ATHENS ACADEMY Years of Excellence with Honor

ATHENS ACADEMY

Years of Excellence with Honor

ACCENT SPRING 2017 ATHENS ACADEMY TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Notes from the Head of School John C. Thorsen Head of School 2 Celebrating 50 Years

George H. Huban, Jr. 10 Imagine: Athens Academy in 2067 Director of Development 12 Upper School Kelley Cuneo Director of Communications 14 Middle School Beth S. Thomas ‘90 16 Lower School Alumni Coordinator 18 Preschool DeDe P. Guest Annual Fund Coordinator 20 Fine Arts

Toni S. Parr 22 Service & Leadership ACCENT - SPRING 2017 ACCENT Development Office Assistant 24 International Studies Margaret M. Smith Archivist 26 Athletics

Sue S. Williams 28 Faculty & Staff PSO Coordinator 30 Alumni by the Numbers ATHENS ACADEMY P.O. Box 6548 - Athens, Georgia 30604 706-549-9225 - Fax 706-354-3775 32 Weddings www.athensacademy.org [email protected] 34 Births 36 Class Notes 44 Alumni Around Campus

Athens Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and AdvancEd (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). The school holds memberships in NAIS, GISA, GHSA, CEEB, CSEE, CSS, ERB, NACAC, SACAC, and The Cum Laude Society. Athens Academy admits qualified students of any race, color, sex, religion, or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin in administration of its educational policies and other school-administered programs.

Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student. NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Greetings from Spartan Lane, Classes started on this campus in March 1972. It was quite a change from the original campus housed on the Cabaniss farm. The three original buildings were transformational to our program and, as you know, the campus has continued its evolution to this day. However, it has never been about the buildings – it has always been about the program and the people delivering the program. We are mindful of our students and what they will be doing when they leave Athens Academy. This awareness and communication from our graduates is what led us to eliminate our traditional exam week in December. We are now doing different forms of assessment to increase our students’ engagement with the subject matter and to prepare them for Mr. Thorsen with third graders Tab Butler, Kate Sullivan, Camden Camp, and Henry Thomas Garrard what lies ahead in college. You see this sort of evolution each and every day walking around our campus. Please do not misunderstand, this is As this issue of Accent is being printed, we will be loading not change for change’s sake. It is about teachers inspiring buses for Middle School trip week. The sixth grade will go to students. Recently while walking through campus I met a group Savannah, the seventh grade and I will be going to Washington, of fourth grade students on their way to their world languages D.C., and the eighth grade will head over to Camp DeSoto in class, where they are studying Germany and Austria. Down the Mentone, Alabama. These are life experiences, full of bonding hall, their classmates are in the Lower School science lab doing and learning opportunities which will not be forgotten. I am projects on forces in nature. It was fun to watch them work with guessing that many of our alumni remember these trips. Our Hot Wheels cars, making loops, ramps, and corkscrews as they fearless seventh grade trip leader Marion Marvel will be heading studied speed and velocity. I would have been quite happy to up to Washington for the 21st time. jump right in and play--I mean learn--with them. Our campus continues to evolve to meet the demands of our Over to the Upper School, our new public speaking class programs and the teachers who offer them. We are looking with Miguel Cooper is presenting their humorous interpretation forward to moving into the Chambers Center in early May and monologues. In Science and Art, the engineering class is working transitioning the Parents Building into a Middle and Upper School on model homes utilizing solar energy for power. Over in the teaching space for the near term. In the long run, we hope to Schacht Building, Becky Green is teaching her eighth grade tear it down and complete the Middle School campus with a new algebra students about functions--not memorizing functions, but purposefully-built space. putting them to use and solving problems. Needless to say, there In keeping with the theme of this Accent, I hope that is a lot of active learning going on around our campus each and you will consider visiting the 50th anniversary web page every day. (athensacademy50years.org) to read my remarks from our Salute to the Founders event on Saturday, April 1. The comments share some insight into our past and what makes this such a special place. Thank you for your continued support of all that we do, and GO SPARTANS!

All the best for a healthy and happy spring and summer ahead,

John Thorsen Head of School Above: Mr. Thorsen enjoys the Preschool [email protected] Halloween parade; right: Mr. Thorsen with first grade Birthday Card Contest winner Aisha Ahmed.

1 Happy Birthday, Athens Academy!

When Athens Academy’s doors opened for the first day of We’ve had lots of notable news along the way this year--the school on September 5, 1967, there were just 147 students formation of the 17 Society, a group of student ambassadors; and twelve faculty members on the original campus at the a successful run for one act play The Katrina Project; multiple corner of Hawthorne Avenue and Jefferson Road. On Tuesday, accomplishments in orchestra, band, and chorus; four current August 16, 2016, Athens Academy began its 50th year on 152 students signing to play collegiate athletics; the Lower School’s beautiful acres with 955 students and 134 faculty members, first-ever Hour of Code; and in February we welcomed and everyone was excited to celebrate our great school! University of Georgia President Jere Morehead to campus to We kicked off the year with the Faculty and Staff Back-to- deliver the 39th annual Schacht Lecture. In late January, the School Party, hosted annually by the Board of Trustees. This Middle School Drama Deparment performed You’re a Good year the Board was pleased to invite former faculty, staff, Man, Charlie Brown, which also turned 50 this year. We had a and trustees to join in the festivities at the Botanical Garden. party afterward to celebrate both birthdays! Alumni parent, former trustee, and longtime supporter In early February, we held the first of two major anniversary Kelley Tison was honored that evening with the inaugural J. events, the 50th Birthday Bash. Hundreds of alumni, alumni Robert Chambers, Jr. Award, which recognizes “extraordinary parents, current and former faculty, staff, and trustees, individuals whose actions reflect unwaivering support and grandparents, and friends joined us for a beautiful evening selfless devotion to the ideals and philosophy of Athens at the Athens Cotton Press. In April, we held the more formal Academy.” Salute to the Founders at the Athens Country Club, where we As part of the 50-year celebration, the Fine Arts honored our founding trustees as well as our five heads of Department presented The Myers Gallery: A Twelve-Year school: Ronnie Griffeth, Al Cash, Bob Chambers, Kay Betts, and Retrospective Show featuring the work of over 90 artists John Thorsen. It was a wonderful evening, and we are grateful whose work had previously been displayed in the gallery. A to have the opportunity to celebrate Athens Academy! reception was held in August, and nearly 100 people came out We hope you’ll be sure to purchase a copy of our to campus to enjoy the beautiful art. commemorative book, Athens Academy: Celebrating 50 Years In November, our Grandparents and Special Friends Day of Excellence with Honor, an important reminder of our history guests helped us sing “Happy Birthday” to Athens Academy. and those whose sacrifices made it possible, as well as a Also in November, Dr. and Mrs. Ham Magill named Richard reminder of the importance of an institution such as this for Patterson’s science classroom and lab in his honor. the young people of this region. They have and will continue Mr. Patterson will retire in June after 40 years at Athens to make an enormous impact on the community, the state, Academy; longtime Middle School math teacher Becky Green and the world. is also retiring, and their co-workers and students are excited to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments as the school year winds down.

2 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Athens Academy: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence with Honor

This beautiful hardbound coffee-table book tells the story of Athens Academy’s first 50 years, from the early years on Jefferson Road up through today. Filled with hundreds of photos, Athens Academy: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence with Honor is an important keepsake for current families, alumni, faculty, grandparents, trustees--anyone who has been part of one of Athens’ most important and influential institutions.

