signed up to go to Italy to experience a culture other than my own. The trip was great, but my favorite part was simply eating dinner with my group in Florence. The most important thing I learned in Italy was what it feels like to be in a place where thousands of years of history are side by side in the same cities. Italy was amazing and I would love to travel abroad again.”

-Savannah Smith (’16)

Trip HigHLigHTS rome

Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, pantheon, piazza Navona, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, piazza Venezia, Forum romanum

fLorence

St. Francis of Assisi Basilica (Assisi), palazzo Vecchio, piazza della Signoria, Chiesa di Santa Croce, ponte Vecchio, Duomo, leather workshop, gates of paradise, giotto’s Bell Tower, Dante’s House

venice

St. Mark’s Square, Basilica di San Marco, Doge’s palace, glass-blowing demonstration

miLan

La Scala, Duomo, Fashion Walk

-Wils Meeks (’16)

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facuLty focus: rANDALL NiCHOLS By: SArAH SAxON (’12)

Testament in its original Greek form ignited his interest in the study of classics, the area in which he would go on to major. It’s also where he was first introduced to Latin, since his major coursework required the course.

from the Classical Association of the Middle West and South in 2002. These awards are among many other honors Mr. Nichols has received in recognition of his teaching abilities.

At the end of his time at the University of California at Santa Cruz, a career placement test indicated that Mr. Nichols was skilled at problem-solving and should pursue medicine or research. However, when discussing his placement results with an analyst, Mr. Nichols proposed education as a potential field of work.

The test scores of Mr. Nichols’ pupils serve as further evidence that he is putting his problem-solving skills to good use in the classroom. In the past 20 years, 100 percent of his students have made passing scores (3 or higher) on the AP Latin Exam, and more than 80 percent of these students have earned the highest possible score of 5.

Additionally, his students’ performances on the National Latin Exam each year positively reflect his teaching abilities. Seventy percent of his students have earned gold medals and 99 percent have scored above the national average. Westminster’s Latin students have also placed into the highestlevel foreign language courses at Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown and Vanderbilt, among many others.

He vividly remembers the response of the career counselor, who rebutted, “You would be sticking your head in a pencil sharpener, because teaching is a social profession.”

Mr. Nichols firmly believed then, and still believes today, that teaching does indeed demand problem-solving skills.

“Teaching requires problem-solving to figure out why people are not learning and how to improve their learning,” he elaborates.

He decided to put teaching on hold, and instead spent two more years in school at Princeton Theological Seminary. Finally, in 1982, he began teaching mathematics and classics at Annie Wright Schools, a female boarding school in Tacoma, Washington.

He spent three years there before coming to Westminster.

Founded in 1972, Westminster has been educating young people for 42 years. For 26 of these years, Mr. Randall Nichols has been a faculty member. During his time at Westminster, he has primarily taught Latin and Greek, but has instructed in both the mathematics and English departments as well. Now the foreign language department chair, Mr. Nichols has played a significant role in the education of many students.

Surprisingly, language has not always come easily to Mr. Nichols.

“I was unusually late in learning to speak and to read,” he shares. “Inspirational teachers, diligent practice over many years and learning how to study helped me overcome these obstacles.”

When he began his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Santa Cruz, he intended to major in mathematics.

However, a desire to read the New

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After three more years, he left Westminster in 1988 to attend Harvard University, where he earned his Master of Theological Studies.

While there, he had a focus in the Hebrew Bible and received the highest scores possible on graduate translation exams in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and German. Mr. Nichols returned to Westminster in 1991. During his past 23 years here, he has instructed all levels of Latin and AP Latin courses, as well as a three-year elective course in Greek. In 2011, he earned his Master of Arts from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, United Kingdom. He received first class honors with distinction both in classics and on his dissertation.

While Mr. Nichols recognizes the significance of notable test scores, he places much greater value on the process of learning purely for learning’s sake.

“The transformational moments of teaching cannot be quantified, and those moments are usually recognized only by the students whose lives were changed for the better,” he says.

In his courses, he hopes that students will approach the material with a willingness to learn, not solely for the purpose of scoring well on tests.

In order for his students to thoroughly comprehend and master his courses, he employs a traditional, grammar-based Mr. Nichols points out a friendly reminder to one of his students in 1999.

His pursuit of excellence in teaching has not been overlooked. He was named STAR Teacher at Westminster for seven years and STAR Teacher for Richmond County for three. He was Westminster’s first Upper School recipient of the Green-Orr Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2005, and he received the Eunice Kraft Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching

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approach to teaching foreign languages. He supplements this teaching strategy with his own techniques, such as oral testing, notecards and written exercises. Mr. Nichols’ hope for all of his students is that they will continue to the AP level courses after their first three years in Latin. In these more advanced literature courses, students can develop and sharpen their analytical reading and writing skills.

noting the degree to which his educators influenced him academically as well as personally.

Mr. Nichols recognizes an overarching theme during his time spent teaching.

His speech, noting the value found in intentional educators, was so moving that it was later published in an article titled “On Good Teaching.”

“On any given day, my students would prefer to do an activity that is not too difficult and does not require much thought or risk,” he says. “In the long term, however, they will most appreciate those individuals and institutions that held them to high standards and helped them achieve more than they themselves thought possible.”

Mr. Nichols experienced such teaching firsthand during his graduate years. Several years after graduating, he was invited to say a few words about teaching to a classical organization. He prepared a moving speech

michaeL J. cave memoriaL schoLarship estaBLished On May 15, a new scholarship was awarded at the Upper School Academic Honors Assembly to honor the memory of Michael Cave, a Westminster student who passed away his freshman year and would have graduated with the Class of 2014.

Michael was the grandson of Dewey Cave, the chairman of the founding board of Westminster Schools of Augusta. Like his grandfather, he had a radiant smile and loved people. Michael was quick to make a friend and give a word of encouragement.

His life made a positive impact on those he encountered.

Due to the generosity of Michael’s family, friends and classmates, others will be

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Mr. Nichols in 1988

“I hope the image that I fashion will convey the patience, kindness and respect that I experienced,” he stated, praising his professors.

He concluded, “Such images have the power to change a student’s life. They have changed mine.”

In his years as an educator, Mr. Nichols has been able to employ his aforementioned problem-solving skills as he works diligently to help his students succeed. Genuinely caring for the individual academic needs of his pupils, he strives daily to help them become the best scholars they can be.

Westminster is very thankful he chose to “put his head in a pencil sharpener” and become an invaluable part of the Westminster community and its history. 

L to R: Connor Hearon (member of the Class of 2014), Chandler Holgate (Class of 2014 president), Steve O’Neil (headmaster), Mike & Beth Cave (Michael’s parents), & Joshua Jackson (scholarship recipient)

recognized for similar God-given qualities, and their Westminster education will be supported through a memorial scholarship that bears Michael’s name.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a male student at Westminster who positively serves and influences the community, sets an example for others, enjoys life, and is industrious. He is someone who is not afraid of hard work, is approachable, and others seek out his company.

both on and off the court. This year he will be leading our students as Chapel Prefect, setting an example for all as our students gather weekly to worship. Joshua is the son of SGM (Retired) & Mrs. Geoffery Jackson.

As more gifts are given to support this scholarship, the amount of the scholarship could increase or even be awarded to additional students. If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider making a gift.

Email Carrie Brigham at cbrigham@wsa.net for more information. 

The first recipient of the Michael Cave Memorial Scholarship is Joshua Jackson (’15). As a member of the football and basketball teams, Joshua has been a leader

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a Brave new worLd: COMMENCEMENT 2014

Given the academic challenge and high expectations for all, graduating from Westminster is quite an accomplishment and one for which to be proud. Years of studying, sports practices, drama rehearsals and other cocurricular activities have all culminated into this final celebration of all that the seniors have achieved. The Commencement festivities for the Class of 2014 proved to be quite a celebration indeed as one of Westminster’s largest graduating classes formally moved on from the school’s hallowed halls to the world beyond.

The weekend began with the annual Baccalaureate service, where the seniors led the attendees in music and worship, followed by a message from First Presbyterian Church Pastor George Robertson. One of the highlights of the evening was listening to senior testimonials about how God has impacted their lives while at Westminster.

Caroline Cain led the testimonials by sharing her struggle with deciding to stay in Augusta for college and following God’s plan rather than her own.

She admitted, “I was so conflicted because, although I knew what God wanted me to do, I felt like my plan was better than God’s. But over those next few months of inner conflict, God continued to remind me that if I just trusted in Him, my life would be a lot easier."

After completely giving over her future to God, He continued to affirm His plans for her college career by giving her opportunities to share her faith with others and opening doors through friendships and church that she would not have had if she had chosen her own path.

She concluded, “God has filled me with so much joy and excitement about the next few years. It seems that almost every day I discover a new blessing that comes with staying in town for college.”

David Bakalemwa shared how God’s plan has been at work in his life even before he came to Westminster from Tanzania two years ago.

“It is evident that part of God’s plan for me was to embark on an exciting journey that included Westminster,” he said.

His journey continues next year as he enters Wheaton College with a full-ride scholarship, and he knows God’s plan will still be at work in his life as he pursues a career in international business. He reminded the Class of 2014 that God’s plan is at work in their lives as well.

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“Before God created the world, just as He says in Jeremiah 29:11, He already knew the plans He had in store for us,” David said.

“And with the friends God has put in my life, the administration here at Westminster, my host family, the friendly people I encounter every day… none of these would have happened if God’s plan was not at work in each and every one of our lives.”

