Winter 2009 | windows magazine

WINDOWS WINTER 2009

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WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS OF AUGUS TA

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Inside This Issue 2

A Word from the Headmaster

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Meet Dave Anderson Westminster: An Agent of Grace

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Meet the Newest Board Members

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In His Own Words

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The Great Outdoors

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How Do You Start a School?

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Founders’ Day

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Welcome Home

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A Humbling Walk with a Powerful Savior

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School News

17

Alumni News

Corrections: The Summer 2009 edition of Windows omitted the name of Emily Mecredy as part of the Science Olympiad Team in the Health Science event. Additionally, Mary Frances McGahee was left off the list of those who made the Prep School Honor Roll and Rebecca McGahee was listed erroneously as receiving recognition from the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

The editors regret the errors and offer apologies.

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A Word From The Headmaster Dear Friends, One of my favorite times of the school year is Homecoming Week. I like the change of pace, student enthusiasm and, of course, connecting with alumni. During this year’s Homecoming, I enjoyed seeing our students show their school spirit with theme “dress up” days. I was also thrilled with the turnout for Saturday’s Fall Festival and afternoon soccer game. It was great seeing so many alumni back for the different events that week.

Many members from Westminster’s Class of 1989 returned for Homecoming. They came from Memphis, St. Louis, Harrisburg (Penn.), Atlanta and Savannah. I was particularly touched as I joined the Class of ‘89 for their 20th reunion dinner and heard them reminisce about their Westminster experience. A recurring question at dinner sounded like “Is Mr. or Mrs. ‘So and So’ still at Westminster?”

It was a powerful reminder of the difference Westminster faculty made and continues to make in the lives of our students.

At chapel, our Upper School students were able to hear from an ’89 alumnus who recounted his spiritual journey while at Westminster and the impact our faculty had on his life. These are a few excerpts from his talk: • Mr. Craig Johnson (History) was more than just a History teacher. He was a sharp social critic who engaged us with provocative discussion and questions.

• Mr. Ferwerda (Science) was a brilliant young biologist who very carefully stepped us

through the dogma of Darwinist evolution and proceeded to methodically debunk this theory that has now risen to scientific orthodoxy. This had to be demystified and dissected if I was ever to get to the point of belief in God. • Miss Benge (Bible) taught us that Truth exists and that if Truth exists, it must come from a Truth-giver. She led us through a myriad of competing worldviews and religions and presented us with the uniqueness of Christianity.

The alumnus went on to say that “the short story is that I had entered into a world of thoughtfulness, both academically and spiritually. These were people that knew what they believed and could give a ready defense of it. In three very short years, Westminster had helped me craft a unified, cohesive worldview, dealing with everything from science to philosophy to art, and only a fool rejects Truth like that.”

So when the Class of ‘89 asked about faculty who are still at Westminster, they were “tipping their hat” to those who impacted their lives in profound ways. And guess what?

Many members of the faculty who were at Westminster in 1989 are still with us today, including: Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Buurma, Mr. Curry, Mrs. Esposito, Miss Heppert, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Nichols, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Volpitto.

These faculty members, along with countless others, have invested in Westminster’s mission and in the lives of it’s students. I’m moved by their sacrifice and always grateful to hear stories about the difference Westminster faculty made and are making in students’ lives.

Warm regards,

Steve O’Neil

The “New” Building Can you believe it has been 10 years since the doors of Pamplin Hall opened?

Send your memories of the vision, design, construction and occupation of Pamplin Hall to publications@wsa.net.

Have you met…

DAVE ANDERSON? Dave Anderson joined Westminster’s Leadership Team as Director of Finance and Operations last July. He moved with his wife, Stephanie, and his children, Jonathan and Kaleigh, after 15 years in the metro Atlanta area. Dave is quick to greet visitors with a smile and desires that each person who encounters the finance office feels served and is assisted quickly.

Though he has diverse corporate and non-profit experience, this is his first experience with an educational institution. As Stephanie and he considered the job, they knew it would be a big

transition from corporate America and from the network of friends and family in the greater Atlanta area. Dave said, “We sensed a leading from the Lord that this is where we need to be and are excited to be part of the culture and community at Westminster.”

Far more than a “finance guy”, Dave’s responsibilities are wide-reaching. He is responsible for many aspects of what goes on at the school, including: finance, facilities, buildings and grounds, food services, information technology, human resources, contracts and legal documents. He also served as the Assistant Coach for the Middle School football team this year.

“I look forward to helping Westminster grow as a school and implement the new strategic plan,” Dave said. “It is important for the finance department to lead the school in stewardship of the resources God has given us.”

He hopes to increase the information sharing and open communication of the office by keeping the community informed with timely and accurate information.

When he is not at the office, he enjoys reading, weightlifting, working out and spending time with his family.

Westminster: An Agent of Grace Daniel Finch (’89), associate professor of art at Messiah College, visited with the Upper School students at Westminster during homecoming week to teach a few classes and to speak in chapel.

He came to Westminster during his sophomore year as an irreligious skeptic and graduated as a believer in Christ. Daniel’s speech was titled, “Westminster: Agent of Grace”. An excerpt of this speech is included in the article below: I remember the first day of classes... so here I am... one of those strange kids from Davidson [Fine Arts Magnet School] , from the wrong side of town, wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, and a very 80’s haircut. I look around, not knowing a soul, and everyone else is in dress-shoes, Duckheads and button-up, collared, polo shirts.

I remember the soccer coach visiting one of my first classes to speak about the virtues of the game. He immediately saw my new face, singled me out and asked if I played. I said, `NO.’ He then very enthusiastically shot back with `Well you wanna play, right?!?’” Again, I responded, `NO, I ride BMX.’ I might as well have grown blue horns and started juggling cupcakes. I need to remind you that there were no X-Games back then. It would be another 10 years before BMX and skateboarding were synthesized into popular culture.

I remember that first day being a very long one.

But as I settled in, I was immediately impressed with the degree of respect and humaneness with

which [students] were treated. I experienced a mixture of trust, confidence and encouragement from the faculty in ways I had never previously experienced in education.