$50 per copy; pre-order by May 15, 2017, and save $10 To order, go to www.athensacademy.org and click “50th Celebration”

The Beatles. Mini-skirts. Frisbees and Pop Tarts. The decade of the Sixties was a vibrant and volatile period marked by revolutions in music, fashion, and social norms. Flattops gave way to mop-tops for boys, and beehives and bouffants gave way to straight-line and pixie cuts for girls. NASA scientists raced to land a spacecraft on the moon before the end of the decade, and TV viewers raised on Andy Griffith embraced a new space-age hero, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk. On radios across America, Bob Dylan vocalized what was becoming abundantly clear: “The times, they are a-changing.” There were also radically changing views about education in America, giving rise to the creation of numerous independent schools with widely divergent motivations. In Athens, Georgia, where higher learning was the underlying reason for the City’s existence, a group of parents made a bold decision to establish an independent preparatory school that would welcome all students desiring to excel at the college level. Fifty years and thousands of appreciative alumni later, the Athens Academy community pauses to reflect on the moments and memories of a school still committed to excellence with honor.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

SPRING 2017 3 Back-to-School Party For current and former faculty, staff, and trustees Thursday, August 11 at the State Botanical Garden

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1: Reggie Vipperman and Peggy Reigle 4: Ellen Wilkins Wiley ‘92 with Bob Chambers 2: Frank McKinley and Brenda Klein 5: Andy Simmonds and Ed Ferguson ‘89 3: The Tison Family (Jay ‘06, Brian, Kelley, Anne Marie ‘02) with 6: Robbie Link and Wanda Moon Bob and Nell Chambers 7: The beautiful Georgia State Botanical Garden

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1: The opening song of the play with the entire cast. 5: Sally (Ann Harper Covington) and Schroeder (Will Warner) 2: Katherine Woody, Sara Mack Lowe, Lizzy Walker, and Kira Avolio 6: The cast and crew with directors Katie Townsend and Lorraine watch a silly video of Charlie Brown. Thompson and pianist NeeCee Delk. 3: Charlie Brown (Ben Cuneo) seeks advice from Lucy (Kira Avolio) 7: The Spartan (Daniel Rouhani) and Charlie Brown (Ben Cuneo) cut the 4: Snoopy (Jessica Ford) imagines himself a World War I flying ace. cake at the 50th Anniversary Reception following the Sunday performance. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Middle School Play & 50th Anniversary Reception Celebrating the 50th YEAR of the play and Athens Academy Sunday, January 29 in the Bertelsmann Lobby

SPRING 2017 5 th Birthday Bash 50 Saturday, February 4 at The Cotton Press

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1: Julie Barkley, Susan Waugh, Shannon Ferguson, and Tanya Adams 2: Ginna Duncan Ezernack ‘99, Margaret Wellborn, Stacy Mallet 3: Matt Marvel, Brent Chandler, Marion McGriff Marvel ‘86, John Thorsen 4: Melton Weekley and Hart Roberts 5: Suzanne Kilgore and Kelly Marley 6: The beautiful Athens Cotton Press 6

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7: Laura Straehla and Amy Ridlehuber O’Neill ‘90 10: Kevin York, Anna Alexander, and Sunil Alexander ‘90 8: Nell and Bob Chambers 11: The Dirk Howell Band 9: Otis and Margaret Harris 12: Amy Chambers Chandler ‘86 and Marian Block

SPRING 2017 7 Salute to the Founders - April 1, 2017

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1: Dr. Harvey Cabaniss and wife Ann 5: Anna Dyer, Ann and Ronnie Griffeth, Becky Green, and 2: Mimi Griffin Grube ‘79, Marcia Griffin Talmadge ‘72, Gwen Bob and Nell Chambers Griffin, Bill Talmadge, and Erin Talmadge 6: Kevin York, George Huban, and Don Smith 3: John Robinson and John Hill 7: Margaret and John Robinson with Ann Cabaniss 4: Brooks Arnold 8: Gene Howard and John Thorsen

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9: Brian and Marty Kemp, Ann and Harvey Cabaniss, and David and Gloria Cabaniss 10: Buck and Ellen Wilkins Wiley ‘92 with Bob Chambers 11: Talley Toro ‘00, Fleming Smith ‘15, Margaret Smith, and Sissy Erwin Toro ‘72 12: Jimbo and Glenda LaBoon with son Jimbo LaBoon ‘81 13: Beth Sanders and Pam Wilkins 14: Mike Dekle 15: Carrie Jackson Scruggs ‘92, Laura Thorsen, and Anna Alexander 16: Stan Beasley with Frances and David Beasley 17: Gail and Mac Smith with Lucy and Buddy Allen 17

SPRING 2017 9 Athens Academy IMAGINE... in the Year 2067

As school wound down for the Thanksgiving holidays, the students in the Lower School were engaged in a fun project. With the help from author Susan Nees, Pre/Lower School Librarian Amanda Dennis, and a mini- grant from Oconee County, the students in grades 1 through 4 had the opportunity to imagine what Athens Academy would be like in its 100th year, 2067. Not only did the students answer a series of questions like “What will school uniforms be like in 2067?” and “What new tools will help students learn in 2067?” but they also learned the basics of book binding, creating their 100-year books by hand and sewing the pages together with needles and thread. With their imaginations running wild, the students came up with all kinds of fun--and even mind-blowing!-- ideas of what the world will look like in 50 years. Their books will serve as special keepsakes from their time at Athens Academy, and they’ll certainly be fun to share with their grandchildren...in the actual year 2067!

Clockwise from top left: Author Susan Nees explains how to bind the Imagine books; fourth graders Adam Lefkowitz, Maddie Conner, Claire Holt, Henry Stokes, and Buck Talley show off their books; fourth graders Kendall Schlossberg and Nina Rutledge bind their books; the entire Lower School shares their finished work; and third graders Reese Walton and DJ Street with their books.

10 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT SPRING 2017 11 New Courses Off to a Great Start

Along with a brand new daily rotation schedule, this fall the Upper School was excited to offer several new elective courses for students, including Public Speaking, World Religions, Principles of Engineering, and Science, Technology, and Society. As the school year winds down, we asked the teachers of these classes to give us an update:

Principles of Engineering with Julie Boyd Ms. Boyd is very pleased with the direction in which this project-based class is going: “Allow students creative freedom, Miguel Cooper explains the peer review exercise as junior Malia Busenitz and they will amaze you!” Each semester, students work in groups prepares to deliver her humorous interpretation piece. to design, build, and present numerous projects that incorporate principles of science and technology: kinematics, simple machines, computer programming, electricity and magnetism, Our second set of exercises dealt with the 4 P’s of speech fluency and the 3 P’s of speech delivery. We learned how awareness and

UPPER SCHOOL electronics, engines, and more. Projects have included rat-trap- powered vehicles; “tricked-out” holiday trees; an electronics development of pace, pitch, power, and pause can effectively aid in project based on Arduino, an open-source electronics platform; fluency during a speech. Additionally we learned how preparation, and model homes utilizing passive and active solar power. Ms. posture, and poise are key components to practice before a speech. Boyd is excited for the rest of the year, saying, “Moving forward, Students engage in peer feedback on all formal speeches so that we will be designing another project incorporating a computer aspects of fluency and delivery are at the forefront of their minds for language of the student’s choice, ‘hacking’ a cell phone, exploring all speeches. combustion engines, and an environmental project.” Subsequent exercise sets have centered around specific types of In addition to projects, the class explored the history of speeches, such as declamation and humorous interpretation. The engineering, engineering careers, design process, problem first half of the course was dedicated to speech selection based on solving, systems analysis, communication, binary language, circuit interest, style, content, original author, time period, etc. The second boards, electricity and magnetism, electronics, solar energy, and half of the course will be dedicated to speech writing based on Python computer language. At the conclusion of each semester, style and related interests for each speaker. Students will write and each student creates a digital portfolio of her/his projects. deliver expository and persuasive speeches, as well as engage in a Lincoln-Douglas style debate using effective argumentation. Public Speaking with Miguel Cooper Tuesdays are Communication Game Day, where students The Public Speaking class has gone quite well so far this year, use their verbal and non-verbal skills to convey messages in an and students are learning and polishing significant skills in the effort to improve overall communication effectiveness. The areas of speech interpretation and delivery. Our introductory game Taboo seems to be a class favorite but we’ve also played exercises centered around the “Introduction to Self” and Outburst, $100,000 Pyramid, Smart All, charades, and a number of becoming comfortable with the person we see in the mirror. We improvisational games and exercises. The object of all of our games did a number of mirror-related exercises in which students talked is to get students to say “yes” to the challenge and embrace the to themselves in the mirror and shared their internal dialogue moment that presents itself! with the class. We also used the mirror in an “acceptance The class has been quite enjoyable, and it would seem that exercise” where students confronted some positive and negative students are actively engaged and enjoying the activities and skills. aspects of themselves as a step toward personal empowerment. Although it has been enjoyable, it does place demands on students continued on page 48