Matt Kuhn wrapped up the senior testimonials by sharing his story of transformation from a shy, awkward freshman to a confident, outgoing young man. He credits his friends and football for being the main things God has used to transform him into the person he is today.

However, he realizes now that his transformation actually began as a six-yearold when he gave his life to Christ.

“I didn’t realize it was such a big deal at the time, but I do now, and most would consider it to be the most important transformation one can have in his/her lifetime,” he shared.

“The thing that most stuck with me from this early encounter with God through the help of my grandmother was Romans 6:23 – ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the true gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.’ If you do not become a Christian and allow God to work transformation in your life, you will die. However, if you allow the Lord to become your savior, you will flourish and live forever.”

Following the Baccalaureate service, the seniors and their families enjoyed a delicious dinner, after which faculty members gave an individual tribute to each member of the graduating class. The tributes showcased the rich breadth and talent of the class and demonstrated the faculty’s love for the students.

The grand event of the weekend was the Commencement ceremony on May 17. Attendees heard from the 2014 Distinguished Alumni award winner Zach Pollard (’01) (read more about him on page 19) and keynote speaker Dr. Andy Sanders, an internal medicine physician and area director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Salutatorian Mallory Walters reflected on the fond memories she shared with her classmates during her 12 years at Westminster and gave thanks to God, the teachers and parents for making it all possible.

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She also encouraged the Class of 2014 to keep their focus on God throughout the following years, reciting an excerpt from the song “Be Thou My Vision,” which they sang at their fifth-grade graduation.

“I pray that through your whole life, you will sing ‘Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always; thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art,” she said.

She also implored, “As our world is about to change, let us hold onto the God who will never change and will never leave us.”

Valedictorian Amy Chan also implored the class to hold fast to God as they embark on uncharted territory as the pioneers of a brave new world.

She challenged the class, “Shall we claim a stake in this land for Christ, or shall we be content to allow others to take it? Shall we conquer this brave new world or be conquered by it?”

As leaders of a new generation, Amy encouraged her classmates to not conform to the world, but to remember the preparation that Westminster has provided each of them.

“Westminster has given you the criticalthinking skills to navigate skillfully through dangerous terrain, it has enabled you to establish the relationships…that will guard you in your darkest hours, and it has taught you the faith that will guide you on your journey to conquer the new world,” she said.

She concluded by reminding them of God’s promise to Joshua as he braved a new world in the Old Testament, “Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2014 as they conquer this brave new world for Christ! 

Meet tHe VALeDICtORIAN:

AMy CHAN

tHe CLASS Of 2014

By tHe NuMBeRS 45

College Plans: Attend the University of Pennsylvania and major in classics

Number of seniors in the Class of 2014

203

Number of college applications sent

79

School Activities: Science Olympiad, Women’s Ensemble, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Math League, Latin Club, Cross-Country, Tennis

Number of colleges applied to by one or more students

50

Number of colleges that accepted one or more students

Community Activities: Golden Harvest Food Bank Server, Tutor

22

Number of colleges with one or more matriculations

What she values most about Westminster: “The teachers, because they really prepared me to work hard for college, and because they were so passionate about their material, they taught me to be passionate about what I love, too.”

7

Number of states where this class will be attending in 2014-15

88

Average cumulative numeric average of the Class of 2014

1802

Average SAT score of the Class of 2014

Meet tHe SALutAtORIAN:

2.23

Amount of scholarship money (in millions) offered to the Class of 2014

MALLORy WALteRS College Plans: Attend the University of Georgia and major in biology School Activities: Science Olympiad, Yearbook, Cheerleading, Tennis, Service Committee, Environmental Club, The Rally Club, Latin Club, Math League, Film Club, Class Secretary, Student Life Prefect Community Activities: Middle School Church Youth Group Leader What she values most about Westminster: “The relationships it gave me. The teachers cared about me on a personal level. They were not only teachers, but also role models and friends. And the feeling of a family is so strong at Westminster. My friends have made these last 12 years of my life better than I could have hoped for!”

COLLegeS tHey WILL Be AtteNDINg Anderson University Berry College Boston University Clemson University East Georgia State College Georgia College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Military College Georgia Regents University Georgia Southern University Mercer University New York University Presbyterian College Skidmore College University of Alabama University of Georgia University of North Georgia United States Merchant Marine Academy University of Pennsylvania University of South Carolina University of South Carolina – Aiken Wheaton College

View photos and videos from the 2014 Commencement weekend at http://wsa.net/about/equipped-for-excellence/commencement/ L e a r ning for Lif e

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2014-15 schoLarship recipients VIRgINIA JARReL WILLIAMSON MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: WILLIAM WeStMOReLAND JR.

Virginia (Ginny) Jarrel Williamson was a student at Westminster from kindergarten through seventh grade. During her academic career, she demonstrated particular talent and distinguished herself as an excellent student. Ginny's death in December 1981 was a great loss to her family and friends. The Virginia Jarrel Williamson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1983 in memory of Ginny's life and achievements. It is awarded each year on the basis of scholarship, achievement and Christian citizenship.

The 2014-15 recipient is William Westmoreland Jr. William, a second-grade student, is the son of Dr. and Mrs. William Westmoreland Sr.

ROSeMARy LeSteR MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: JONAtHAN Lutz

Rosemary Lester was a Middle School English teacher at Westminster who loved the Lord and her students. The Lester family and their friends established this scholarship in her memory and for God’s glory. The scholarship is awarded to an eighth-grade student who loves literature, applies himself or herself in the English classroom and is sensitive to spiritual issues.

The 2014-15 recipient is Jonathan Lutz. Jonathan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Lutz.

BARBARA MOORe PRuItt MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: eLIzABetH RuCKeR

Barbara Pruitt was the grandmother of three Westminster students and alumni. The Barbara Moore Pruitt Memorial Scholarship has been established in her memory to assist a student while attending Westminster. It is awarded to a student who shows that he or she is serious about his or her studies, demonstrates a desire to learn and performs up to his or her capabilities.

The 2014-15 recipient is Elizabeth Rucker. Elizabeth, a sixth-grader, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rucker.

MAttHeW CLARK MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: ALexIS RICHARDSON

The Matthew Clark Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a rising junior or senior at Westminster. The scholarship was established by the friends and family of Mr. and Mrs. John Clark in memory of their son, Matthew.

Their desire is to honor God and remember Matthew as a boy who loved life and the Lord.

The Clarks have asked that the scholarship be awarded to a junior or senior who applies himself or herself academically, participates in athletics and is growing spiritually.

The 2014-15 recipient is Alexis Richardson. Alexis, a senior, is the daughter of Ms. Myra Richardson.

AquILLA SMItH AND DR. RICHARD N. MOSS MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS 2014-15 Recipient: StePHeN CAVe

Miss Aquilla Smith was a founding board member of Westminster Schools. The Aquilla Smith Memorial Scholarship was established at her death through a gift from her estate. Her generous support in earlier years provided the resources necessary for Westminster’s preservation and subsequent growth.

The Dr. Richard N. Moss Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a rising junior or senior who is interested in science or medicine, is a good student and has demonstrated a desire to help others. The scholarship was established by the Moss family and friends of Dr. Moss in the medical community who desire to remember him as a caring physician.

The 2014-15 recipient for both of these scholarships is Stephen Cave. Stephen, a junior, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cave.

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eLLIOtt eDgARS HAMILtON RIVeRS MeMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: MICHAeL McCRAItH

The Elliott Edgars Hamilton Rivers Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a rising sophomore, junior or senior enrolled at Westminster. The scholarship was established with seed money donated by Elliott’s friends and family and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cary Rivers. Elliott loved the Lord and pursued life with vigor. Through this scholarship, the Rivers family desires to glorify God and remember Elliott as a boy who cultivated his passions for soccer, playing the piano and unabashed friendship.

This scholarship is intended for an established Westminster student who has applied himself or herself academically, participated in Westminster athletics and is growing spiritually through active involvement in his or her church.

The 2014-15 recipient is Michael McCraith. Michael, a senior, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McCraith.

JOHN W.P. AND CRIStINA HOPe OLIVeR SCHOLARSHIP 2014-15 Recipient: zAKIRA gOLDSBeRRy

Dr. Oliver was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Augusta for over 27 years. He was a founding member of the board of trustees of Westminster Schools on which he served throughout his pastorate in Augusta. Both Dr. and Mrs. Oliver labored tirelessly on behalf of Westminster, its mission, its students and families. The late Mr. J. Bland Goodwin, Elder Emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, graciously established this scholarship to honor their love for Westminster and their commitment and sacrifice in service there.

From the inception of the school, Mr. Goodwin observed Westminster’s faithfulness to its mission. He was impressed to see Westminster graduates serve Christ in college, life, leadership and service. This scholarship is awarded to a rising student in seventh through 12th grade who demonstrates diligence in coursework; effort beyond the expectations of the teacher; interest and initiative beyond the required course expectations; particular interest and engagement in a field of study; a cooperative and teachable spirit and is an inspiration and encouragement to others in the pursuit of quality academic inquiry.

The 2014-15 recipient is Zakira Goldsberry. Zakira, a sophomore, is the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Edmund Goldsberry.

WeStMINSteR HONORS SCHOLAR 2014-15 Recipient: BRANDON SHILey

The Westminster Honors Scholarship program was developed to provide the Augusta area with a prestigious, merit-based scholarship award to enable outstanding ninth-grade students to attend Westminster for the Upper School program. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, each student was required to be enrolled in eighth grade somewhere other than Westminster, be nominated by an adult outside the student’s family, submit a complete application for admission and complete an on-campus interview along with group testing. Recipients demonstrate academic excellence, a strong work ethic and internal motivation.