Faculty were openly PRAYING for us. This was new. In this mass of people, none of us were simply numbers. We were loved as individuals with individual gifts and weaknesses. I cannot stress how important that fact was to a young, artsy, misfit, BMX kid from Davidson.

When I think back to my time at Westminster, it’s the faculty that jumps to the forefront of my mind.”

Mr. Finch discused how specific people impacted his life including: Craig Johnson, Eric Ferwerda, Leighann (Benge) Walther, Mike Hearon , John Oliver and Debbie Hill.

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Break the Mold”, his challenge to the class of 2010 is to take a risk, follow God-given passion and avoid living a life of regret. He warns not to let a sense of obligation or guilt serve as motivation when it comes to big decisions in life like college, career or marriage. He said, “You don’t want to wake up thinking you missed your calling one day. If God is leading you in a direction, he won’t let you down. “

Mr. Finch is living proof of this principle. He met his wife of nearly 14 years during his senior year at Westminster, went on to study art at Augusta State University and received a master’s from the University of Georgia before becoming employed as the associate professor of art at Messiah College.

Now in 2009, Daniel returns to the campus as an alum, an artist, a professor, a husband, a father and a fan. When asked why he chose to come back, he said, “My testimony has always centered around Westminster. If I have anything, it is the authenticity of my story. I view my time at school here with a fairly objective perspective because I was here for a short time. At Westminster I found more than academics and achievements – you can get that anywhere. I found a thoughtfulness, a humanness of the faculty and a holistic view of the Christian life. I mean it when I say I am a debtor to God and Westminster.”

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Meet Our Newest Board Members Mrs. Pam Willis Be careful who you leave your children with, it may have a larger impact on your life than you think. Pam Willis and her husband, Matt, came to Augusta 14 years ago with State Farm Insurance. At that time they began to get involved at First Presbyterian Church with their newborn son, Joshua. Like most couples with a newborn, they also began the search for a babysitter. They found one through the recommendation of a friend from church.

Pam remembers being impressed by the marked differences she saw in the character, worldview and spiritual growth this teenage girl demonstrated. She was a Westminster student.

Pam did not forget these differences when it was time to consider school for her child.

Her first visit to Westminster introduced her to Mrs. Sue Ames, a teacher of 4-year-old children at that time. Pam remembers, “When we met Mrs. Ames, we saw her enthusiasm and the way her care for her students extended beyond the classroom. How could we NOT put our child in her care?” The Willis family is in their tenth year of having children at Westminster.

Now the family includes Joshua (14), Luke (11) and Isabel (9). As the children have grown, the roles Pam has served at Westminster have taken various forms. She began reading in the library, and then was asked to become a room mom. “The more you get to know the teachers and assistants, the more you see how they all care for your children - not just academically but spiritually as well. It would be easy to take a back seat as my children progress towards middle and high school but I really want to be engaged with their teachers and their friends. This is our community, our life,” Pam said.

to use her previous experience as a paralegal in these policy review and writing capacities. She says, “Being part of the Board of Trustees allows me to use the gifts God has given me to help advance what God is doing at Westminster. I am passionate about our school being represented well. We have a great school and we need to shine our light.”

students in public schools to leave campus to study the Bible during school hours. He is also an Elder at First Presbyterian Church and a member of the board for the Augusta School of Biblical Studies. Though one could hardly call him “retired” with all this involvement, Sylvester is President of the Richmond County Retired Educators Association.

Mr. Sylvester Brown

He was not looking for more things to do but his interest was piqued when he was asked to serve on the Westminster Board of Trustees.

Sylvester said, “I couldn’t resist learning about an area of education in which I hadn’t worked.

I have always known about Westminster’s reputation as an excellent institution. Even while in the public school system, I used Christian principles to operate the school. At Westminster, there is not just the freedom to do so, but it is part of what teachers and administration are supposed to do.”

Sylvester Brown came to Augusta from Texas via Fort Gordon more than 40 years ago. He served in Vietnam as a Company Clerk and in Operation Desert Storm as a Chaplain’s Assistant.

Though the Army brought him to Augusta, Sylvester liked the city and decided to settle here when his time in the service was complete.

He bought a house and began to teach school in the Richmond County School System where, in time, he Sylvester serves on the was promoted to Assistant Admissions and Spiritual Life Principal, then Principal.

Committees. The Admissions Mr. Sylvester Brown Sylvester received various Committee looks for ways to awards including Teacher help the school grow and become inclusive of the Year for the State of Georgia. He was of students from various economic, social, recognized by the Governor’s office for helping ethnic, racial backgrounds. Sylvester enjoys the his school from an “at risk” school to a Georgia Spiritual Life Committee because he gets to see School of Excellence. how Westminster presents excellent curriculum His time with the county school system provided him one reward that exceeded even that recognition. Each morning when he worked at Glenn Hills High School, he held a Bible study before school. It was in that study that he got to know a teacher named Mary from Fort Valley, Georgia. Sylvester and Mary will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary next year.

They have four adult children and five grandchildren who live in Miami, Chattanooga, Atlanta and Augusta.

Pam joined the Westminster Board of Trustees last spring and serves on the Trustee Development Committee of the board along with Mr. Steve O’Neil, Mr. Bill McCartney Mrs. Pam Willis and Dr. Mike Watts. This committee is responsible for Sylvester is passionate about preserving the integrity of the board, developing education, the Bible and the Lord. This board policies and looking for new members for passion has led him to serve on several boards the years to come. They make sure the board in the Augusta area. He is the Director of continues to align with the long-term vision and Instruction for Release Time Education, which goals of the school. Pam is thankful to be able is a government-approved program that allows

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while sharing spiritual Truth. His goal in all things is to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus. He said, “Westminster does that and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Dr. Chris Vickery Some people like to go to school; some people have education in their blood. Dr. Chris Vickery comes from a family of educators. His mother taught first grade for 30 years. With several other family members in education, he has a keen interest in academic excellence.

He came to Augusta to attend the Medical College of Georgia and completed that education in 1989. After his residency, he began practicing here in 1997. He and his wife, Julie, have two children: Ian, who is 11 and Caroline, who is 9. Chris is currently an ENT Otolaryngologist with Augusta ENT and has been a member of the Westminster Schools

Board of Trustees since last spring.