Julie Boyd’s Principles of Engineering class enjoy a tour of the Invention Studio at Georgia Tech’s School of Engineering. Front row: GA Tech tour guide, Lily Gong, Kristen Ah, Kevin Yin, Thomas Suarez, Noah Johnson, Sara Irvine, Harper Cline, Liam Edge, Julie Boyd; back row: Karl Norstedt, Caden Lucas, Clay Capra, Alex Kozlosky, Dhruv Patel, Jarod Gilliam, Ethan Smith, and Severen Brown.

12 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Top half of page, clockwise from top left: Ninth graders A.J. Peppers, Sophie White, David Stachura, Len’Neth Whitehead, and the rest of their advisory complete a challenge at Y Camp during Interim Week; seniors Jarod Gilliam, Kevin Yin, Clay Capra, and Noah Johnson with the robot they designed in Julie Boyd’s engineering class; Richard Patterson and his wife Georgia serve ice cream to students to celebrate Darwin’s birthday on February 12; tenth graders pose with Albert Einstein during their Interim Week trip to Georgia Tech; actual twins (and freshmen) Logan and Elliot Williamson on Twin Day during Homecoming week.

Bottom half of page, clockwise above left: seniors Callie Bard and Matt Moseley are out of this world at Sadie Hawkins; Karishma Sriram ‘12 talks to the junior class at Duke University; seniors Rolf Reynolds and Frances Herrin plant flower bulbs with first grade buddy Will Garrard; faculty members Julie Memler, Alan Hickerson, Deanna Mellican, Kate Adams, Dwan Simmons, and Mike Salvia pose in Anna Scott’s Interim Week selfie; Jami Cashin’s tenth grade advisory spells out her name for an advisory competition; freshman Samuel Pittard and junior Grace Kerner at Sadie Hawkins; juniors Anna Marian Block, Maggie Jordan, Maddie McCleary, Vivian Hodges, and Emily LaBoon get ready for the Powder Puff football game.

SPRING 2017 13 The Fate of the World Rests in the Hands of Our Seventh Graders by Patrick Cuneo, Director of Academic Affairs

Matters of international significance are developing every other Prague, Czech Republic. afternoon in the lobby of the Bertelsmann Building. Exuberant So what is the point of asking twelve- and thirteen-year-olds to seventh graders bound down the steps of the amphitheater and wrestle with such difficult and controversial issues as ecological stream into the building. As the students take their seats around disasters, water rights, killer satellites, border disputes, and civil the multi-layered plexiglass tower that is the home of innumerable unrest…all in the space of one 50-minute period between lunch plastic figures, they quickly transition into a variety of lofty and and study hall at the end of the school day? While students sometimes mysterious roles: Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and parents say it far more eloquently, here are a few additional Secretary of State, Chief Financial Officer, Arms Dealer, Weather reasons. For starters, the class incorporates virtually all of the God(dess), and more. They flip carefully through their dossiers, so-called “21st century skills”—communication, collaboration, confer with their counterparts, and get down to business. The critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, empathy, etc.—that assignments in this class, however, are of a different variety: 50 are essential elements of Athens Academy’s current strategic plan. rather thorny and endlessly interconnected international issues Next, students who participate in the World Peace Game realize ranging from nuclear proliferation and national debt to refugee populations and endangered species. Students represent four “[The World Peace Game] is helping [my daughter’s] analytical and different fictitious countries, and the objectives of the ten-week tactical skills. I am so appreciative and thankful that Athens Academy “game” are simple: eliminate each of these 50 global crises and has teaching tools and modalities that are somewhat “outside” the increase the overall condition and value of all of the countries box of norm, to help the students...who need to be encouraged in more involved. Toss in a few passages from Sun Tzu’s Art of War, a work than just scholastics.” –Parent of seventh grade student

MIDDLE SCHOOL of ancient Chinese wisdom that has become required reading in business and politics, and one quickly recognizes that this is not very quickly how interconnected the topics they are analyzing your ordinary Middle School class. are; challenges do not exist in a vacuum, nor do the impacts of It’s a far cry from Risk, the one-dimensional game of world one’s actions and decisions. The game also demands leadership domination that many of their parents played as kids. In the skills, analytical and strategic thinking, diplomacy, research, public World Peace Game, facilitated by Middle School Dean of Students speaking, fiscal responsibility, negotiation, organizational skills, and and English teacher Pat Snead, seventh grade students must flexibility. The list of skills goes on and on. negotiate their way through every type of international issue that The World Peace Game itself has a bright future at Athens one could imagine—some man-made, others natural catastrophes, Academy. It has it been enthusiastically embraced by this year’s and yet others caused by an unidentified saboteur. I use the word seventh graders, and Mr. Snead has plans to continue it next year. Meanwhile, he is working to offer it as a summer camp option and “I thought the point of the game was to learn how to look at is also seeking grant support for the construction of more towers the world as one big problem instead of looking at it in bits and so that other grade levels at Athens Academy—and perhaps other pieces. I really liked the game because I love negotiating and students from throughout the Athens area—can have similar solving problems.” --current seventh grader opportunities. The next time you find yourself on campus between 1:25 and 2:25 “facilitate” because Mr. Snead spends less time talking or teaching, p.m., don’t hesitate to pull up a chair in the Bertelsmann Lobby as and far more time allowing the students to understand, react to, a World Peace Game spectator. The chances are good that you’ll and resolve the problems at hand. witness proposals being drafted, alliances being formed, and billions The World Peace Game is the brainchild of John Hunter, a of dollars changing hands. No matter what your political persuasion, Virginia teacher who has gained national and international acclaim it will be enough to boost your confidence in the next generation’s for the learning experiences that his game provides for students ability to establish a peaceful and prosperous global community. ranging from elementary to high school. Over time, the 4x5-foot sheet of plywood that he first used in 1978 has become a 4x4x4- foot plexiglass tower with four levels, all while Hunter himself has been featured in documentaries (World Peace and Other Fourth Grade Achievements), one of the most-watched TED talks ever, and a variety of other media outlets. After viewing Hunter’s TED talk in 2015, Mr. Snead was immediately hooked on the possibilities that the game could provide for students at Athens Academy. Within a matter of months, he gathered administrative support, began building his own tower, and applied for grants and stipends to move his project forward. The following year, he attended his first World Peace Game training in Miami in March, and then reached the level of “Advanced Facilitator” in November. In fact, officials at the World Peace Game confirmed recently that Athens Academy is currently the only school in Georgia to offer the World Peace Above: students gather around the game Game, taught by an advanced facilitator, as part of its curriculum. “boards” in the Bertelsmann Lobby; right: Camille If that first weren’t enough, Mr. Snead and his class made history Menzies serves as the arms dealer for her class. in November when he conducted the first-ever World Peace Game session with his students in Athens via Skype while he was completing his master certification—with John Hunter himself—in