Brandon Shiley is joining the Westminster class of 2018 as a Westminster Honors Scholar. Brandon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shiley and previously attended North Augusta Middle School.

CRIStINA HOPe OLIVeR SCHOLARSHIP

2014-15 Recipients: PALMeR BRIgHAM AND ABBey ROBeRtSON The Cristina Hope Oliver Scholarship was established by the Women in the Church of First Presbyterian Church in honor of Cristina Oliver. Mrs. Oliver invested years of her life at Westminster Schools as a mother of two students, our college counselor and a strong supporter of our mission as a Christian college preparatory school. The recipient of this scholarship is decided by a competitive essay contest. To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be a member of First Presbyterian Church, a rising junior or senior, in good academic standing and of good character.

The 2014-15 recipients are Palmer Brigham and Abbey Robertson. Palmer, a senior, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Breck Brigham Jr. Abbey, a junior, is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George Robertson.

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Amy Chan (’14) and Caleb Lively (’14) won a letter of commendation and a book award, respectively, for their outstanding performance on the Latin Sight Translation Exam sponsored by the Classical Association of the Middle West and South.

Jarred Hanner (’14) and Kalon Hightower (’14) were recognized

by Georgia Regents University during its African-American Scholar Recognition Program in February.

Middle School science teacher Mrs. Denae O’Neil was selected to participate in the three-year Faith and Science Teaching (FAST) project. The 12-member team will build a major new online resource for teachers, offering models of fruitful teaching and learning practices at the intersection of Christian faith and natural science.

cLassroom kudos spring 2014

The Middle School earned the FBI-SOS (Safe Online Surfing) Internet Challenge’s National Award in the small group (five to 50 students) “Starfish” category.

Westminster students posted the best scores in the country to claim the highly coveted national award.

Caleb Lively (’14) was named the 2014 STAR student from Westminster.

He selected Upper School Latin Teacher Mr. Randall Nichols as his STAR teacher.

Caleb Lively (’14) was named a finalist in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship program.

Upper School English teacher Mrs. Whitney Diehl attended the Summer Poetry Institute for Educators at Boston University.

During this program, she studied under professional poets and gathered valuable tools to utilize for instruction.

Seven Middle School students qualified with outstanding scores for state recognition in the 2014 Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP): Jack Berman (’19), Joe Berman (’19), Thomas Drake (’19), Sarah Margaret Farr (’19), John Knox (’19), Bronson Tharpe (’19) and Ford Vaughters (’19).

An AP physics course taught by Mr. Dwight Redick is being offered for the first time in the 2014-15 school year. This brings the total number of AP courses offered at Westminster to 19.

Caroline Page (’14) was selected

by The Augusta Chronicle as one of their Best & Brightest seniors.

To keep up to date on all academic news, visit wsa.net/community/blogs

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L earn in g f o r Li f e

fine arts

a new york state of mind By: CArOLiNE CAiN (’14) I had ever been to, and I was amazed - the scene changes were quick, the singing great and the dancing incredible. Another thrill was added to the excitement when we learned that President Obama was staying in a hotel only a few blocks away from ours. The police had blocked off several nearby streets, and secret service men swarmed the area.

Saturday night we performed with Davidson Fine Arts in Lincoln Center. Dr. Timothy Powell, the director of the chorale department at Davidson, conducted our choir as we performed the debut of his song “Saint George and the Dragon.” Our choir was last on the program after two prestigious college choirs. This was a real honor, as the last performance of any concert is generally expected to be the best or the most important. I think everyone had the tune to “Saint George and the Dragon” stuck in their heads for the rest of the week.

I couldn’t have spent my spring break in any better way than traveling to New York with Westminster’s choir. Although we had several long rehearsals, we still had time to enjoy many of the highlights of the city. I was so impressed with how smoothly the trip went, even with such a large group of students.

Our plane landed in New York on Thursday afternoon, and we spent the evening in Times Square. We all enjoyed visiting the gigantic M&M, Hershey’s, Toys ‘R’ Us and Disney stores. Our hotel was walking distance from Carnegie Hall, Times Square and our rehearsal locations, which saved us a lot of travel time and gave us the opportunity to experience more of the city. It was neat to walk through Central Park and see where countless famous movie scenes have been filmed. My personal favorite part of the trip was seeing the Broadway production "Newsies." It was the first Broadway show

fi ne arts

The highlight of the whole trip was, of course, performing in Carnegie Hall. We had been invited to participate in the Carnegie Hall premier of Christopher Tin’s Calling All Dawns and in his world premier of The Drop that Contained the Sea. Not only had Mrs. Elder been teaching us the music for months, but we also had several long rehearsals with Davidson’s choir before we even left for New York, so we were well prepared. Once in New York, we rehearsed for about 12 hours with the others who would be performing with us.

Most of the other singers were high school students, but the soloists were professional vocalists. We all had the privilege of meeting the two-time Grammy award winner Christopher Tin, who sat in most of the rehearsals and gave us advice while we were practicing.

in languages from all around the world, so some of the soloists dressed up in costumes according to the language in which they were singing. For the second half of the concert, our choir sat in the balcony and added extra sound affects for The Drop that Contained the Sea. God was certainly watching over us throughout the entire trip. Our group witnessed several events that were nothing short of a miracle. One student was devastated to find that she had left her Carnegie Hall music in a taxi; the taxi driver actually came back to our rehearsal location to return the binder to her. Another one of my friends dropped her wallet on Brooklyn Bridge, and a man walked off with it. Remarkably, the man actually turned her wallet into the police department, and she was able to reclaim her wallet with all of the cash still inside. As a parent mentioned during devotions one night, the biggest blessing was that, out of such a large group, none of us got lost in New York, and everyone made it through the trip safely.

I am so thankful for all of the parents who helped chaperone the trip and especially for Mrs. Elder, who put so much time into making the trip possible. It was an experience that I will never forget. 

The actual concert was Sunday night, and it was an awesome experience. With a full orchestra, six lead soloists and about 300 other singers, the music sounded amazing.

Calling All Dawns was a collection of songs

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 13

The literary team placed second overall in the region and state tournaments in March. Individual state champions were the boys quartet Lawson Powers (’14), Jarred Hanner (’14), Nathan Vital (’14) and Grant Hall (’15)], Amy Chan (’14) for spelling and Ivan Syritsyn (’15) for international extemporaneous speaking.

Amy and Ivan also placed first at the region competition as well as Grace Goodell (’14) and Lawson Powers (’14) for duo interpretation.

Eliza Epps (’20) and Michelle Iwama (’20) performed in the Sixth-Grade Statewide Honor Chorus held on March 22 in Tifton.

Peggy Chen (’16) was selected as one of 12 winners in the fifth annual Southern Teachers Student Art Contest for her artwork “Rachel’s Garden,” which will appear in their widely-distributed calendar this academic year.

fine arts accoLades spring 2014

Eight students performed in Athens with the GMEA All-State Chorus in February: Michael Axel (’17), Sarah Banta (’19), Caroline Cain (’14), Stephen Cave (’16), Ellie Lynch (’18), Lawson Powers, (’14), Katelyn Shiley (’16) and Luke Yarid (’19).

Abby Glass (’18) received a Regional Gold Key in Scholastic’s Art and Writing Awards 2014.

This is the first time a Westminster student has received such a high award in this competition.

Hannah Mayo (’18) also received an honorable mention in photography.

Westminster’s debate and forensics team finished 11th overall out of all public and private schools in Georgia for the 2013-14 year. Lawson Powers (’14) and Ivan Syritsyn (’15) were named National Forensic League All-State members.

Charis Franklin (’17) won first place in the Georgia Regents University/ Comcast Young Writer’s Essay Contest.

14 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

Meredith McElmurray (’14), Chris Plummer (’15), Sibley McCallie (’15) and Ysabel Velez (’17) swept the poetry category in the Morris Museum of Art’s Combining Voices Literary Competition, receiving first, second and third place and honorable mention, respectively.

Congratulations to the following students who won awards at the Agnes Markwalter Youth Art Competition sponsored by the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art: Erica Swierski (’20), Emily Rogers (’17) and Nathan Vital (’14).

Caroline Cain (’14) was selected to the All-State Reading Chorus. Only 100 students from all of Georgia are selected for this honor.

Subscribe to the Westminster Fine Arts blog at wsa.net/author/finearts to keep up with the latest music, theatre, debate and arts news.

fi n e a r t s

athLetics

a Journey weLL traveLed: BOyS VArSiTy SOCCEr WiNS STATE CHAMpiONSHip By: SArAH SAxON (’12) On May 10, the boys varsity soccer team won the GISA AAA state championship game against Stratford Academy. Previously the two-time defending state champions, Stratford fell to Westminster in a 2-0 game.

Many students and parents traveled to Macon to support the soccer team as they fought for the state title.

but the way that you get there that is important.”

Coach Mike Freace has been coaching soccer at Westminster for 13 years. During this time, he has led his teams to win five state championship games.

Senior Joe Coleman elaborated on these aspirations, explaining, "These goals gave us a vision in January of where we wanted our team to be three months down the road. We were able to achieve each of our goals this year by being focused on and off the field."

In regards to this season, Coach Freace noted, “In my 13 years of coaching at WSA, we have had a lot of teams and players that hold special places in my heart. This year’s team and players are no different.” He continues, “These boys were extremely close, worked well together, were very coachable and kept everything in perspective. Special thanks to our seniors and captains for leading this team well this year.”