Chris and Julie are members of First Presbyterian Church, which is where they first heard about Westminster. Chris says, “I also had the privilege of talking with older physicians whose children [attended] Westminster. The strong reputation for academic excellence in a Christian context made the school a natural choice.” They have been pleased with the Westminster experience so far.

Though he feels like he is still learning his way around as a new board member, he knows the importance of his role.

He says, “The Dr. Chris Vickery role of my own prep school was pivotal in my development, so the opportunity to serve on the board was easy to accept.” As a member of the Finance Committee on the Board of Trustees, Chris assists with the oversight and development of the annual budget for Westminster. The committee helps to ensure the school’s financial plan and the execution of that plan are in line with the mission, vision and strategic plan.

In His Own Words

MIKE GREINER

Fourth grade teacher, Michael Greiner, is new to Westminster Schools of Augusta but not new to teaching. Below he tells of how he came here and his experience at WSA in his own words.

My wife Judi and I moved to Georgia from New Jersey in June of 2008 to be near our family. We have a son, Jay, who is going to school in St. Augustine, Fla., to become a physical therapist. My youngest daughter Sandi is attending Augusta State University and studying to become an elementary school teacher. Our oldest, Holli is married and teaching in Lynchburg, Virginia.

I taught fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth grades in the New Jersey Public Schools for 25 years. When we arrived in Georgia, I decided to substitute teach in Columbia County to become familiar with the area schools, and community. At that point I wasn’t clear as to where the Lord, and was directing me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to teach again. I read Psalm 37:4 which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

My focus was on Psalm 37:4 for quite a while, and one day I came across the WSA website. I noticed that there was a fourth grade opening,

applied for the position and was hired this past July.

I am so thankful and blessed to be at Westminster. It has been exciting for me to be able to openly integrate a biblical worldview in the classroom. There is such a great balance between the challenging academic curriculum and the solid spiritual emphasis. I feel that as a teacher at Westminster I have the freedom to meet the needs of the whole child because the Lord is first.

Taking prayer requests and listening to the students pray with such pure hearts is the highlight of my week. It is so refreshing to have prayer before faculty meetings and have devotions every morning. It has really helped me keep things in perspective. There is such a genuine feeling of community between the administration, staff, parents and students, which I haven’t seen anywhere else. I firmly believe that the successes at WSA are a result of being Christ-centered with a solid biblical foundation. The Lord has truly given me the desires of my heart, and I thank Him for allowing me to teach at Westminster.

Great things begin with the Westminster Fund Support Westminster by using the provided envelope to make your year-end donation today. Every gift is important and appreciated. For more information about giving to Westminster, visit our website or contact Carrie Brigham in the Development Office.

Mr. Greiner and his class in the midst of a geography lesson.

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The Great Outdoors Each year the middle school students are able to learn things through first-hand experiences when they embark upon the fall Outdoor Classroom trips. Each adventure is tailored to their specific curriculum to ensure that they are applying learned principles through these three-to-five day adventures.

Recently, the sixth grade students traveled to the 4-H center on Jekyll Island with Miss Laura Bragdon and Miss Amanda Ebersole. The seventh grade students visited Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center with Mr. Craig Ham, and Mr. Craig Johnson took the eighth-graders to Washington, D.C. The sixth grade students learned about island ecology, herpetology, ornithology, and coastal ecosystems, with chaperones Rob Woods, George Robertson, Charlie Malarkey, Glenn Barinowski, Beth Gore and Kim Barfield. They had a wonderful time, despite the rainy conditions. “We stayed in an old hotel that has been re-purposed as a 4-H center focusing on educational trips. The accommodations provided for six to seven students and one chaperone per room. The teaching groups were about 12 children and two chaperones, and each group was provided a Jekyll staff member,” said Miss Ebersole.

Miss Bragdon shared some examples of hands-on learning, including an activity in which the students learned about nocturnal animals and their ability to see colors. She said, “The students were given colored markers in the dark and wrote on paper, then asked by the 4-H teacher what color was on the paper. Every student could see that they had the wrong answer when the lights came on. It was a great way for them to understand the way that nocturnal mammals differ from those that see in sunlight.”

“Most of the children had never been exposed to the beach as an ecosystem. They didn’t understand how it works together with the outlying environment. It was a way to experience the beach in a new light,” remarked Miss Ebersole. One of the activities involved eating a plant from the marsh, a sea pickle, which is incredibly salty. “It helped to reinforce that the source of the marsh is the ocean,” explained Miss Bragdon. The trip was not without some fun and adventure though. “I will always remember walking around in the marsh and watching one

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of my classmates fall in the mud!” said Clae Barinowski, laughingly.

For the last 15 years, sixth grade students at Westminster have embarked on the Jekyll Island trip but there are some changes to come.

Miss Ebersole shared, “One exciting change is that next year the students will be staying for an extra day to perform a service project by partnering with local churches.” What a great way to get even more out of a wonderful experience!

At the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center, the seventh grade students enjoyed the mountain air while learning about ecology and environmental awareness. The center is a program of Camp Mikell and Conference Center, which is nestled in the hills at the southern edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest outside of Toccoa, Ga. The highlights of this year’s trip included a white water rafting trip on the Chattooga River, a high ropes adventure, and an exciting Underground Railroad history simulation.

Nearly every activity focused on team building along with ecology studies and environmental awareness. Chaperones accompanying Mr. Ham were Mrs. Connie Reynolds and Col. Dave Budinger.

On the first day, the students got to know the Blue Ridge staff, learned about the camp facility rules, and participated in some team building activities. During the next few days, the students were split into field groups and took turns going rafting, participating in learning classrooms, and even braving the ropes course.

When asked why he loves Outdoor Classroom, Mr. Ham shared, “The idea of an Outdoor Classroom or outdoor school is for students to live in and experience what they are learning in the classroom.” With his love of the outdoors and passion for learning, Mr. Ham captured this experience in his web blog. You can see more about this trip at: sites.wsa.net/ outdoorclassroom.