14 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT GRADE 6 GRADE 5

Clockwise from top: Logan Hockaday, Louise Clockwise from top: Fifth grader Palmer Grace Tillman, Leena Omer, and Emma Hooper explore Snead gets to dump her father Pat Snead in the wooded part of campus during their Lewis and Clark adventure in March; the dunk tank, which was part of the Middle Rodrigo Vega and Kishan Shah dress as “greasers” for Outsiders day; Middle School’s reward for participating in a fall fund raiser; Tyus Dekle competes School Dean of Students Pat Snead helps a group of sixth graders including in the egg race competition during the annual Greek Olympics, which is the McKenna Friesen unpack canned goods during a service project at the culmination of the fifth grade’s study of ancient Greece; the fifth grade chorus Salvation Army. students performed at the Veterans Day service at Oconee Hill Cemetery. GRADE 8 GRADE 7

Clockwise from top: Middle School Director Jeff Stachura poses as a black marketeer Clockwise from top: eighth graders pose with the iron horse in Oconee County during Coming to America day; Mac Young after a visit to the Steffen Thomas Museum; spelling bee winners Malcolm proudly displays his egg, which survived a Marett and Edward Nichols; Ava Kennedy, Maddie McDonald, Rose Bone, two-story drop in a specially-designed package; the girls of Mr. Couch’s Quest Mackenzie Elrod, and Ally Buchanan show off their wacky outfits during class show off the cornhole game they made (Addison Ollendick-Smith, Lauren Homecoming week. Clementz, Mary Frances Massey, Davis McLanahan, Lexi Sennowitz, Mimsie Roberts, Emily Coggins, and Annie Blanks--peeking out). SPRING 2017 15 Beyond the Breadth of Language: Inspiring a Global Mindset through Lower School International Studies by Allison Coleman, Lower School World Languages Teacher

Many people know the cognitive benefits of being bilingual. young age. There is believed to be a sensitive period for language Yet at the same time, many adults joke that even after four years acquisition during which the window of pronunciation closes. This of a foreign language, all they remember is how to say hello. means that the earlier a child is exposed to other languages, the At Athens Academy, we wanted more for our students, so we less his/her accent for life will be, and the greater his/her ability gathered the latest research on language acquisition and fostering to speak like a native. If students begin to speak and learn other global awareness to create a new program: Lower School World languages between ages seven and eleven, the learner will have Languages. In the past, we taught Spanish twice a week for 40 minutes each class. While the students enjoyed learning Spanish, We want children to leave class and be amazed by they did not reach fluency after four years due to the limited amount of time in the language. So, we dove into educational the world around them. It is so important to instill research to figure out what part of learning a second language both a love of learning new languages and an is most beneficial, and how to actually do that in two 40-minute increments. We came up with the World Languages program, and openness to other cultures at a young age. the children are absolutely loving it. Now, students get to explore three cultures of study each year. With each country they “visit,” they learn the basics of only a slight accent. If second languages are not introduced until LOWER SCHOOL LOWER the language. You may hear six-year-olds counting in Mandarin middle school, students will always have an accent. By introducing Chinese, third graders introducing themselves in Swahili, and multiple languages at an early age, we prepare the child’s brain for fourth graders ordering gelato in Italian. The goal of the program being successful as a lifetime language learner. is to spark a love of language learning and a deep passion for Students have the opportunity to explore one culture and global studies. We want children to leave class and be amazed by language per trimester. We experience the country through all the world around them. It is so important to instill both a love of five senses. For example, we began the school year with a unit learning new languages and an openness to other cultures at a on Italy. We saw beautiful images from Italy, read books about Italian culture, met Italian students who were visiting all the way from Liceo Corso in Correggio, Italy, and listened to Italian music. We touched dough while making fresh Italian pasta from scratch, tasted both the pasta and gelato, and tried our hand at making mosaics. Each aspect of culture has a language lesson, so the children have a strong context for why learning another language is important. In some cases, it’s fun, such as when ordering the perfect flavor of gelato. In others, it’s memorable, such as introducing yourself to a student from Italy. Thanks to global platforms like Google Classroom, I’ve been able to organize Mystery Hangouts with classes all around the world. Through the school’s relationship with the University of Georgia, Left: Fourth grader John I’ve been able to take a course in German in order to incorporate it Humphries orders his into our curriculum. I majored in Spanish, so learning new romance gelato in Italian from languages through duolingo and Rosetta Stone has been possible. Mrs. Coleman. Below: Mrs. Coleman Through making connections with international students from introduces her class to China here at Athens Academy, I’ve learned enough Mandarin visiting exchange students Chinese to include it in our lessons this year. It’s been amazing to from Liceo Corso in Correggio, Italy. see the wealth of diversity in our Spartan Community, and I love having families come visit to talk about their home country or trips they have taken. The best part about teaching World Languages and starting this program is seeing how truly excited the children are. I feel thrilled when I hear a student say, “I want to visit China one day!” I feel even happier when I hear students say, “I want to LIVE in China one day!” Their excitement and openness to other cultures is tremendous. We believe education is an aid to life, and our students will soon be entering a global economy and international communities. We want them to do so with kindness, tact, and a curious spirit. Through this program, children’s eyes are open to different ways of life and their engrams are forming to help them be strong language learners later in life.

16 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT GRADE 3 GRADE 1 Petroski duringthe thirdgrade’s HourofCodeproject. the UGAEntomology Club;JonathanRansom helpsAthletic Director Kevin Stokes;Rutledge, andHenry AllieKerr handlesaleafbugduringvisit from including HannonHarris,CamdenCamp, Weston Smart,DJ Street, Luke Clockwise fromtop: Thethirdgradersperformed Lewis andClarkin January White)by Henry andfellow first gradersintheclassplay 3-D digestive systems Kline’s madeinMary science class;KingGeorge(played to theGeorgiaMuseumofArt;AishaAhmedandclassmates demonstrate their Clockwise fromtop: Maleéyah Pittmanpaints apictureduringclass fieldtrip Let George DoIt. a sheep’s eyeball. science teacher Klinehelps ThomasFerland Mary andRobert Beckum dissect Avery Menke andMinneaAbbottduring theclassplayOnce ona Rooftop; create adioramaofthegrasslands duringtheirRainforest WOW Daylast fall; Dugas, MaddieConner, andEllaPulliam Clockwise fromtop: Crawford Grow, Will class performance It’s aHit!inMarch. Ann Weaver, CarolineNelson,andAnnaHollisPresnellsingasongduringthe their Thanksgiving turkey housethey created fromfound materials; Margaret Harvest Festival last fall; Anna Kate HollenbeckandBenjaminDanielsshare during aclasstripto theLyndon House Sumit Alexander writingwithquillpens try Clockwise fromtop: Beckett Newland and SPRING 2017

GRADE 2 GRADE GRADE 4 GRADE What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? by Melton Weekley, Director of Preschool

While sometimes it may seem that all I do is play, I am really hard at work. When people think of school, they traditionally think of words like “work” and “academic.” But in the Preschool, “play” is our version of academic work. Time spent playing provides the most powerful educational experiences for this age group, and our teachers artfully design the curriculum and the structure of the day to incorporate work for the children in the form of play. Spending time playing is so important for child development that in 1989 it was recognized by the United Nations Pre-first grader Asa Lovatt colors with markers. PRESCHOOL High Commission for Human Rights as a basic human right of every child. Enter any Athens Academy Preschool classroom and there pharmacists because of the problem solving and sensory skills is sure to be some “drama.” You will see students in the involved with science. Learning the scientific process leads to housekeeping area making full meals for imaginary people, using questioning and seeking solutions. figurines to enhance their play. Imaginative play builds social and The library corner of the classroom is where students engage in emotional skills, independence, and oral language. You never their play with books. This work involves great imagination to make know if this pretend time will lead to a future career as a chef, up stories as they go. They are learning pre-literacy skills, using oral dancer, or screenwriter. language, improving their concentration, and having experiences outside their own world through imagination and creative thought. Time spent in creative expression and art has proven Who knows how many will become authors, explorers, and developmental benefits for children including small researchers because they enjoyed dreaming of the (seemingly) impossible? motor skills, problem solving, enhanced creativity, and Work in math is full of play with manipulatives. As students personal independence. work to construct meaning with math, they are developing their knowledge of concepts like quantity, shape, size, pattern, and a fascination with numbers. We never know who may be a sports The construction zone—aka the block area—develops motor analyst, mathematician, or accountant thanks to math tubs! skills, cooperative abilities, and eye-hand coordination in addition On the playground, it’s easy to see the benefits of play, including to reinforcing math concepts such as numbers, size, shape, and improving gross motor skills on the monkey bars, learning to space. The work with blocks could be the foundation for a future negotiate and cooperate while waiting for a turn on the swings, architect or builder. and using problem-solving and communication skills necessary to Students may one day be an illustrator, designer, or artist explain the rules of the game to a new friend. Who knows how many because of the early art experiences. Time spent in creative mountain climbers, mediators, and teachers we’re seeing when we expression and art has proven developmental benefits for children watch a game of freeze tag! including small motor skills, problem solving, enhanced creativity, At Athens Academy, the curriculum is designed to provide and personal independence. opportunities for students to construct some of their most important Play in science develops the students’ curiosity about learning through play. And it doesn’t hurt that we, as their teachers, the world. Students may become doctors, researchers, or love engaging in this important work with them!