At the beginning of the season, the team decided that they would aim to meet three goals together in the 2014 season: be undefeated at home games, win more 50-50s than the opposing team at each game and win the state championship. In addition to these goals, each player committed to travel this journey together, not just from an athletic perspective, but also from a spiritual perspective.

Coach Freace explained, “We all learned valuable lessons along the way that could translate to our personal and spiritual walks: the process matters; it is not just the end goal

at h L e tics

The boys varsity soccer team this year understood that nothing comes easily.

Rather, hard work and sacrifice are key components in achieving goals. This realization paralleled both the team’s athletic and spiritual goals during the season.

Coach Mike Freace reminded the team before each game that they would be able to achieve each of these goals they set at the beginning of the season. These frequent reminders encouraged the boys to continue on toward greatness.

Coleman scored both goals for the Wildcats against Stratford Academy.

As he recalls the game on May 10, he notes, “Scoring both the goals in the state championship was the best feeling in the world, but I honestly believe that without the rock-solid defense we had this year (which included two freshmen and an eighth-grader), we would not have won the state championship.” Further crediting the team’s defensive players, he continues, “Although I had the time of my life scoring in the state championship, I know that without our defense, we wouldn't have that trophy.”

Senior Connor Hearon was the goalkeeper for the championship game. He successfully defended the net against Stratford, the highest scoring team in the GISA during the season. Futhermore, he broke the WSA goalkeeping record with .381 Goals Against Average.

Coleman spoke on behalf of his fellow senior teammates as he enthused, “We were all happy that we could go out winning a state championship. Playing for Westminster is something we will never forget, and being able to bring home a state championship in our last game is something we will cherish forever.”

The boys varsity soccer team finished the season with a record of 17-2-1 and a state title. They also succeeded in breaking Westminster’s record for the highest winning percentage in a single season with a .875. Additionally, the boys varsity team clinched Westminster’s 17th and fifth consecutive region title.

Athletic Director Andrew Bryan reflected, “The state championship game once again proved the great school spirit at Westminster, and it showcased the great athletic culture we have come to know and love. Our fans, players and coaches should all be commended on winning with class and giving honor to the Lord.” 

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 15

2014 westminster athLetes of the year Each year, Westminster recognizes its most outstanding male and female athletes with the Athlete of the Year award. This award is presented at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet in the spring and is based on a point system that includes participation and high levels of performance. Being recognized at the GISA region and state levels also factors into consideration.

Congratulations to our 2014 reCipients,

evan Downs anD Christina rentas

Female athlete oF the Year:

male athlete oF the Year:

CHRIStINA ReNtAS (’14)

eVAN DOWNS (’16)

BasketBall aCColaDes

Named All-Region and took the team to the state playoffs.

soCCer aCColaDes Named All-Region.

Named All-State and helped the team to the state playoffs in the 2014 season.

Cross-CountrY aCColaDes Named All-Region and won first place in the region 4-AAA meet.

Named All-State and won first place and overall state champion at the GISA AAA state meet.

golF aCColaDes

Named All-Region and helped the team to a fourth-place finish at the GISA AAA state golf tournament.

traCk aCColaDes

Named All-Region and won first place in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter races at the region 4-AAA meet.

Qualified for the GISA state track meet in three events and won first place and overall state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races.

16 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

ath L e t i c s

Westminster welcomes Steve Ackley as the head coach of the varsity football team.

Coach Ackley will also be taking on the roles of strength and conditioning coach, P.E. teacher, athletic operations coordinator and track coach.

The varsity golf team placed fourth at the GISA state championship in April.

Congratulations to the boys varsity tennis team for placing first at the GISA Region 4-AAA team tournament and finishing with an undefeated season. The girls varsity tennis team took home second place.

The girls and boys varsity swim team placed fifth at state, while the girls and boys JV team finished fourth in the state. The girls JV team was particularly strong with an individual second-place finish.

Joshua Fulcher (’17) was state champion in the varsity boys 500yard free.

at h L e tics

The Middle School girls soccer team won the Augusta-Aiken middle school soccer championship in May for the second year in a row.

wiLdcat wows spring 2014

Westminster is excited to announce that Mrs. Sarah Ellis is the new head varsity cross-country coach, and Mrs. Jordan Lambert has returned to Westminster to teach and coach varsity cheerleading.

Lauren McGahee (’14) placed fourth in discus at the GISA Region 4-AAA track meet, which advanced her to the state competition in April.

Coach Leisa Tebbs was named the GISA Region 4-AAA Boys Varsity Tennis Coach of the Year.

Coach Mike Freace was named the GISA Region 4-AAA Boys Varsity Soccer Coach of the Year, the GISA AAA Coach of the Year and The Augusta Chronicle’s All-Area Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

The boys varsity basketball team earned the regular season champion title in GISA Region 4-AAA and went on to compete in the GISA state final four tournament in March.

Michael Almond (’15) was ranked the No. 1 kicker/punter combo and No. 1 punter/kickoff specialist in the southeast at a prokicker.com camp held in January. He also was ranked as the No. 2 place kicker and the No. 2 punter.

Connor Hearon (’14), Caleb Herrin (’14), Michael Almond (’15), Michael Montesclaros (’14) and Joe Coleman (’14) were selected for the GISA All-State boys soccer team.

Christina Rentas (’14), Anna Plunkett (’15) and Abbey Robertson (’16) were selected for the GISA All-State girls soccer team.

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 17

community

a sweet way to raise awareness During the spring 2014 semester, the Upper School students learned about an issue that is gaining a lot of attention both locally and nationally – human trafficking. The student leadership team (SLT) invited a local speaker to share in chapel how human trafficking is more of a local problem than most people realize.

“We want our students to be aware of what is going on around us, and as Christians, we are called to fight for justice,” said prefect Palmer Brigham (’15).

To keep the issue in the minds of students for the duration of the week, the SLT sold doughnuts during lunch to raise money for I’m Aware, a local organization that fights for justice in the law system and helps local women oppressed by the human trafficking industry. The SLT used money donated by Shepeard Community Blood Center for the school’s participation in the Michael J. Cave Memorial Blood Drive to purchase the doughnuts so that all of the money raised during the doughnut sale could go directly to I’m Aware. In just three days, the students raised $393.

“One of the marks of a Westminster student is that we understand the times,” said Palmer.

“As Christians, we cannot just live in a bubble, but must look out for how we can serve the Lord (Micah 6:8).”

Jeans for Jesus and kathy Everyone loves wearing jeans to work, especially when wearing them for a cause.

During the 2013-14 school year, the Lower School teachers banded together to raise money for former Westminster fourth-grade teacher, Miss Kathy Buurma, who is currently teaching English at a school in Honduras.

Mrs. Destiny Pippin said, “Towards the end

18 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

of the 2012-13 school year, the Lower School social committee (myself, Mary Charles Coleman and Missy Smith) asked the faculty and staff to participate in a trial-run fundraiser, where we raised money to wear jeans. We had such a strong response that we thought we would test it out as a yearlong service project. During the 2013-14 school year, we thought it would be a great idea to support one of our very own, Kathy Buurma.”

delivered a new stuffed bear donated by a local kindergarten class. After a painful and tiring few days, the bear immediately put a smile on Julia’s face. When Julia’s family asked if they could have the name of the kindergarten class who generously donated the bear so they could write a thank-you note to them, imagine their surprise when they were told the bear was donated by Westminster Schools of Augusta!

At the beginning of the year, the committee asked everyone to donate $25 to wear jeans on select Fridays throughout the year. The donations were then sent as a surprise to Miss Buurma to use for her classroom.

The stuffed bear donations to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia are a service-learning project in which the Westminster kindergarten classes participate annually.

She responded by email with overwhelming gratitude.

“God continues to show me how WIDE, how LONG, how HIGH and how DEEP His love really is through giving people like you!!!” she exclaimed. “I am humbled and honored that through God's grace and power, I have been given the wonderful privilege of serving Him here in Honduras, spreading the Good News, telling them about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. And YOU are God's special partners here with me!!!! It doesn't get any better than that Westminster's buddies in jeans joining me here in Honduras doing God's work! Thank you, thank you, thank you for such great encouragement and such a generous gift!”

“We teach a month-long unit in February on love and kindness,” said Mrs. Kim Barfield.

“As the service part of this unit, we go to Build-A-Bear Workshop and make bears, then deliver them to the sick children at the hospital as our way way of showing love and kindness to others in our community. We hope that the children will learn through our unit and activities that kindness can change people. Most of all, they will learn how kindness reflects God’s character to others.”

When the classes delivered the bears, Julia just happened to be one of the lucky recipients.

Julia’s mom said at the time, “It brings tears to my eyes to think of the way the Lord used [the Westminster kindergarten classes] to remind us that He is right here with us! Oh, what a great God He is! As we wait patiently for his timing to reveal our next steps, we are trusting in the Lord and are deeply touched by this blessing.” 

student receives “Beary” speciaL gift Going to the hospital for an eye infection is never a fun experience. But for Westminster student Julia Andrews (’21), her hospital stay was made a lot brighter with a “beary” special surprise.

During her hospital stay in February at Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Julia was visited by the child life specialist, who

community

aLumni

2014 distinguished aLumni award winner: ZACH pOLLArD (’01) BY: haleY Barinowski (’12) When Zach Pollard (’01) took the stage at the 2014 Commencement ceremony to receive the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award, he began by admitting that he didn’t feel very distinguished.