On the trip to Washington, D.C., our eighth grade students learned about our nation’s history through trips to museums and other historic landmarks, but also enjoyed a first-hand point of view by meeting with alumnus, Robert Watts, who works with Representative Phil Gingrey (GA). Watts set up a meeting with Rep. Gingrey and shared his experiences as a staffer with our students. Chaperones were Upper School Principal, Mr. Craig Johnson; History teacher, Mr. Glenn Bell; Miss Virginia Wright and Miss Cassie Dankovich from youth staff at First

Seventh grade students take on the ropes course.

Presbyterian Church; and parents Eric Newbrey, Matt Willis and Kimberly Knox.

“One of the big learning highlights of this particular trip is visiting the Holocaust museum,” said Mr. Johnson. “It is a powerful experience for the kids. It demands your attention and introduces you to the world of what Nazi Germany was really like.”

As previously mentioned, another high point this year was the meeting with Mr. Watts and Rep. Gingrey. (You can see more about Robert Watts on page 12 of this issue) The congressman shared about striving for, setting and achieving goals. “Robert was a good example of how our students can roll up their sleeves and succeed when they work hard toward their goals,” said Mr. Johnson.

Another particularly moving experience was the visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Mr. Johnson appreciated the students’ ability to be still and take in the meaning of what was going on around them.

“A lot of what we do in our nation’s capitol encourages reverence of the people that have gone before us. A visit to D.C. is kind of a way to walk through and to give honor to the past. We visited the Arlington Cemetery, and the students observed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our

students even provided a wreath to honor those soldiers. When students participate in something like that, they are quiet and peaceful, just taking in the respectful nature of that ceremony. They have to get outside of themselves and look who has gone before. They see fresh tombs and grave sites, and that is a moment for them to realize what others, even in recent history, have given up,” he shared.

Overall, both students and teachers alike get more out of the outdoor classroom than can be communicated on paper. Westminster is proud to offer this kind of education every year for middle school students so that each student can apply learning in a fun way and bond with their teachers and fellow classmates.

Claire Zecha, Ellyn Strother, Cassie Dankovich, Rebecca McGahee, Emily Doumar, Caitlyn Newbrey in Representative Paul Broun’s office.

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How Do You Start a School?

by Charmain Zimmerman Brackett

Before there was an award-winning theater program and state championship athletic teams, there was Hunter Baggs and Tommy Burnside on a beach trip to Hilton Head, S.C., an idea and a lot of faith.

While Mr. Baggs and Mr. Burnside were on vacation in 1971, they were considering school alternatives and wanted choices that were closer to home. The question of “how do you start a school in west Augusta?” came up. They began to put their ideas down on paper.

“He also said he knew of who might be interested in being the headmaster,” said Mr. Baggs. “ His name was Otis Balkcom. He was an education assistant to the president of Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky. We were off and rolling.”

A second letter was mailed to the families who responded favorably the first time. This letter requested a $100 deposit for a slot in the new school to see how serious the families were. The checks started coming in.

“From my church, people were having the same thoughts,” Mr. Baggs said.

Once back from vacation, they began to explore the possibility of a Christian school. They made up lists of names and addresses of people who might be interested in a private school.

A few other families began to join in the organizing, and The 1972 -1973 Board of Trustees. letters were sent out. When the responses came Even though Dr. Neederhood had suggested a in, Mr. Baggs said the group knew it was on the headmaster, Mr. Baggs and the school’s founders right track. interviewed other candidates; however, when they flew Mr. Balkcom to Augusta, there was Around the same time, First Presbyterian something about him they liked.

Church held a missions conference with guest speaker Dr. Joel Neederhood, who was from “I liked the way he looked. I saw him and said Pennsylvania and was experienced in starting ‘that’s the man,‘” he said. schools. After the conference, Mr. Baggs and a few other men from the church met with Dr. Mr. Balkcom spent a weekend with the five Neederhood to learn more. men, and they invited him to be the school’s headmaster.

“He started telling us what we had to do to start a school,” he said. The men knew they “It was a thing of faith,” said Mr. Baggs. “We wanted it to be a Christ-focused, private, college thought ‘how are we going to pay him?.‘” preparatory day school.

Other men of faith who were part of the original

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journey included Dewey Cave, George Bowen and Alton Lovingood.

With Mr. Balkcom on board, the idea of having a school in place by the fall of 1972 seemed to be becoming a reality. Mr. Balkcom devised a curriculum for the school year; potential students were lining up; however, there was a problem. They had no place to hold classes.

“We went to different churches and asked to use their educational buildings,” he said. “The answer was ‘no.‘” Mr. Bowen and Mr. Baggs decided to approach Rev. Keith Bailey who was the pastor of National Hills Baptist Church on Washington Road.

“He said ‘I have always wanted to have a Christian day school.

This is the closest I’ve ever been,’” Mr. Baggs said of the Rev. Bailey.

The Rev. Bailey told Mr. Baggs and George Bowen, who was also part of helping find a location for the school, to come back the following week. The board of deacons would be meeting, and that would be a perfect time to discuss the issue with them.

The two men were ready for the deacon meeting and presented their best case of how allowing the school to operate in their building would be a win-win situation for everyone.

“We told them we wanted to rent their education building. We would renovate the building, paint it and leave it better than we found it,” he said.

Founders’ Day The deacons asked the two men to step outside while they discussed it. After an hour, Mr. Baggs and Mr. Bowen were asked back into the meeting where they were told they could not use the building.

“I said, ‘we have to have it. We are desperate. We are up against a wall,‘” said Mr. Baggs, who then reiterated their promise to repair the building and renovate it. Again, they were asked to wait.

August 25 marked the first Founders’ Day Chapel at Westminster Schools of Augusta.

Mr. Hunter Baggs, Mr. George Bowen and Mr Alton Lovingood of the 1972 Board of Trustees attended the celebration. Mrs. Cynthia Cave represented her husband, the late Mr. Dewey Cave. This new tradition at Westminster took place to celebrate the rich history of the school, those who helped

make it possible and the faithfulness of God. Mr. Hunter Baggs spoke to students about the ways God provided for that board to begin WSA in borrowed facilities and eventually buy and build on the land we have today. The 1972 board members and family members gathered in Headmaster O’Neil’s office after chapel for a reception and reminiscing.