Science teacher Jacklyn White and her students play with dry ice at K4 students Madison Garrett and Max White use construction paper shapes Preschool Spotlight Night in February. to create a picture.

18 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT K3

From left: the K3 classes enjoy a visit with the Mabry family’s chickens; Molly Drew Rhodes and her third grade reading buddy Adriana Richey; Jackson Alexander, Evie Doornbos, and Ford Bridges wait patiently for a Lower School performance to begin. K4

From left: Fourth grader Will Dugas shares his Imagine book with K4 reading buddy Sawyer Kirk; Mrs. Cunningham’s class enjoys hot cocoa on a field trip to Condor Chocolates; Sidney Harding and Bear Calvo are standing tall on their steppers!

Pre-First

From left: Preschool science teacher Jacklyn White demonstrates a catapult for her pre-first graders; the pre- first graders and their fifth grade reading buddies; Ms. Manners (Preschool Director Melton Weekley) answers a question about etiquette from Abigail Kmiec.

SPRING 2017 19 The Katrina Project: Hell and High Water

“Art’s purpose is to confront its audience with relevant social and political issues in a beautiful, thought-provoking way.”

This wise observation came from freshman Charlotte Luke, who served last fall as stage manager of the school’s one act play, The Katrina Project: Hell and High Water. Drama Department Chair Lorraine Thompson agrees: “The power of educational theater lies not only in what the audience gains, but also what the students

FINE ARTS take away from the experience. This play has been an eye-opening experience for all involved. I feel my company now sees the value of service, kindness and humanitarian aid in a new light. Art that entertains is wonderful. We need the levity it supplies. But art that promotes lifelong learning and social awareness is necessary.” The Katrina Project, written by Michael Marks and Mackenzie Westmoreland and produced in cooperation with Playscripts, Inc., is based on news reports and interviews from survivors of the tragic hurricane that destroyed the Gulf Coast in 2005. Considered one of the five deadliest hurricanes to hit the United States, Hurricane Katrina killed over 1,200 people and caused widespread damage and destruction. According to Playscripts, The Katrina Project is “an emotional journey into the hearts and souls of Hurricane Katrina’s survivors…providing a voice for the greatest natural disaster in our country’s recorded history. The play follows a diverse group of characters as they reflect on and experience the devastation, heartbreak, anger, and, ultimately, hope of the thousands affected by the Category 5 storm.” Athens Academy performed The Katrina Project as its entry in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) One Act Play competition last fall, garnering a third-place win and an award for “Best Tech Crew” (comprised of seniors Ethan Smith and Karl Norstedt and freshmen Joseph Devaney and Christopher Thurmond), as well as the coveted “Best Ensemble” award. Senior Jamie Hicks and junior Helmut Lord also received acting honors. The production used lighting, acapella hymns and spirituals, and lyrical dance to convey the script’s sincerity and complexity. “Our performance of The Katrina Project is so special because it is entertaining while being moving and raising awareness,” freshman Georgia Parris observed at the time. Classmate AJ Peppers agreed: “This play really educated me on the hardships that Hurricane Katrina victims went through.” In addition to the GISA competition, the cast and crew also put on a benefit performance at Athens Academy, ultimately raising $1,700 for Red Cross Disaster Relief Services. “While Hurricane Katrina happened eleven years ago, the story of the storm has not been forgotten,” says Ms. Thompson. “In fact, the story is still being written with every additional flood and storm.”

From top: Water witches played by Ian Drake, Nelita Rose Willey, Ashlyn Krebs, Eden Sears, and Daniel Rouhani; freshman Hillary Adams; seniors Kathryn Lockwood and Anna Ford Pittard with junior Helmut Lord; senior Jamie Hicks; the cast and crew with Director Lorraine Thompson and Assistant Director Katie Townsend.

2016 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Design-Build Class Dancing Drum Presentation

Steve Campbell of Dancing Drum entertained the Lower and Middle Schools in February as part of the Louise P. Tillman Fine Arts Endowment. Mr. Campbell shared the music of several different regions, including Latin America and Africa, and introduced a variety of percussion instruments. Students and faculty had fun participating in the exciting and lively performance! The students in Dr. Lawrence Stueck’s Design-Build class put their talents to good use this year, building a map table (right side, bottom photo) for the Lampkin building and a giant dog house (right side, Middle School Chorus top) for the Middle School’s performance of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Students use mathematical, artistic, and creative elements to design and build projects, including furniture like junior Molly Mason’s storage table (above left, being tested for sturdiness by freshman art students).

Orchestra & Band

Now in its second year, Leslie Setzer’s Middle School chorus program is enjoying much success! Five students qualified for the GMEA Sixth Grade Honors Chorus (pictured left: Emma Hooper, Hannon Bulger, Andi Kerr, Mary Miller; front: Parker Pape) in February. Left: John Ward ‘18 and Zach Daniels ‘20; Then in March, the entire Middle School above: Noah Johnson ‘17, Harper Kline ‘17, chorus participated in the GMEA District James Patrignani ‘18, and Kevin Yin ‘17. 14 Choral Large Group Performance Evaluation, where they received three Superior ratings!

The Other 95.6 %: Photos from around the World

Band Director Christopher Byrd with the Middle/Upper School band at the annual Holiday Celebration (above) and after a surprise performance at the Thorsens’ home The pre-first grade took a walking field trip to the Myers Gallery to (right); above right: Will see photos from around the world. Left: Lauren Nelson, Win Hunt, Tandy ‘20 and Nathalie and Walker Poole; right: Retired teacher/current substitute Robin Lavender ‘22, with Eli Rogers ‘22 on drums. O’Rear with Quinn Walraven and Asa Lovatt.

SPRING 2016 21 Student Organizations Promote Mission Across the School, the Community, and Even the World

CARE (Cancer Awareness) Club Girls’ Club By Nikki Chester, Upper School Science Teacher & By Sanam Patel, Class of 2018 & Julie Boyd, Upper CARE Advisor School Science Teacher & Girls’ Club Advisor

CARE’s mission has always centered around cancer awareness Athens Academy’s Girls’ club was established as a forum for girls and raising money for cancer research. Last year, we added to celebrate their diversity, openly discuss the challenges of gender to that mission by placing an additional emphasis on serving inequality, and explore opportunities for leadership and service. children. For 2016-2017, we have expanded our mission again as This year, the girls decided to focus their energy toward service to the school has officially partnered with Children’s Healthcare of families and children. Of primary concern are the plights of families suffering who are now refugees of conflict zones. Atlanta to support their Dance Marathon fund raiser. The work More than 140 million girls live in fragile states affected by armed that was done on behalf of UGA Miracle last year was wonderful, conflict. Of the 42 million people who have had to flee their homes and we believe this year we can make an even greater impact on because of war, 80 percent are women, children and young people. the community and raise more money for CHOA through Dance At least 10 million are estimated to be girls and young women. Marathon. (https://www.womensrefugeecommission.org) Last spring, close to 100 CARE packages were made during Through fundraising events, the Girls’ Club has raised enough PJammin’, and over the summer, the CARE leaders finished the funds to support the Manav Sadna orphanage in India, Bethlehem assembly of these bags. This spring we made over 175 packages Ministries School in Haiti, and Save the Innocents School in Pakistan. and will be delivering to CHOA soon! We have worked with this We’re excited for future projects and the impact we can make, year’s UGA Miracle leaders to forge a partnership where we will improving the quality of life for young people around the world. be able to distribute the CARE packages directly to CHOA from this point forward. This is so exciting. In addition, we will have the opportunity as a club to become more involved with some of the Miracle Families through our partnership with UGA Miracle.