In fact, Zach gave a beautiful explanation of how his perception of God had changed throughout his life, describing his transition from viewing God as a large cosmic presence to knowing Him as a personal and loving Father.

That truth - Zach pointed out – is what makes each individual truly distinguished.

Westminster is excited to recognize him for the remarkable ways he has impacted multiple communities since leaving our school.

A native of Appling, Zach stayed very involved during his years as a Wildcat, participating in soccer, track and golf, while maintaining membership in Latin Club, Beta Club and National Honor Society. Additionally, he helped inaugurate Westminster’s pep band and sang in the chorus for three years. He credits teachers such as Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rich, Mr. Hood and Mr. Flint with investing in him intellectually and spiritually and with making his time at Westminster a valuable experience.

Zach headed to Athens in the fall of 2001 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering from the University of Georgia.

Upon his graduation in 2005, he received the Highest Academic Achievement Award in Agricultural Engineering for his class.

“Westminster gave me a challenging, educational environment that helped me grow and develop into the person I am today,” he said.

“The teachers really cared about the students’ spiritual and educational growth. Their investment helped me continue to succeed scholastically at the University of Georgia.”

a Lu mni

Next, Zach felt the Lord leading him to Branson, Missouri, to work with Doulos Ministries, which provides individuals in their 20s the opportunity to work with troubled teens in a residential care facility while also being personally discipled. Zach participated in the yearlong program and then remained with Doulos Ministries for three more years as an associate staff and house director, mentoring those going through the program as well as continuing to help the teens at the facility.

income neighborhood as team leader. He also worked at a local mission center that provided after-school programs for elementary through high school students, services for the homeless community and food programs.

After concluding his time with Doulos Ministries, Zach moved to Houston, Texas, in 2010 to continue in a similar line of work, an urban ministry program called Mission Year. As a participant, Zach spent a year in a low-income neighborhood, where he worked to build relationships, fought for justice and helped local non-profit organizations.

Zach left Mission Year for one year, serving as a teacher’s assistant in a Houston public school, before returning with his wife as cocity directors. Currently, they oversee three teams, manage administrative tasks and create partnerships with local churches and nonprofit organizations.

Psalm 74:3, 20-21 were especially important verses to Zach as he approached his work at Mission Year: “Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins; The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary…Consider the covenant; For the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.”

Zach’s prayer during this time was “that God will use me as His ambassador to these ‘perpetual ruins’ and ‘dark places’ that need His redemptive and powerful love.”

Zach remained with Mission Year as an alumni intern for a second year, serving in another low-

While serving in Houston, Zach met his future wife, Kate, a fellow Mission Year participant, and they married on Oct. 6, 2012. They have one son, Quentin, who was born in February 2014.

Zach continues to pursue music and is a member of a band that has produced multiple albums. He is working on a master’s degree in music therapy from Sam Houston State University, hoping to use his talents in his ministry.

As Zach’s speech emphasized — and as his decisions so clearly reveal — the mark of someone who is truly distinguished is how they receive the love of their heavenly Father and, in turn, pour it out on those who need to experience it. The Westminster community is proud to recognize Zach, an excellent role model for the Wildcats who will follow in his footsteps. 

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on the JoB:

CArEEr CONVErSATiONS iN gOVErNMENT AND LAW BY: marY elizaBeth gooDell (’12) Students at Westminster are equipped to seek knowledge and truth in all areas of life. For three alumni, that pursuit has meshed well with their careers. Madison Roberts (’96), Brad Bohannon (’97) and John Cates (’03) all work in the world of government and law, serving their employers and community with the diligence and drive that was instilled in them during their time at Westminster.

Can you give a summary of what your current occupation is? What does an average day look like for you? mr: I’m currently in-house councel for Focus Brands, which owns franchises like Auntie Anne’s and Moe’s Southwest Grill. As corporate counsel, I do a lot of work with lawyers, internal policies and prioritizing contracts. The job involves lots of meetings as I work with businesses to understand their goals and how I can help them get there.

MADISON ROBeRtS (’96)

BB: My current occupation is chief of staff to a member of Congress. My job is to manage the Washington, D.C., and district offices, as well as any and all campaign functions. This involves coordinating and supervising the work of the offices and responsibilities for staff and personnel decisions. Some of my daily duties include keeping the member up-to-date on district and Washington politics, control of the

20 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

budgets, legislative and constituent activities and the member’s initiatives and schedule.

An average day when Congress is in session will include a morning brief with the member, several constituent and legislative meetings, committee hearings with legislative staff, regular work on constituent issues and outreach, review and work on weekly schedules, approval of press releases and general daily trouble-shooting.

then tack law on top of it. Take business and financing classes, don’t limit yourself. You can be a lawyer for Apple if you have computer skills.

It’s a remarkable background to have and do patent law. Christian colleges need law. There are several pastors who are lawyers as well. I can’t think of anything that law can’t be added to.

Jc: I am a corporate lawyer, working in Atlanta and practicing in my firm's corporate and real estate groups. The deals that I work on vary from week to week, and my clients range from technology start-ups to local real estate developers to large public companies. An average day is spent drafting and negotiating agreements, solving problems and trying to prioritize everything that comes up along the way.

Which teachers at Westminster specifically influenced you? mr: Susan Smith was probably my favorite teacher in a number of ways. She told me if there’s something achievable, go get it. Don’t be lazy. I had an 89.5 in chemistry, and she told me not to waste that opportunity. All I needed was a 90 on the final to finish with an A, and she challenged me to do it. I ended up getting an A in the class, I think. I really appreciate how she loves the Lord and was available on a personal level. I will never forget that.

BB: There were so many that were a part of my educational and spiritual growth over 12 years, from Ms. Watson in third grade to Ms. Dye in fourth grade and Mr. Merwin and Ms. Volpitto in sixth grade. One that stands out the most was my high school English teacher, Ms. Goodenough. There are not many schools or teachers that are involved in your education after you leave, but that is what made Westminster and Ms. Goodenough different.

Jc: There are too many to name from the time I started in the second grade to graduation, but Mrs. Joiner, Mrs. Weidman, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Cantrell and Mr. Rich come to mind for taking an interest in me and teaching me how to prepare for school and life after Westminster.

What would you say to a current Westminster student interested in your field? mr: I would want a student to understand that in law, there are as many opportunities as there are in business. If you want to do law, don’t do a pre-law track. Do whatever you love and

BRAD BOHANNON (’97)

BB: I would recommend that they take advantage of every opportunity that is available to them to learn more about how a Congressional office or a campaign works. There are numerous opportunities to get involved, both with volunteering and internships. If you have an interest in government and politics, follow current events and start to develop your own ideas and political beliefs. This will allow you to know what is important to you and what you should look for in future job opportunities.

Jc: I would say that your chances of getting into the school of your choice and performing well in law school vastly increase if you take the time to develop critical thinking and reading comprehension skills before you get to college.

However, those skills will only get you into the interview room; your ability to relate to others is more than likely what will get you the job you want. We interview dozens of people, and you would be surprised at the small number of people who are well-rounded and easy to talk to. So, don't put all your eggs in one basket and look for balance in your life.

What would you have done differently at Westminster looking back? mr: Nothing. I enjoyed every minute.

Everything that you need to be prepared for college, grad school, and to be a good husband, father, steward, you’ll learn at Westminster.

Take advantage of it. The one thing I would have done is taken better notes and kept my notes from World History Bible with Kent

aLumni

Hood and Mary Weidman. I was a punk kid who thought it was just another class, but it was so important. I get asked about it a lot, so I wish I had better notes.

BB: I would have been more involved in student government and would have been a part of the debate team. I feel like both of those opportunities would have been beneficial experiences in my current field.

Jc: I probably wouldn't have shaved my head in the ninth grade - it was not a good look for me.

I also wish I had taken the time to think about what I enjoyed and what my strengths were, as opposed to what I wanted to be when I grew up.

The people I know who are the most successful are also most times the happiest, because they focus on their strengths and their passions, not always on the end result.

ABOut MADISON ROBeRtS (’96): After Westminster, Madison went on to study industrial engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. After that, he worked briefly before going to law school at Mercer University. He was in private practice for five years before joining Focus Brands. Madison lives in Atlanta with his wife, Rebecca, and their three children: Hosford, Pryor and Carolyn.

ABOut BRAD BOHANNON (’97): Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Georgia.

Brad and his wife, Alicia, live in Newnan, Georgia, with their daughters, Macie Lynne and Maddison Lee. ABOut JOHN CAteS (’03): John received a bachelor's degree, law degree and MBA from the University of Georgia. After law school, he worked for the law firm of Jones Day and is currently with Morris, Manning & Martin. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Susie.

JOHN CAteS (’03)

2014 westminster athLetics haLL of fame inductees

leadership and outstanding performance on the soccer field.

Chris also made the GISA All-Region basketball team and was named Most Valuable Player for four consecutive years at Westminster. He received the Otis Balcom Award for leadership and outstanding performance on the basketball court and made the All-State team several times.