“It was the longest hour of my life,” said Mr. Baggs. There was one hold-out in the group.

After much persuading, he finally agreed.

Although it came down to what seemed like the final moments, school started on schedule with about 200 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The battle wasn’t over, however. The next step was finding a permanent location for the school.

The founders still wanted a west Augusta location. They learned about the 25-acre parcel of land on Wheeler Road. It was being held in trust at a local bank so they went to the banker and told him about their plan to build Westminster School on the site.

Many real estate developers had been clamoring for the land thinking it would make a good neighborhood, but the banker said he liked their idea better. There was one problem. There was no money for the purchase.

“Several of us signed a note to be personally responsible,” said Mr. Baggs.

They believed so much in the idea of the purchase that they pledged their homes in the event they could not pay the note. Soon after, plans were drawn up for two brick buildings to be constructed on the site.

School opened at the Wheeler Road location in 1975.

After nine years on the school board, Mr. Baggs retired from official duties at Westminster, but he looks back with pride at what was accomplished through a trip to the beach, a lot of faith from a few men and women, and a very big God. Above is the history of Westminster’s founding, as retold by Mr. Hunter Baggs.

Mr. George Bowen, Mrs. Jane Bowen, Mr. Hunter Baggs, Mr. Alton Lovingood, Mrs. Betty Gene Lovingood and Mrs. Cynthia Cave (seated).

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HOMECOMING 2 October 7 – 11

Westminster students, families, friends and alumni gathered to celebrate Hom On Friday, the Westminster Golf Tournament was held at Belle Meade Count Picnic and the Homecoming Soccer game. On Saturday evening, students atte gathered for reunions.

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2009

mecoming 2009. Festivities began with students dressing up for Spirit Week. try Club. Saturday morning was the Fall Festival, followed by the Alumni tended the Homecoming Dance. Classes of 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004 WINDOWS - WINTER 2009 | 11

A Humbling Walk with a Powerful Savior Editor’s note: Alumus Robert Watts (’04) shared his experience on Capital Hill with our 8th grade students and coordinated the opportunity for them to hear from Representative Gingrey on the Outdoor Classroom trip to Washington, D.C. in September. He shares his story with us below.

I have had the opportunity to hold several positions in the political arena throughout my college years and beyond, and I am honored to highlight a few of them and explain the Lord’s unceasing lessons throughout these experiences that have taught me to seek Him first above all else.

My first experience with politics from “inside the beltway” (as they call it in Washington) was when I became the Chief Legislative Assistant for the Majority Whip of the Georgia General Assembly in Atlanta. The three months in this position taught me enormous amounts about how legislation is crafted and that political wrangling and partisanship is a reality. Keep in mind that I was 22 at the time, making this a mind-blowing experience for someone who previously had only read textbooks about political science in college.

Although the days were long and the lifestyle was fast paced, it would become more tiring as I became the Political Director in his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. In July 2008, we lost this campaign, and for me it was

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a heart wrenching experience that made me seriously evaluate if politics was for me.

I will never forget calling all of those who had contributed monetarily, donated man hours, or gave up their homes for beds while we were on the road to thank them for their efforts and attempt to make some excuse for why our team should have won the election. For a young man who had only been a student of politics in the classroom, the loss was one of the most difficult experiences to grasp as to why the Lord would allow it to happen to me.

Nevertheless, the Lord promises us in Jeremiah that He has a plan for our lives, and He did indeed. I continued working on a different Congressional campaign throughout the rest of the general cycle in 2008, and the Lord graciously blessed my candidate with a 72 percent win and a breath of new air for me in the political profession.

The Lord’s continual blessings still pour forth because since February of this year, I have been working in Washington, D.C. as the Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) and have been offered wonderful opportunities to influence national and even international policy at times. Congressman Gingrey has entrusted me to handle military and veterans’ issues, government reform, and faith issues.

by Robert Watts

I have enjoyed traveling around Georgia and D.C. to meet with the military leaders of our state and country, but my most notable trip was a visit to the political leaders in Taiwan. I traveled with Congressman Gingrey to Taipei and met with the President and his cabinet to discuss military arms sales between the United States and Taiwan, as well as free trade and extradition in criminal cases between both nations. The cultural and educational visit was enlightening, but the friendships made between two countries and the opportunity to be a part of the historical conversation regarding a military interchange is one of the most overwhelming experiences that our Lord has ever offered me.

The walk I referenced in the title has been extremely humbling, and the Lord has blessed me beyond measure in such a short time.

Throughout my brief career, it has become increasingly evident that all men are created in the image of God. While we may disagree on policy, it is imperative to understand that men and women of God must strive toward the eternal goal of furthering the Gospel of Christ in a dark world while loving one another. This is a policy that I believe all Christians can agree on, and this is what I trust that the Westminster community continues to teach the future leaders of our great nation.

God bless America and Westminster Schools of Augusta.

School News Art Abounds Westminster students, under the direction of Mary Donnan Heppert and Vivian Hornsby, took home many of the awards, including Best of Show in the high school division, at the Exchange Club Fair’s Art Contest this fall. Visit www.wsa.net under the Fine Arts tab to see the complete list of winners.

Mrs. Hornsby and the Art Club have been busy.

They have created new murals in the S building that depict symbolism of creation. In October, the club took a trip to the Columbia Museum to view black and white photography by Ansel Adams.

At the Day School, young artists are working with Miss Heppert on everything from textured cat portraits, to oil pastel still life pieces, with watercolors and self-portraits in between! Feel free to visit the art room or the walls of Pamplin Hall to see these art pieces.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Football is alive and well at Westminster. The fall of 2009 marked our first venture into football as we fielded teams at both the middle school and junior varsity levels. It was a great kickoff season where we exceeded many expecta-

The Wildcats’ inaugural football season was full of victories. tions for a first-year program including wins over Augusta Christian, Edmund Burke, Crisp Academy and Augusta Prep. Overall, more than 50 boys were involved at this level. In 2010-11, football will function fully as an interscholastic sport. We look to build a strong program that will compete on the local and regional levels.