SERVICE & LEADERSHIP SERVICE This direct involvement with families has been a dream of the CARE club for several years, and we are thankful for this potential opportunity going forward. Jarrett Kemp, Rolf Reynolds and Lucy Devaney are CARE’s three presidents this year. They are each leading an important division of our club. Jarrett oversees special events, Rolf oversees fundraising, and Lucy oversees CHOA/Dance Marathon.

Girls’ Club members Eva Houser, Nour Trabelsi, Sanam Patel, and Rimsha Bashir make bath bombs to sell as part of Girls’ Club fundraising efforts.

Leadership & Student Council By Anna Ford Pittard ‘17 & Severen Brown ‘17

At Athens Academy, the Student Council works to encourage students by making their lives on campus the best they can be. The 20 council members accomplish this job in several ways. One example of how Student Council makes students’ lives better is by At PJammin’ this year, Upper Schoolers worked with students in communicating to the faculty how the student body feels. Last year, the Lower and Middle Schools to Mr. Thorsen, Mr. Sears, and other administrative faculty discussed make get well cards, blankets, and the dress code, exam week, and the schedule with us. In these more for chronically ill children at CHOA. Above: Fariha Ahmed, Jack situations we serve as representatives for the entire student body by Ryan, Kate Langley, Niyati Shah, advising administrators with student opinions. Julia Smart, Maggie Ivy, and Henry Another way we improve the quality of students’ lives is by Thomas Garrard (front); right: Anya Patel and Kush Vyas organizing fun events. For example, in March we played a game during chapel where a student would wear noise cancelling

22 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT headphones and try to read another student’s lips. Yes, this game Service Across the School was very silly, but we played the game so that students would laugh a bit on a stressful Friday morning. In a few weeks, we’ll be hosting Serving Up a Cure, a volleyball tournament for guys that will raise money for cancer awareness. Everything we do is grounded in the desire to make daily life as positive and enriching as possible. For this reason, we’ve tried moving past the average student government role of planning fun events. We want our leadership to guide other students toward serving their community.

Above: Student Council organized “Wodgeball” (wet dodgeball) for the Upper School students to have fun together on a hot day. Right: Senior Sandelin Sikes paints a pinky in honor of Interact/Rotary’s End Polio Now efforts in February.

MLK Day of Service Monday, January 16, 2017 - West Broad Market Garden

Clockwise from top: back row--Leila Rosenberg, Celeste Covington, Mary Palmer Roberts, Kate Williams, Reagan Hatch, Lucy Kemp, front row-- Maddie McCleary, Jarrett Kemp, From top: Barrett Walraven, Breckyn Lawrence, Henning Meyer, Kameron Greer Mosely; Brian Olson helps Fields, Hudson Couch, Quinn Walraven show off the cans from their Preschool prepare the garden; James food drive; fourth grade Rotary Citizenship winners Andrew Smith and Nina Gaither, Hilt Moree, Ryan Iyer, Ryan Cherry, Lauren Geiser, Malia Busenitz Kline; seventh graders Mae Kline and Alexis Keeney paint bowls for the Food spray paint old garbage cans with bright colors for the market. Bank’s Empty Bowl project; sixth graders Julia Krehbiel, Jordan Barrow, Perrin Pennington, and Will Snead make blankets for Bundles of Joy.

SPRING 2016 23 Vivere in Italia! (Living in Italy) Athens Academy Homestay Reflections

Over Spring Break 2017, faculty chaperones Keira Digel Drake, Alan Hickerson, and Russ Hovater traveled to Italy with fourteen Upper School students: seniors Nick Fernandez, Noah Johnson, and Olivia McWilliams; juniors Glynn Chesser, Abbegail Dekle, Sadie Kimsey, Caroline Kuhnert, and Emily LaBoon; sophomores Ian Drake, Rowan Edmonds, Jackson Stewart, Tommy Warner, and Michael White; and freshman Samuel Pittard. Upon arriving in Correggio, Italy, the group split up and spent several days living with host families, most of whom they had gotten to INTERNATIONAL STUDIES INTERNATIONAL know during the Italians’ visit to Athens last fall. Here are some excerpts from their Homestay Reflections:

Glynn Chesser: Overall, I had an amazing homestay experience. Abbegail Dekle: I had a good home stay experience. It was really fun I was nervous at first because I was meeting the family for the to be with Nionela and to meet her family. I had a great time, but first time but my worries disappeared after seeing how kind none of her family members spoke English except for Nionela...when they were. Caterina spoke English well, as did her mother, for they would all talk in Romanian or Italian, it was kind of awkward the most part. There was hardly any difficulty communicating, for me. The free day on Sunday when I went to Verona, Nio couldn’t and we were able to talk about a wide range of subjects. One go, so I was with her sister Michaela, who didn’t speak any English. part I loved was having family meals together. Every morning We had to use Google Translate which was a really interesting we would have espresso and breakfast pastries (with Nutella, of experience, but it got better when we met up with Gianluca, course!). For lunch, Mrs. Terzi would make a dish such as pasta Jackson, Sadie, and Franscesca because I could speak English to them or chicken. Dinner was always amazing, and the sheer amount of and they would translate. high-quality homemade food was overwhelming...I really started to feel like a part of the family, and I wish we could have stayed Ian Drake: My home stay was one of my favorite parts of the trip. longer. Even though I was unable to converse directly with Niccolo’s parents, I still greatly enjoyed their company and hospitality. I never felt Samuel Pittard: My host family was absolutely amazing. The unwelcome or overwhelmed. The food was amazing, and I loved whole family treated me with kindness and hospitality. They the coffee. I think my favorite memory was when Niccolo and I were provided me with a clean and comfortable place to sleep and watching TV and I recognized John Travolta on the screen. I asked frequently asked if they could help me in anyway. Personally, Niccolo what movie was on and he replied, “Fever of the Saturday I was worried I did not show enough gratitude toward them. Night.” I can’t wait for him to come over during the summer. They fed me amazing meals and made sure the food was flexible towards my allergies. They were very, very kind and made me Emily LaBoon: The homestay part of our trip to Italy was my favorite feel like I was at home. They made a place in their hearts for part. I will never experience anything as unique and special as that me, and I love them all dearly. The trip to Pisa was absolutely was. I loved my family that I was with. Giulia and I are very similar wonderful, and I thanked them for taking me to a place where but also very different from each other...Her mom reminded me of I never thought I would ever go in my life. They gave me plenty an American mom. She was not the best speaker, but she did get of time to rest, and they most importantly made me feel a lot better throughout the whole week...I got to spend time with Giulia’s less homesick. I would love for them to come to Georgia and stay cousin and two best friends. One of her friends barely spoke English with us sometime. but was a soccer player. She was very difficult to talk to but she said