After graduation from Westminster, Chris attended Augusta College, where he played soccer and graduated with a Bachelor of The Westminster Athletics Hall of Fame was Arts in political science. Chris has worked started in 2007 to recognize former students in the insurance business on property claims who have made outstanding contributions and restoration for 19 years and recently to Westminster’s athletic program, along opened the Augusta location for Southeast with helping to establish a tradition in school Restoration Group of Georgia. pride. For 2014, Westminster is privileged to induct Will Boyd (’04) and Chris Lutz (’88) Chris is a graduate of Leadership Columbia into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

County, a Chamber of Commerce program, and he has a passion for servant leadership Will attended Westminster from 1991-2004. and being intentional about stewarding his A very skilled soccer player, he was a member business and influence to make an eternal of the 2000 and 2001 state championship impact. teams and received All-State and All-Region honors during his four years on the varsity Chris credits his years at Westminster for team. Will served as team captain his junior laying the foundation for this passion and and senior year and was named the team’s challenges Westminster’s current studentMost Valuable Player as a senior. athletes to recognize the opportunities Westminster brings so they can establish Will initially attended Mars Hill College their own foundations in order to impact and on a soccer scholarship and was named touch others’ lives. the Defensive Player of the Year during his freshman season. He then transferred Chris and his wife, Christy, now regularly to Presbyterian College, where he was cheer on his alma mater since their son, a member of the men’s soccer inaugural Slayton, plays on Westminster’s football and Division 1 season his senior year. He baseball teams. graduated with honors in 2008 with a degree Congratulations, Will and Chris! in biology.

Will received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia in 2012 and is currently in private practice in Augusta.

Will and his wife, Catie, are members of Christ Church Presbyterian, and they have a daughter, Carter, who is 1. Will also has been an assistant coach for the Westminster varsity boys soccer team for the past six years.

WILL BOyD (’04)

Chris, who attended Westminster from 1978 to 1988, was a member of Westminster’s first graduating class. He played a part in laying the foundation of excellence Westminster has come to be known for both in the classroom and on the field.

During his time at Westminster, Chris participated in both soccer and basketball.

Chris was named to the GISA All-Region team all four years, made All-State and was named Most Valuable Player in soccer.

He also received the Jack Moon Award for

aLumni

CHRIS Lutz (’88)

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 21

Charles. Kendra is a middle school Spanish teacher at The Lovett School, where her husband is the associate athletic director.

aLumni notes 1989 Daniel Finch’s (’89) artwork was featured on the cover of Pipeline, an international art magazine based in Hong Kong, China. The cover features a small reproduction of his 8 foot x 8 foot panel painting of Bruce Lee, along with a lengthy interview inside. Visit danielfinch.com to see more of his work.

Daniel and his wife, Carrie (Ligon) Finch (’90), live in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, with their two kids, Mira and Dominic.

KeNDRA (O’NeIL) fINCH (’94)

1997 Taylor Strickland (’97) wrote, directed and performed as James Stockdale in the play "Based on the Love Between James and Sybil Stockdale" at the fifth annual Quickies oneact play festival at Le Chat Noir in Augusta.

The play chronicles the hardships suffered by Vice Admiral Stockdale during the Vietnam War as a prisoner of war and his wife, Sybil's, efforts on the home front.

LCDR Daniel Hancock (’97) and his wife, Joy, welcomed their fourth child, John Andess "Jack" Hancock, into the world on May 22.

Jack weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz., and measured 20 3/4 inches. Siblings Aiden (9), Emma Grace (6) and Madaline Elizabeth (4) are excited to have a baby brother. Also, Daniel recently completed a successful tour in the Middle East as the chief engineer on the USS Hué City and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps commendation medal. During his deployment in 2012 and 2013, Hué City won consecutive battle effectiveness awards as Carrier Strike Group Eight’s top ship, and Daniel was recognized as the 2013 Junior Officer Tactician of the Year with a Flag Letter of Commendation from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

The Hancocks currently live in Coronado, California, where Daniel serves on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

JOHN ANDeSS "JACK" HANCOCK

tAyLOR StRICKLAND (’97)

1991

Walter Worsham (’97) recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to work as a senior manager at Compliance Implementation Services, a life sciences consulting firm.

Prior to the move, Walter was working in corporate finance at Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions in Nashville, Tennessee.

In May, Carla (Wong) McMillian (’91) was elected to serve the state of Georgia as a judge on the Court of Appeals for a six-year term.

She is the first Asian-American elected to a statewide office in Georgia history.

1994 Kendra (O’Neil) Finch (’94) graduated with her master’s degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University on May 15. Kendra and her husband, Charlie, live in Smyrna, Georgia, with their daughter, Kaylee

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CARLA (WONg) MCMILLIAN (’91)

WALteR WORSHAM (’97)

aLumni

Walter graduated from the University of Georgia in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned his Master of Business Administration from UGA in 2012. He is active at Christ Church in Raleigh.

1998 Dr. Michael Ryan Moss (’98) and his wife, Carrie, live in Suwanee, Georgia, with their daughter, Caroline Olivia Moss, born April 25, 2013. Mike is the clinic director and a physical therapist at BenchMark Physical Therapy in Duluth, where he works in outpatient orthopedics. Carrie, a former elementary education teacher, is enjoying her role as a homemaker.

1999 David Cantrell (’99) was the 2013 recipient of the Georgia Education Advancement Council’s Outstanding Newcomer Award.

In 18 months as a major gifts officer for Georgia Regents University, David developed outstanding relationships with faculty, staff, peers, prospects and donors, which led to donations from individuals of $50,000, $60,000 and, most recently, a $400,000 estate gift. David and his wife, Brie, recently welcomed their first child, Isaac Davidson Cantrell, on January 12. At birth, Isaac weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz. The Cantrell family lives in Evans.

Westminster board member Bert Pollard (’98) and his wife, Kimberly, are pleased to announce the birth of their third child, Eliza Kate Pollard, on April 28, 2014, in Augusta.

Eliza Kate weighed 9 lbs. and measured 21 inches. The Pollards have two other children: Wills (5), who attends Westminster, and Benson (3).

After graduating from Westminster, Stacie (Bullock) Wheatley (’99) obtained degrees from Clemson University and The Citadel.

Stacie is a registered and licensed dietitian, currently employed as a clinical health consultant for Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. Stacie married Allen Wheatley on Oct. 5, 2013, at The Old Cigar Warehouse. She is a proud stepmother to Elise (7) and Tripp (5). The Wheatleys live in Greenville, South Carolina, and attend Newspring Church.

StACIe (BuLLOCK) WHeAtLey (’99)

2001

DAVID CANtReLL (’99)

eLIzA KAte POLLARD

Erin (Meeker) Sallette (’98) and her husband, David, announce the birth of their daughter, Abigail Mira Sallette, born Jan. 17, 2014, weighting 7 lbs., 7 oz. The Sallette family lives in Augusta, where Erin is a high school mathematics teacher, and David is a design engineer.

ABIgAIL MIRA SALLette

aLumni

Amanda (Saxon) Dean (’99) and her husband, Derek, welcomed their son, Neville Derek Dean, on April 4, weighing 7 lbs., 1 oz. and measuring 19.75 inches long. The Deans live in Tallahassee, Florida, and also have two daughters, Cecily (2) and Clara (5), proud big sisters.

NeVILLe DeReK DeAN

Austin Jackson (’01) joined the Augusta office of Jackson Law Offices, P.C. in early 2014 and is licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina. Austin was also elected president of the Aiken County Bar Association for the 2014-15 year.

Zach Pollard (’01) and his wife, Kate, welcomed their son, Zachary Quentin Pollard, born Feb. 25, 2014, weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. The Pollards live in Houston, Texas. (Read more about Zach being named the 2014 Westminster Distinguished Alumni award winner on page 19.)

zACHARy queNtIN POLLARD

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In October 2013, Daniel Story (’01) opened his own pest control business, Story Home Services. The business offers organic pest and mosquito control in addition to other services, such as attic and crawlspace insulation, gutters, pressure-washing, moisture control and termite protection.

For a complete list of services, visit StoryHomeServices.com. Daniel services Richmond County, Columbia County, and the North Augusta and Aiken areas. Daniel and his wife, Marian, live in Dearing with their children: Caleb (4) and Faith (2).

2003 Blanche (Conger) McCune (’03) accepted a position as visiting lecturer in the Department of Classics at Baylor University, where she will teach Latin starting in the fall of 2014. Blanche defended her dissertation "Horace's Mythological Lexicon: Repeated Myths and Meaning in Odes 1-3," directed

by Jenny Strauss Clay, on April 21 and received her doctorate in classics from the University of Virginia on May 18. Blanche and her husband, Adam, live in Carrboro, North Carolina, but will move to Waco, Texas, in August.

2004 Robert Watts (’04) received his Juris Doctor from Georgia State University’s College of Law in May 2014. Robert and his wife, Meg, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

DANIeL StORy (’01)

2002 Elease (Saxon) Layman ('02) and her husband, Matt, welcomed their daughter, Faye Ann, into the world on June 4, 2014, weighing 6 lbs., 3 oz. and measuring 19.5 inches long. The Laymans live in Frederick, Maryland, and also have one son, Mark (2).

Matt recently graduated from Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technical Leadership Program and began a new assignment as a lead software developer with the Defense Cyber Crime Center. Elease continues to run an independent test prep and college application business, offering private and group SAT, ACT, PSAT and college application assistance. She offers group classes at Westminster as well as at her church, New Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in Frederick and works with students across the United States and abroad.

Joseph Martin Echols III (’05) received his Juris Doctor from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University on May 16, 2014.

Joseph lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where he is preparing for the upcoming Alabama and Georgia bar exams.