The highlights of the season were the two home games hosted on the soccer field against Crisp Academy and the Cannon School. The games had strong attendance with close to 1,000 people at both. The community atmosphere resulted in numerous positive comments from the opposing teams’ parents and coaches.

The coaching staff, led by Mike Hearon, did an outstanding job of laying the foundation for the program this season. Even though this was our first year, an expectation of excellence was ingrained into the program. From start to end, the boys made unbelievable progress in all aspects of the game and we look forward to what the next few years hold.

The next phase for Drama is the spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. This year’s musical will change the way Westminster looks at theatre. This show will put the action, the music and the excitement closer and bigger than ever before!

Singing a New Song As the visual arts win awards at every turn, the choral department is taking strides of its own.

This year, under the direction of Kevin Pollock, the Prep Chorale has maxed out its space in the music room with 35 students. The Middle and Prep choirs are looking forward to starting a new tradition: a separate concert of their own.

The choral programs will present a special concert at Warren Baptist Church in December. To top it off, there will be some of Augusta’s finest string players performing and as accompanying the choirs.

Up-Staging and Re-Drawing the Mold

Miss Heppert surrounded by young artists.

In the theatre department, a new curtain has opened. The One-Act Play, All in the Timing, took the stage and a new cast of characters emerged with the fall play, the Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. The latter production was comprised primarily of new actors from both the Prep and Middle schools. Since both plays were hilarious comedies, they received laughs all around. Additionally, the One-Act cast members won the regional title with their performance for the second consecutive year. The cast also placed second in the State Competition.

The cast of All in the Timing won accolades for their One-Act Play performance.

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School News

Continued from page 13

Tradition of Excellence Continues

Efforts Combined for Day of Prayer and See You at the Pole

The boys soccer program continued its tradition of excellence with another strong season. The varsity boys finished the season 16-5-1, ranked as the No. 1 team in the state and No. 11 team in the south, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings.

Along the way, the boys captured the region title for the 13th time in 14 years. The middle school boys finished the season with a record of 8-1-2 and a runner-up finish in the CSRA.

“2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the See You at the Pole on campus student prayer event, which was started by high school students in Burleson, Texas,” according to an article in the September 24, 2009, edition of The Augusta Chronicle.

Students at schools across the area met for early morning prayers on September 23 and Westminster students were actually featured in some photos in The Chronicle. Westminster combined the annual Day of Prayer and See You at the Pole this year.

Prayer and worship were held around the flag pole by both upper and day school students. The event included prayer for the school’s leaders, faculty and staff, parents and students. The campus was covered in prayer, thanks to those praying students, and to the parent participation coordinated by the Moms in Touch prayer group.

ning and a relationship with God. He is a great example for our student athletes of pursuing excellence in running and how they can see God through it.

Great things are happening in our school and community all the time, and much of that is to the credit of those who constantly go to the Lord on our behalf. If you are interested in joining Moms in Touch or would like to share a prayer request, please contact Robin at reharls@ netzero.net.

This first season, while the team was small, the foundation was set for a great future. The middle school program had great numbers this year and it will be exciting to see them move up through the years. The varsity program had a number of young runners who showed great promise.

A New Starting Line

The second and fourth grade classes were among those who gathered on the Day of Prayer.

The varsity team was led by a great group of seniors who finished their careers with 67 wins, three region championships and a state championship. Five of these seniors were recognized as GISA 1AAA All-Region Players: Aaron Harris, Will McCartney, Michael Bone, Josh Coleman and Robert MacDonell. In addition, Harris, McCartney and Bone were selected to the GISA All-State Team which recognizes the top 24 players in the state. Head coach Mike Freace was recognized as GISA 1AAA Coach of the Year.

The middle school team was led by a strong group of eighth graders and third year head coach Chris Hitchcock. Individual awards were given at the annual Middle School Athletic Awards Assembly with four eighth graders being honored. Matt Reid was given the Coach’s Award, Connor Hearon was named the Best Offensive Player, Joseph Coleman was named the Best Defensive Player and Caleb Herrin was Most Valuable Player.

The varsity cross country team completed its first season under the leadership of head coach Steve Bouye. Westminster has not had a cross country program for more than eight years and we are excited about the future of this program.

Coach Bouye is both a parent and avid cross country runner himself. His son, Collin, is a current seventh grader at Westminster and was named the Most Valuable Runner of the middle school cross country team. Lauren McGahee received the same honor for the girls team. Evan Downs and Reagan Salvador were awarded Most Improved while Robert Evans and Sophie Pollock received the Coach’s Awards.

Coach Bouye brings passion for two important things to the WSA cross country program: run-

14 | WINDOWS - WINTER 2009

The Wildcats defeated Alleluia Community School in the homecoming game.

Ribbon Cutting for New Classroom in Pamplin Hall Westminster hosted a ribbon cutting with the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce on August 18 to celebrate the opening of a brand new first grade classroom on the ground floor of Pamplin Hall. The public was invited to celebrate with us. The new classroom and addition of a third section of first grade is one way the school has responded to increasing enrollment numbers this year. Day School Principal, Sue Ames said, “We were thrilled with the strong enrollment of students in the first grade and we expanded our facilities to meet that need.”

The Westminster Competition Cheerleading Squad placed second in the “Bring it to the ‘Boro” Competition in Statesboro, Ga.

Cheer On! The girls varsity cheerleading squad had a great fall and did an excellent job supporting both the varsity soccer and academy football teams.The team also competed in two competitions before taking second place in the GISA State Cheerleading Competition.

The middle school squad showed strong progress throughout the fall. They once again did an outstanding job of supporting the middle school soccer team and leading our fans during the games. The team was honored at the Middle School Athletic Awards Assembly on October 29 with three individuals winning awards.

The Coach’s Award was given to eighth grader Mallory Walters. Reagan Salvador was named the team’s Most-Improved, while eighth grader Claire Zecha was named Best All-Around cheerleader.