24 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT loved hearing how I sound. The meals that my family made were us to Modena and Bologna. They valued spending time together-- amazing. One of my favorite meals was something very similar to a they never took out their phones because they’re more interested quesadilla but had real mozzarella and different meats inside. I also in engaging in conversation with the person sitting next to them. My loved their lasagna. That is always my favorite pasta. Her grandma homestay experience contributed greatly and positively to my overall came over and ate with us for lunch one day. She was one of the experience. nicest ladies I have ever met, I loved her. She did not speak English at all but we were able to talk to each other through Giulia. This was an Sadie Kimsey: I stayed with the Coppi family, and it was definitely incredible experience and I loved every second of it. better than anything I expected. At first, I was a little nervous to be staying with my Italian student Francesca because I knew that no Noah Johnson: My host family was everything I could have wanted one else in her family spoke English, but I suddenly overcame that and more. They felt almost like my real family to me, and despite the fear when I met everyone in her family. I first met her mom and language barrier we all got along really well. Normally, I would be instantly knew that she was a sweet woman by her facial expressions nervous to stay in someone else’s home, but the Pandit family made and also with Francesca’s translations. I then met her dad, sister, and me feel like it was my home. They were so generous with everything; dog, and realized that I had nothing to be afraid of! Throughout my I almost felt bad accepting gifts from them after everything else they whole stay I was treated with nothing but kindness. Francesca would had given me. I do wish we could have stayed with our families for never let me clean anything, which was very kind, and it actually the entirety of the trip, but for now, I’ll just hope to see them again felt weird to not do any chores. The homestay was an amazing someday. They are definitely one of the things I’ll miss most. experience—to meet new people and basically be joined into a new family for almost a week. Tommy Warner: Even though Claudio and I were from two different countries and didn’t have a ton in common, we still connected Caroline Kuhnert: The homestay was great! The food was amazing, and had a great time during the homestay and times adventuring and it was always fresh. When I came to the house for the first time throughout Italy. I just became another friend of his, and I even they were so welcoming. Alessia’s sister was so nice, and I enjoyed played poker with him and his friend like they do from time to time. I talking to her because she did the [Liceo Corso/Athens Academy] just became an Italian for a week and I enjoyed it very much. exchange two years ago. She was familiar with many Athens Academy students, and I was able to tell her how everyone was Nick Fernandez: I couldn’t have asked for a better family to stay doing. Their grandmother made pasta for us...Each dish was amazing with. The parents were very hospitable, making sure the food was and had a different taste. After the pasta, there would always be always good, the house was always clean, we were all on time, another dish. She had a gelato cake that was fruit flavored that said, and my experience was unforgettable. Although the parents knew “Welcome Caroline!” I enjoyed seeing Alessia’s town and seeing all minimal English, their kids knew a lot and were able to translate. the little shops and how friendly all the people were. Alessia’s friend The family worked at a farm so they had their own Parmesan cheese came home for lunch one day, and I enjoyed talking to her because and bread, and they always ate well...I also had the pleasure of she was very funny. Overall I would recommend going on this trip meeting with many of my host family’s friends and they went with because it is one of the best trips I have ever been on.

Clockwise from top left: Making pasta from scratch--Glynn, Michael, Caroline, Noah, Rowan, Nick, and Olivia; Ian, Tommy, Noah, and Rowan; Abbegail and Sadie with hosts Michaela and Francesca; the entire group visits the mayor of Correggio; Olivia and host.

SPRING 2016 25 Wrestling: A Year of “Firsts” by Patrick G. Snead, Middle School Dean of Students & Wrestling Coach

In ancient Sparta, the Spartans were renowned warriors and were feared by most for their military prowess. A key component of their training was pale, a grappling combat sport which is more commonly known in the modern era as wrestling. The sport was widely practiced by the ancient Greeks and was the first non-footrace sport added to the Olympic Games of old. While the sport has evolved over the centuries, it still shares many of the same characteristics which make it exciting to watch and a challenge to those who are willing to participate. Coaches Pat Snead, Luke Graves, and Scott Cunningham Wrestling is an amazing sport that provides young men an opportunity to learn things that will help them throughout their lifetime. It helps to develop strong minds and strong bodies. It gain valuable experience competing in team dual matches during the helps individuals learn how to set goals and work toward achieving week and individual tournaments on Saturdays. Their season runs them. Dan Gable, the legendary University of Iowa coach and from late October until mid-January and culminates with the Peach Olympic champion, is quoted as saying, “Once you have wrestled, League Championship. This season, second-year wrestler Ethan everything else in life is easy.” Life will always throw powerful Connelly ‘21 placed second at 147 lbs., while rookie Henry punches and challenges; however, those who have participated Lanzilotta ‘22 brought home fourth at the 95 lb. weight class. in this sport understand the value of hard work and personal The varsity team travelled from the coast to the mountains accountability. If one fails on the wrestling mat, there is no one seeking out competition. A two-day holiday tournament at Calvary else to blame but the individual. It is hard to blame a coach or Day School in Savannah brought the school’s first team victory, a teammate for a subpar performance, and wrestling forces an against Brookstone, as well as numerous medals for placing third and fourth in individual weight classes. Toward the end of the season SPARTAN ATHLETICS SPARTAN individual to look inward to see what he is really made of on a continual basis. Those who have experienced the world’s oldest seniors Thomas Suarez and Tre Brookins placed second and fourth, sport will take all of these lessons and more with them throughout respectively, in the area tournament at Commerce. It was their life. first full season of varsity competition and both advanced to the The 2016-2017 marks the second season Athens Academy has state championships. Thomas went on to become the first Spartan fielded a boys’ wrestling team. As such, the young Spartans have wrestler to place in state competition, finishing sixth at 113 lbs. at experienced a great deal of growth as they have started to learn the state finals in Macon. the nuances of the sport and what it takes to be successful. The While they are young and still learning, the future looks bright for wrestling program, led by me, Luke Graves, and Scott Cunningham, our athletes and the sport of wrestling at Athens Academy. The team now fields teams for both Middle and Upper School student- is excited about having a dedicated practice space on campus and athletes. The 22 members of both teams have made a great looks to grow its numbers and develop well-rounded athletes in the deal of progress in the short history of the program and have years ahead--athletes who will be able to handle all that life throws experienced a large number of “firsts” along the way. their way with ease and grace. To this end, the Spartan grapplers The Middle School team, open to boys in grades 6 through 8, want to prove Dan Gable was right! competes in a league comprised of ten local schools. The boys have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport and

Thomas Suarez placed second (left) and Tre Brookins placed fourth at the area Middle School wrestlers Henry Lanzilotta and Ethan Connelly. tournament at Commerce High School.

2622 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT SPARTAN SIGNINGS More Athletic “Firsts” Congratulations to these Spartans for signing to play collegiate athletics this year! We are proud of you! Middle School Girls’ & Boys’ Basketball Teams Win Region Titles

Ali Garrett - Lehigh University - Volleyball

In January, the Middle School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams Nancy Belle Hansford - Berry College - Volleyball each won the Athens Area Middle School Basketball League championships in back-to-back games against Prince Avenue--the girls’ first title win ever, and the boys’ second in ten years. Coaches Joe Tillman and Kalupe Booze ‘11 were thrilled with their teams’ hard work and commitment throughout the season--way to go, Spartans!

Swimming & Diving Finishes Season Strong with State Meet Appearances Julia Harisay - Princeton University - Track & Field

Frankie Sinkwich IV - University of Georgia - Football

The Swimming and Diving had a fantastic season and, for the first time in many years, swimmers qualified for the GHSA state meet! The team of senior Harper Cline, junior Liam Edge, and sophomores Wesley Cline and Colton Kennedy competed in the 200M free relay. In addition to the relay team, Wesley Cline also competed in the 200 IM, placing higher than any other individual boy in school history! Coach Merrill Robinson was pleased with the swimmers’ and divers’ hard work throughout the season, and she is looking forward to the continued growth and development of the program next year. Kyla Bryant* - Stanford University - Gymnastics *Even though Kyla left Athens Academy after tenth grade in order to pursue gymnastics full time, she’s still part of our community!