2006 Margaret Houston (’06) works at Garden & Gun magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. After Westminster, she attended Roanoke College, a small liberal arts college in Virginia, where she majored in studio art and concentrated in silver photography. She also studied abroad for a semester in Greece at the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts in Paros, focusing on photography. Margaret also continued to play soccer in college after her years at Westminster. Upon graduating from Roanoke, she moved to Charleston, where she interned for Charleston magazine and held various other part-time jobs. In February 2011, she received an internship with Garden & Gun magazine and was hired as the full-time assistant photo editor in April 2012. At Garden & Gun, Margaret works closely with the director of photography to produce photo shoots for each story and helps to curate the look of the magazine.

ROBeRt WAttS (’04)

2005 Mallory (Farmer) Click (’05) and her husband, Josh, welcomed their first child, Jackson Forrest Click, born April 24, 2014, weighing 8 lbs., 10 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. The Clicks live in Augusta.

Proud grandparents are Kelly (Hensley) Farmer (’78) and Westminster board member Steve Farmer.

MARgARet HOuStON (’06)

eLeASe (SAxON) LAyMAN ('02)

24 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

JACKSON fORReSt CLICK

Evan Van Peursem (’06) married Catherine Su on January 11, 2014, at First Christian Church in Savannah, Georgia, where the bride's grandmother, mom, sister and aunts had all been married. Alex MacDonell (’06)

ALUMNI

and Daniel Harris (’07) were groomsmen.

The Van Peursems live in Augusta, where Evan is in medical school at Georgia Regents University and Catherine is a nurse.

Keith Hearon (’05), Anna Hearon (’12) and Connor Hearon (’14). The couple lives in Augusta, where Chris is co-owner and pharmacist-in-charge at Summerville Pharmacy.

Caleb Mellinger (’07) received his doctorate in physical therapy from Georgia Regents University on May 9. Caleb and his wife, Samantha, live in Augusta.

CALeB MeLLINgeR (’07) eVAN VAN PeuRSeM (’06)

Alexander H. MacDonell IV (’06) married Charlotte Steelman on May 17, 2014, at Dunwoody United Methodist Church in Dunwoody, Georgia. Other Westminster alumni in the wedding party included Evan Van Peursem (’06), Kathryn MacDonell (’08) and Robert MacDonell (’10). Both Alex and Charlotte received a Doctor of Medicine the week before on May 10 from Georgia Regents University.

CHRIS HeARON (’07)

Mary Hester Hill (’07) married Andrew Williams of Monroe, Georgia, on April 26, 2014, at the Hill's family home in Augusta.

Mary Hester's former classmates Virginia Dent (’07) and Kirsten McCrary (’07) were bridesmaids. The couple lives in Atlanta, where they opened their first Your Pie restaurant this summer.

Paul Rush (’07) married Irys Citko at The Church of the Good Shepherd on May 24, 2014. Other Westminster alumni in the wedding party included Amy Rush (’05), Sabrina Rush (’12), John Wallace Hadden (’07) and the groom's mother, Sabrina Simon Rush (’78). The Rushes live in Augusta, where Paul is a real estate investor who buys and renovates foreclosed homes and Irys works at Hull Storey Gibson.

Sarah Smith (’07) married Brice Doolittle at Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 3, 2014. Other Westminster alumni in the wedding party included Rebecca Morris (’07) and Jenna Walker (’07). The Doolittles live in Evans, where Sarah is a kindergarten teacher at Lewiston Elementary School.

Brice is the lab manager for ESG Operations in Augusta.

ALexANDeR H. MACDONeLL IV (’06)

2007 Chris Hearon (’07) married Olivia Burdine on June 8, 2014, at the University of Georgia Chapel in Athens. Also participating in the ceremony were Westminster alumni

ALUMNI

MARy HeSteR HILL (’07)

SARAH SMItH (’07)

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 25

Mitchell Snyder (’07) graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law with his Juris Doctorate on May 17. Mitchell moved to Augusta, where he is an assistant district attorney.

MItCHeLL SNyDeR (’07)

Lauren Snyder (’08) graduated in May 2014 with a Master of Physician Assistant from Georgia Regents University. After final completion of the program in August, Lauren plans to remain in the area to work as a physician assistant in dermatology.

Will McCartney (’10) spent the summer as an intern at the office of Senator Johnny Isakson in Washington, D.C., and working at Merrill Lynch in Atlanta. Will had the opportunity to work within Senator Isakson’s education team and on the global corporate and institutional advisory team at Merrill Lynch. Before that, Will was the business affairs intern at the Augusta National from January to April 2014, where he helped with the international television broadcast of the 2014 Masters Tournament and with tournament production.

LAuReN SNyDeR (’08)

2008

2009

Natalie Echols (’08) married Will Evans on May 10, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta. Other Westminster graduates in the wedding party included Joseph Echols (’05), Nadine Bassali (’08), Ginny Boone (’08), Savannah (Carson) Foster (’08), Lauren Snyder (’08) and Mary Rob Plunkett (’07). Natalie graduated with a pre-dental degree in biology from the University of Georgia in 2012, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Natalie is currently in her third year at Georgia Regents University’s College of Dental Medicine pursuing her doctor of medical dentistry. Will attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree and just graduated with his Masters in Accounting.

Casey Boutwell (’09) graduated from Georgia College with a degree in middle grades education on May 10. Casey is engaged to Cody Johnson, and the wedding is planned for Dec. 19, 2015.

2010 Alyssa Cameron (’10) graduated with honors from Furman University on May 10 with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. Alyssa is now pursuing a master’s degree in educational literacy at Furman and beginning her teaching career in an elementary school in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

WILL MCCARtNey (’10)

Emily Mecredy (’10) married John Caleb Wise on Dec. 21, 2013, in Charleston, South Carolina. Westminster graduates Michael Mecredy (’06), Alyssa Cameron (’10), Mary Frances McGahee (’10) and McCamy Pruitt (’10) were in the wedding party. Emily and John Caleb graduated with multiple departmental awards from the College of Charleston on May 10, 2014, with bachelor’s degrees in English literature and religious studies, respectively. Emily graduated summa cum laude from the Honors College of College of Charleston as a William Aiken Fellow. In August, John Caleb and Emily will move to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to attend the University of Amsterdam’s master’s degree programs in western esotericism, a subset of religious history, and English literature, respectively.

ALySSA CAMeRON (’10)

NAtALIe eCHOLS (’08)

26 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

On May 9, Emily Hood (’10) graduated cum laude with a degree in advertising from the University of Georgia. She served as an intern for Epting Events and the Knot Wedding. During the summer, she was the social media intern at a camp in Pennsylvania.

eMILy MeCReDy (’10)

ALUMNI

McCamy Pruitt (’10) graduated summa cum laude in May from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in crop, soil and environmental sciences. She was the 2014 recipient of the Student Government Association’s Outstanding Student Award for the College of Agriculture. During her time at Auburn, McCamy was actively involved in Student Recruiters and Project Uplift, a community mentorship program, and in leadership with Ag Ambassadors, the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science Club and Reformed University Fellowship. Over the summer, McCamy spent five weeks in Yangling, Shaanxi province, China, with a group from Auburn, as a teaching assistant for a plant breeding and crop improvement class. This fall, McCamy will begin an assistantship and master’s degree program in crop science with an emphasis on plant breeding at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

McCAMy PRuItt (’10)

In August, classmates Michael Bone (’10), Robert MacDonell (’10) and Jim McPhail (’10) will be attending the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University in Augusta. Michael recently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in biology, and Robert graduated summa cum laude from UGA with a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology and Latin. Jim graduated magna cum laude from Georgia College with a degree in chemistry.

All three graduated in May.

are widely available for sale, and you can find more information at allisonblanchardbooks.blogspot.com.

ALLISON BLANCHARD (’11)

ALUMNI

homecoming SEpTEMBEr 26-27, 2014

2012 In February, Sarah Saxon (’12) spearheaded an initiative to reward students at T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina, for their outstanding work. The school had recently lost funding for its incentives program, so in order to help keep the program going, Sarah and other students in the Teachers of Tomorrow group offered to bring the High Point University ice cream truck to the school to hand out treats as a reward. Even though Sarah has switched her major to human relations, she is continuing her work with the Teachers of Tomorrow group. This summer, Sarah interned in the marketing and communications department at Westminster Schools of Augusta and in the marketing department at Chick-fil-A.

reunions for the cLasses of 1979, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 ViSiT WSA.NET/rEuNiONS FOr DETAiLS

young aLumni christmas sociaL “oLd” aLumni christmas sociaL DECEMBEr 26, 2014

westminster soccer reunion MArCH 14, 2015

2011 Allison Blanchard (’11) published her second book in the “Forget Me Not” trilogy, “Morning Glory.” The book continues the saga of Adeline and Cole, their newfound love and the threat of those who wish to end it all. Allison attends Georgia College, where she is pursuing a double major in English creative writing and French. Allison’s novels

save the date

SARAH SAxON (’12)

iF yOu WOuLD LikE TO HOST AN ALuMNi EVENT Or WOuLD LikE MOrE iNFOrMATiON ON THE EVENTS LiSTED ABOVE, pLEASE ViSiT WSA.NET Or EMAiL CArriE BrigHAM AT CBrigHAM@WSA.NET.

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 27

wiLdcat packs BOSTON ALuMNi gATHEriNg

On April 30, Headmaster Steve O’Neil and Westminster alumni Amy (Rhoden) Smith (’04), Daniel Smith (’04), Keith Hearon (’05), Palmer Lawrence (’05), Ivan Stojanov (’05), Robert Long (’07) and Hope Patterson (’13) gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for dinner. (Read more about it on page 3.)