That’s Debatable Westminster took four teams to the Warner Robins High School for a GISA Debate Tournament on Saturday, October 10. The WSA

Mrs. Elizabeth Meeks enjoys teaching in the new classroom. “I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to touch the lives of these precious children. What a blessing this has been for Westminster and myself. It is a gift from God to be able to expand at this time,” she said.

team of Wes Maddox and Tyler Lewis took second place out of 18 teams in the tournament.

Third place was taken by the team of Jep McNair and Arthur Rakin. Wes Maddox, Arthur Rankin and Jep McNair were also recipients of speaker awards.

Enrollment Grows in 2009 Our enrollment numbers have increased again this year in spite of the current difficult economic climate. Westminster started the school year ahead of where it began in August of 2008 and the enrollment number has continued to increase. Currently Westminster has 541 students.

Nationally and locally, private schools have seen declining trends in enrollment.

Westminster has designated about 10 percent of the annual budget, or more than half a million dollars, to meet the financial needs of current and prospective students. Any family may apply for financial aid through the Admissions Office.

Thanks to Sarah Childers, Mike Freace, Mary Donnan Heppert, Vivian Hornsby, Erin Kirchhoff, Paul Owen and Becky Saxon for contributions to the School News section.

Members of the Chambers of Commerce and friends of Westminster gathered to celebrate the new classroom.

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School News

Continued from page 15

Johnny Appleseed Day All three first grade classes joined together on Friday, September 25, for Johnny Appleseed Day festivities in the breezeway. Students were encouraged to dress in attire from the pioneer days and rotated through seven different stations involving apple activities including decorating apple cookies and bobbing for worms. After the outside activities, each class returned to their respective classrooms for further instruction.

Dr. Charlie Green (center) presented the awards to Mrs. Bone and Coach Tebbs during in-service training in August.

Green-Orr Award Winners Named The Green-Orr Award is given by Drs. Peggy and Charlie Green in memory of their parents, Roberta and Harry Orr and Charles and Juanita Green, to honor outstanding faculty members of Westminster Schools of Augusta who have demonstrated Christ-like character, excellence in teaching and sacrificial commitment to the mission of the organization.

The 2009-2010 Green-Orr Day School recipient is Theresa Bone. She is committed to the success of her students. This commitment is

demonstrated by the way she meets with students outside of school hours. Mrs. Bone also uses with students a variety of teaching methods to reach students with various learning styles.

The 2009-2010 Green-Orr Upper School recipient is Mark Tebbs. Coach Tebbs is an excellent educator, challenging students to develop lifelong skills, habits and discipline.

Not only is he one of the best basketball coaches in the state, he challenges his team to play hard and walk with the Lord. Congratulations, Mrs. Bone and Coach Tebbs, and thank you for your hard work!

Mrs. Jan Moccia said her students were excited to learn that Johnny was a real person named John Chapman. She said, “It was fun to see the lights come on in their minds as I read them the article about John Chapman. They realized he was not just a cartoon character but a historical person.” Student Liam Thornton brought in his family tree to show that he is a direct descendant of Mr. Chapman himself. The classroom instruction took place in cooperative groups where students measured apples, learned the parts of an apple, conducted a mock store to buy and sell apples, and learned various ways apple seeds can be used. Making and partaking of homemade applesauce was perhaps the highlight of the day.

Miss Mary Charles Coleman enjoyed reading a story to her class as they ate their applesauce.

Mrs. Elizabeth Meeks said, “Watching their faces as they smelled the applesauce was priceless.”

All told, it was a great day for our first grade students.

Samuel Drake, Jackson Bryant, John David Kassner and David Bullock enjoy the outdoor activities on Johnny Appleseed Day.

16 | WINDOWS - WINTER 2009

Alumni News

The alumni walked away with the “W” when they played the varsity soccer team in August.

The alumni soccer game on August 10, 2009 brought a great turnout of players and spectators. More than 20 Wildcat Alums came out to take on this year’s varsity soccer team.

Play extended to penalty kicks after a 3-3 tie during regulation time but the old-timers pulled it out in the end.

Barry Jones speaks to Upper School students.

Class of 1979 Karen Jansen Ditty (‘79) is a creative psychotherapist working in both private and public hospitals with children, adolescents, adults and families in Melbourne, Australia.

She has four children (ranging from 18 to 24 years old), one grandchild, and has completed 4 year degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts from USC in 1983, a Graduate Diploma in Women’s Health at the University of Melbourne in 1998, Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Melbourne in 2001 and a Master of Arts from the Melbourne Institute of Experimental and Creative Arts Therapy in 2005.

Greg captivates the young audience.

Class of 1989 Will Oliver, Daniel Finch, Beth Perrow Wells, Greg Volpitto, and Ryan Lutz (below) attended the 2009 Westminster Homecoming Festivities on October 10. They celebrated their 20th class reunion.

Class of 1994

Class of 1988 Barry Jones (’88), pastor of Hollandale Church in Long Point, N.C. returned to WSA to deliver a chapel speech on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. He challenged students from 1 Corinthians 1: 27-29, reminding them to take advantage of opportunities that God gives and obey His leading.

Mo. and is the chaplain of the Creve Coeur, Mo. police department. He spoke about his “ministry of presence” with the police as he rides with them and helps as he can and related it to how the Holy Spirit is always with the kids. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three kids of their own, Millie, 12; Davis, 9; and Ada, 2. He is the son of fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Barbara Volpitto.

Staci Kitchens Lanier (‘94) currently lives in Franklin, Va. with her husband, Dustin. They will welcome their first child in late January.

Staci has been teaching kindergarten for 10 years.

Greg Volpitto (‘89) returned to Westminster to speak at Day School chapel. Greg is the pastor of youth and worship in St. Louis,

WINDOWS - WINTER 2009 | 17

Alumni News Continued from page 17

Robb, Sam, Aaron(‘05) and Edra Adams at the commissioning of Sam.

Class of 1996 Danielle Smoak Westfall (‘96) recieved her BS in Biology from Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock, Tex. in 2000. Currently, she lives with her husband and three children (Richard - age, 8, Patrick - age, 5 and Alyssa age, 2) on Guam as he is assigned to the USS Buffalo as a US Navy submarine officer.