Amy is a scientist in the chemistry group at Moderna, a biotech company, and her husband, Daniel, is a chef/manager with Corporate Chefs, Inc. Keith works at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For the 2013-14 year, Palmer was at Harvard University as a research fellow in the immigration and refugee law clinic. Ivan is completing his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in oral and maxillofacial pathology, while also pursuing his master of medical sciences. Robert is in graduate school to obtain his master's in philosophy at Brandeis University. Hope is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in classics at Harvard University.

WSA ALuMNi SOCCEr rEuNiON On March 15, during the Elliot Rivers Soccer Tournament, soccer alumni returned for a brunch and game against the current Westminster boys soccer team.

NEW ALuMNi LuNCHEON On May 15, the graduating seniors were

L tO R: MACKeNzIe BuRgeSS (’09), DReW MCCARtNey (’12), MIMI (COLeMAN) gRINALDS (’97), OWeN LONg (’04), SABRINA RuSH (’12) & DAVID NeWtON (’13)

invited to a special lunch in celebration of their new transition into the Westminster alumni family. They heard from Westminster Alumni Association Board Members Owen Long (’04) and Mimi (Coleman) Grinalds (’97), along with an alumni panel comprised of Mackenzie Burgess (’09), Drew McCartney (’12), Sabrina Rush (’12) and David Newton (’13). The panel answered questions about college and shared how both Westminster and their relationships with the Lord have played a part in shaping who they are today.

WESTMiNSTEr ALuMNi ASSOCiATiON LETTErWriTiNg CAMpAigN The Westminster Alumni Association took on the challenge of writing personal letters to each of our 2014 graduates to welcome them into the alumni family and give them words of encouragement as they embark on a new life away from Westminster. The letters were given to the seniors at the New Alumni Luncheon on May 15.

A special thanks to the following alumni for writing letters: Ryan Lutz (’89), Vanessa Johnson (’90), Jennifer Finch (’92), Kelly Hitchcock (’92), Laura Lee Joiner (’92), Chad Cook (’94), Caroline Whitcomb (’95), Madison Roberts (’96), Daniel Hancock (’97), Gene Long (’97), Erin Sallette (’98), Brad Joiner (’99), Cindy Bramhall (’01), Iverson Long (’01), Bennett Ford (’02), David Shoffitt (’02), Joseph Morris (’03), William Jewett (’04), Ann Elizabeth Lazari (’04), Owen Long (’04), Kristine Merriman (’04), Mary Ellen Stebbins (’04), Laura Turrentine (’04), Robert Watts (’04), Amanda Williams (’04), Mary Charles Coleman (’05), Ivan Stojanov (’05), Ben Hastings (’06), Sarah Doolittle (’07), Chris Hearon (’07), Robert Long (’07), Caleb Mellinger (’07), Mitchell Snyder (’07), Caroline Ames (’08), Alyssa Cameron (’10), Rebecca Shine (’10), Emily Wise (’10), Heath Robinson (’11), Haley Barinowski (’12), Elizabeth Gay (’12), Sabrina Rush (’12) and Paul Smith (’12). 

ALuMNI SOCCeR ReuNION

28 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

ALUMNI

around campus

FACuLTy & STAFF yEArS OF SErViCE AWArDS

2014-15 STuDENT LEADErSHip TEAM

At the year-end faculty/staff breakfast held on May 27, those who celebrated milestone anniversaries during the 2013-14 school year were honored for their achievement.

Congratulations to the 10 students selected for the 2014-15 Student Leadership Team (SLT).

• Head: Palmer Brigham (’15) • Student Life: Anna Plunkett (’15), Sarah Grace Heaton (’16) • Service: Tanner Wilson (’15), Caroline Head (’16) • Chapel: Carter Wilson (’15), Josh Jackson (’15) • Middle School: Sam McCartney (’15) • Athletics: Jon Gibbs (’15) • Logistics & Fine Arts: Ivan Syritsyn (’15)

Thank you to these hard-working and dedicated faculty and staff members for their love of Westminster, our students, and the Lord.

prOM COurT Congratulations to Caroline Page (’14) and Chandler Holgate (’14) (top photo) for being chosen queen and king, and to Palmer Brigham (’15) and Sam McCartney (’15) (bottom photo) for being chosen prince and princess at this year’s Prom at the Augusta Museum of History in April.

The SLT is a group of juniors and seniors who are chosen to work cohesively as a team to help lead the student body.

25 yeARS Of SeRVICe:

MAry DONNAN HEppErT & kEN Curry

15 yeARS Of SeRVICe:

ANgELiA CArSON & THErESA BONE (Not pictured: Mary Nell McElmurray & isaiah Burch)

NEW SCHOOL pHOTOgrApHEr Beginning this school year, our new school photographer will be Branch Carter Photography, a joint endeavor by local photographers Branch Carter and Barry Koenig. As the area’s largest school photographer, Branch Carter Photography is known for its multi-awardwinning photography and personal attention to detail. These professionals will handle our school, senior, and sports portraits and take photos at select events throughout the year, including Homecoming and Commencement.

Branch and his wife, Tway, are proud Westminster parents of Sam (’20) and Elizabeth (’17).

For more information about Branch Carter Photography and to see a portfolio, visit branchcarter.com.

around campus

The SLT is focused both on selection and development of leaders. This particular team oversees the big picture of life at Westminster, and past experience is a key qualification for SLT members. Each team member undergoes leadership training and is assigned an adult mentor to provide support throughout the year. This is an invaluable relationship as the SLT members cultivate their leadership skills.

kOrEAN EVANgELiST AND CHiLDrEN’S CHOir ViSiT WESTMiNSTEr Westminster hosted Dr. Billy Kim and the 40-member Korean Children’s Choir during a special all-school assembly on March 4.

10 yeARS Of SeRVICe: HELEN MOSS & rON HALL

5 yeARS Of SeRVICe:

WHiTNEy DiEHL, CHriSTAL DuggAN, MAryANNA THOrNTON, MAry CHArLES COLEMAN, SArAH CHiLDErS, STEpHANiE WALDECkEr AND gLENN BELL (Not pictured: Mike greiner & keith romer)

Dr. Kim serves as the pastor emeritus of the 15,000-member Suwon Central Baptist Church in Suwon, Korea, and is chairman of the Far East Broadcast Company (FEBC), a media ministry with 11 Christian radio stations in Korea. Through his work with FEBC, as well as Youth for Christ, the Baptist World Alliance and various educational institutions, millions of people around the world have been introduced to the Christian faith. He is fondly known as the interpreter for the Billy Graham Crusade in South Korea. 

WINDOWs - FALL 2014 | 29

deveLoping news As many of you have made your way back to school recently, you have undoubtedly noticed many changes to the new property on Wheeler Road. When we closed the school year in May, we had a level patch of brown dirt. Over the summer, we have seen its transformation and are looking forward to putting it to work to support the Lower School needs at recess and P.E., as well as after-school athletic needs.

We have also added new playground equipment to the original playground.

In the past, we needed an area for our older children to run and play ball, hindering the amount of space available for equipment. With the addition of the new field, we now can have both options to better serve all of our Lower School students.

We look forward to gathering together on the new property to celebrate this wonderful addition as the Westminster

NeW AtHLetIC fIeLD

Parents’ Association reinstitutes the Fall Connection. Keep your eyes out for more information about this favorite event to officially celebrate one of the many ways that gifts to the Bridge Campaign are transforming our campus.

A technology improvement also came last year with the addition of a single Wi-Fi “cloud” across campus, providing seamless wireless coverage throughout all the buildings and grounds. Several classroom improvements were made, including the purchase of LabQuest data-collection devices and probes for Middle and Upper School science labs; document cameras for easy transitions between PowerPoint presentations and working of problems; photogate timers and ramp systems for science demonstrations; new projectors for the SmartBoards in the Lower School; and new tablets.

We also saw the much-needed

refurbishment of the Middle/Upper School gym become a reality. A fresh coat of paint, new and safer bleachers, a new sound system and the beautiful new hardwood court named for our own Coach Tebbs made for a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for the basketball season, P.E classes, assemblies and the Spring Musical.

Over the summer, the board of trustees has not taken a break, but has been hard at work moving forward with the newest project to complete phase one of the Bridge Campaign. As we begin the new school year, we will have our largest Middle and Upper School enrollment in the school’s history. We have already made adjustments for this with the addition of two new temporary portable classrooms.

However, our community space for lunches, chapel and meetings for students and parents becomes even more limited

RefuRBISHeD MIDDLe/uPPeR SCHOOL gyM

30 | WINDOWs - FALL 2014

DEVELOPING NEWS

PLAygROuND fOR 3RD-5tH gRADeS

uPDAteD CLASSROOM teCHNOLOgy

as our enrollment continues to increase.

Soon you will be hearing more about the expansion and updating of the current Middle/Upper School lunchroom. If you have ever been to school for lunch, especially on a rainy day, you know how small of a space this actually is. If you have not been here, just ask a student! Plans have been drawn up to expand this area to accommodate our students for lunch and chapels as well as for other events.

We are so thankful to th ose who have helped make these dreams become realities through gifts to the Bridge Campaign. We are truly a part of a generous and loving community.

Gratefully,

PLAygROuND fOR PRe-K - 2ND gRADe

NeW BLeACHeRS IN MIDDLe/uPPeR SCHOOL gyM

Carrie Brigham Director of Development

NeW teMPORARy PORtABLe MIDDLe & uPPeR SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

DEVELOPING NEWS

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