Sarah Stovall (’00) was married on June 20, 2009, to Mitchell Stewart. They are living in Knoxville, Tenn.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Stewart

Class of 1997 Mimi Coleman Grinalds (‘97) and her husband, Allen, live in New Bern, N.C. with their three boys: Allen, 5, Charlie, 3 and Porter, twenty-one months. Allen is stationed at Cherry Point Air Station.

Class of 1999 Rachel Lentz Osborne (’99) and her husband reside in Waxhaw, NC and have a 3-year-old little boy named Caleb. They started their own company in May of 2008 which sells paper, packaging, and janitorial supplies to all types of businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Class of 2000 Kathryn Haburchak Brown (‘00), is a Georgia Tech alumna and has worked as a Marketing Associate at LOMA for three years.

Kathryn married her husband, Nick, in March 2008 and they live in Marietta, Ga.

18 | WINDOWS - WINTER 2009

Class of 2001 Zach Pollard (’01) is working with troubled youth in Branson, Mo., through Doulos Corp.

He is the Boys House Director and has been with the company for three years.

Class of 2002 Sam Adams (‘02) is in his last year of law school at the University of Georgia. He attended the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School this past summer and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August. After graduating in May, he will undergo further training in preparation for serving as a judge advocate in the Marine Corps.

Rania Williams Frederick (‘02) recently married Terence Frederick in Houston, Tex. on September 5, 2009 and is pursuing a doctorate in Public Relations at University of Florida.

Adam James (‘02) is in his second year of physical therapy school at MCG in Augusta.

He will graduate in May 2011, and recently performed at MCG’s Noon Concert Series. You can see a video of the performance on Facebook.

David Shoffitt (‘02) is currently assigned to HSL 46 Detachment Five “The Spiderpigs.”

David is currently deployed to the Red Sea aboard the USS De Wert flying in support of U.S. interests.

Class of 2003 Joseph Morris (’03) is studying toward the completion of a dual major at the University of Georgia in Wildlife/Fisheries Management.

After that, he plans to earn his master’s degree in Forest Business as well as earn a real estate license.

Westminster Windows

a publication of Westminster Schools of Augusta.

Westminster Schools of Augusta 3067 Wheeler Road Augusta, Georgia 30909 706-731-5260

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

Craig Johnson

Upper School Principal

Sue Ames

Day School Principal Members of the Class of 2004, pictured from left to right (back row to front row): Will Boyd, Blake Collier, William Jewett, Isaac Robeson, Owen Long, Katie Ames, Ann Elizabeth Pollard, Mandie Lutin, Amanda Middlebrooks, Carrie Gates, Shannon Harley, Charlotte Boyd, Alex Welsh and Laura Bailey

Class of 2004 Members of the Class of 2004 joined together at Chili’s for a five year reunion during the Westminster Homecoming festivities in October.

Jack Ellis (‘04) is working for a consulting firm in the Washington, DC area supporting the Navy in one of their International Program Offices. Also, he is engaged to a lovely young lady named Kelly Houde from Illinois.

Owen Long (’04) graduated from West Point Military Academy in May 2009.

Lee Turley (’04) recently married on May 24, 2009, and currently lives in Nashville, Tenn.

He graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and currently works as part of a startup company that is designing new task management software for the mass market.

Robert Watts (‘04) is currently serving as the Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) in Washington, DC.

Class of 2005 Joseph Martin Echols III (‘05) graduated from Samford University in May 2009. He gained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Management and an International Business concentration. He is currently getting his MBA at Samford’s Brock School of Business while living in Birmingham, Ala.

Trey Garzzillo (’05) attends the University of South Carolina, Aiken and is currently conducting coral research. His primary goal is to determine a method of increasing the growth rates of certain soft coral and the effect that the saltwater aquarium hobby can have on transplanting healthy coral back onto dying reefs. Two classes he has taken focused on studying reefs in San Salvador, Bahamas.

Michael Mecredy (’05) graduated in August 2009 with Highest Honors from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Tech.

Class of 2007 Robert Long (’07) is in his second year at Harvard University.

Mitchell Snyder (‘07) is in his third year at the University of Georgia studying Real Estate. He plans to graduate next spring.

Class of 2008 Victor Gutierrez (’07) spent the summer of 2009 in Daytona Beach at the Summer Beach Project with Campus Outreach. He is a sophomore at Augusta State University.

The Alumni News provided is submitted by alumni and friends of Westminster. Send your Alumni News to cbrigham@wsa.net.

David Anderson

Director of Finance and Operations

Carrie Brigham

Director of Development

Mike Freace

Athletic Director

Aimee Lynch

Director of Admissions

Erin Lively Kirchhoff

Director of Marketing and Communications Westminster Windows, Editor

Sarah Childers

Communications Coordinator

Trey Keenan

Westminster Windows Design and Layout Special thanks to the following contributing writers: Charmain Zimmerman Brackett, Sarah Childers, Mike Greiner, Erin Kirchhoff, Steve O’Neil, and Robert Watts.

Thank you also to the contributing photographers: Phil Ames, Carrie Brigham, Mary Charles Coleman, Cassie Dankovich, Craig Ham, Whitney Diehl, Erin Kirchhoff, Aimee Lynch, Amy Owen, and Sabrina Rush.

Westminster Windows is published as a service to our alumni, families, and friends. Please submit questions, comments, or news items to publications@wsa.net.

Cover: The Westminster Wildcats take on Augusta Prep in Football for the first time.

Photo courtesy of Aimee Lynch.

WINDOWS - WINTER 2009 | 19

STMINSTER

O L S O F AUGUS TA Westminster Schools of Augusta 3067 Wheeler Road Augusta, Geogia 30909 www.wsa.net

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID AUGUSTA, GA PERMIT NO. 265

Classes of 2005-2009 Please join us for the

1st Annual Young Alumni Christmas Social Monday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.

At the home of Melissa Walters (‘07) and Ryan Walters (‘09) 7 Somerset Court Look for your invitation in the mail.

For more information, contact Christal at cduggan@wsa.net