SPRING 2016 27 28 FACULTY & STAFF (Pictured: Fatma andhersonKamer.) to my son.That willbethecrowning jewel ofthisexperience. gives me joy. Ihopeoneday Ican passthesameenthusiasm look forward to many hours to oftrying produce something that instrument dailyasthestrings are thinandrequire extra care. I is notjust aboutlearningnotes andsongsbutalsotuningthe I didn’thave any priorknowledge, Ihadto work extra hard. It I have to commend everyone whoplays aninstrument. Since to learn. Well, itwas alotoffun,andIhadgreat teacher but folk instrument. Ilove thesound, andIthought itwould befun day) to learnhow to play “baglama.” Baglamaisatraditional one-hour sessionsevery other for anintensive class(ten school friendsto findatutor I contacted oneofmy high Turkey inJune.Before leaving, traveled to my homecountry finalists. Withamission,I was thrilledto beoneofthe of realizing adream, andI I thought aboutthepossibility didn’t have any opportunities. to play aninstrument but always wanted to learnhow I didn’tthinkwould get it.I Pursuit ofExcellence award, WhenIappliedfor the Upper School Mathematics Teacher Fatma Gurel-Kazanci personal growth. Thisyear three recipients participated inthe program. Every year, faculty and staff members apply for the Pursuit ofExcellence stipends, which are designed to encourage Pursuit ofExcellence 2016-17 Mathematics Department Chair Mariya Peterson my brother’s andaunt’s families reside inRussia.Asaresult of my aunt withtheirfamilies. Myfather lives inUkraine; however, small immediate family consists ofmy father, my brother, and Ukraine to helpmy father start hisimmigration process. My ThePursuit ofExcellence grant allowed meto travel to ATHENS ACADEMY /ACCENT Ukraine have beensuspended flights between Russiaand entering thecountry. Direct been completely bannedfrom security ofUkraine andhave potential to thenational “threat” they are considered to bea Russian men.Like my brother, impossible for military-age from Russiato Ukraine became Ukraine (2014-present), traveling Russian military intervention in Russia. and lookingforward to visiting my dad at hisnew placein Volgograd, my family. Iamvery grateful to Athens Academy for thisopportunity Itmeant agreat dealto meto helpmy dadandvisitthe rest of past fifteen years. my cousins, andtheirfamily inRussiawhomIhave notseenfor the paperworknecessary to travel. Iwas thrilledto reunite withmy aunt, Ukraine, travel to Russiaisnotvisa-free—I hadto complete the From there Icontinued my journey to Krasnodar, Russia.Unlike at theendofApril. is currently awaiting hisimmigration papers andisplanning to move traveled to Ukraine thissummerto start legal necessary actions.He ensure asmoothandsuccessful immigration process for my dad.I to anyone, especiallyto theelderly. Mybrother andIwanted to my father isgoing through acomplex process that ischallenging of Ukraine, Russiaisasafer placeto live. Inorder to immigrate, to becloseto my brother’s family. Compared to theeastern parts Mydad,whois84years old,isrelocating from Ukraine to Russia their internal documents. during whichthey have beenfree to enter without anything but an international passport to travel to Ukraine, endingalongera since October 2015.BeginningMarch 1,2016,Russiancitizens need Upper School English Teacher Marlana Street the lives ofeachmy students inapositive way, every day. better position tohelpallofher students, andI really want to impact family’s life, andthelives ofmy students asahappy teacher ina (the Englishteacher inme)--allthehopeofimproving my life, my months. Iran, read, worked out,meditated, andread somemore thattoo all often many teachers don’t take time for until thesummer (Pictured: Mariyaandherfather.) health, andemotional stability - things in thearea ofphysical fitness,mental Ichoseto work onimproving myself with theresults. explore, andintheend,becomfortable incredibly difficult tochoose,undertake, hard things--andfor me,my project was of somany peoplewhenundertaking an incredible feeling to have thesupport find ourpassionsandpursue them.Itis has aprogram that allows teachers to Iamsothankfulthat Athens Academy The Robinson Award 2016-17 Science Lab Named in Honor of Mr. Patterson by Carrie Olson, Middle School Counselor Richard Patterson’s lab in the Science & Art Building has been named in his honor by Brenda and Ham Magill and their daughters My proposal for the Robinson Award was Carroll Magill ‘90 and Cathleen Magill Obray ‘92. Dr. and Mrs. Magill to review and revise the curriculum for Skills surprised Mr. Patterson with the plaque during a freshman biology for Adolescence (SFA) as well as develop a class in November, and they thanked him for his excellence in curriculum for fifth grade SFA and add that teaching and coaching over the years. class to the fifth grade schedule. Mr. Patterson will retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year SFA is a class that helps our Middle School after 40 years at Athens Academy. After teaching at Lakeview students learn some tools to help them Academy for a few years, he joined the faculty in 1977 and has navigate adolescence. Some of the major taught all levels of Upper School science, including AP Biology, and themes of SFA include trust, self confidence, has served as chairman of the science department, track and field supportive environments, leadership, coach, Judiciary Board advisor, and more. In 2006, Mr. Patterson problem solving, making good decisions, relationships, respect, received the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement excellence. He “screen-time” issues, and being a good online citizen. also won the National Association of Biology Teachers’ Outstanding We started the process for the SFA revisions by surveying all of the Biology Teacher Award twice, in 1988 and then again in 2008. Mr. Middle School students about the current SFA curriculum and asking Patterson has been STAR teacher several times as well. what additional “soft-skills” they thought were important. We also In addition to his time in the classroom, Mr. Patterson has served considered the characteristics from our own Profile of the Graduate as an AP Biology consultant and instructor, written questions for the to be sure we were taking those characteristics into account as well. AP Biology exam, authored activities for the AP Biology Laboratory Then over the summer, the SFA instructors all got together to look at Manual, and written articles for American Biology Teacher, the the scope and sequence of the overall SFA curriculum to weed out NABT journal for high school teachers. Mr. Patterson received both anything that was no longer relevant and to add or revise relevant his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the material, making sure we were not duplicating activities across grade University of Georgia. Pictured: Georgia and Richard Patterson with levels. We also created a developmentally-appropriate curriculum Ham and Brenda Magill. for the new fifth grade class.

I am also in the process of getting certification in mindfulness instruction and mindfulness- based stress reduction, both of which I hope to add to the curriculum in the Sixth graders Parker Pape and Sadie Jordan work together on an SFA project. future.

I don’t consider this a “one and done” project; rather, I hope it will lead to a yearly evaluation and modification of the SFA program so that we can explore connections with other divisions in order to Administration Welcomes New Finance Director make our Athens Academy community more aware of SFA and what we are doing to help our Middle Schoolers become healthy, happy Athens Academy is pleased to welcome young adults! Alan Weiler as the new director of finance and operations. Mr. Weiler joined the administration at the end of 2016 after The John W. Robinson, Jr. relocating from Florida. He was previously Family Award for Excellence in Teaching director of finance and operations for Saint This award is presented each year to the Athens Academy faculty Paul’s School in Clearwater. member whose sustained efforts, initiative, and determination lead Mr. Weiler has 20 years of independent all members of the academic community to a personal best. school experience and has held similar The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence among teachers positions at Oak Hill Classical School and by providing significant funding for one project each year. Howard School (both in Georgia), and the Alexander Dawson School It honors the contributions of Athens Academy’s faculty members (in Nevada). Raised in Norcross, Georgia, he is a graduate of North by supporting their scholarly pursuits. Georgia College and received his MBA from Brenau University. Welcome, Spartan!

SPRING 2017 29 30 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT SPRING 2017 31 Class of 1981 Charlotte Trice to Tad Smith on April 2, 2016, in Bogart, Georgia. (1)

Class of 1990 Amanda Knapp to Kurt Brundige on October 2, 2016, in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Class of 1998 Amy Medkeff to Keith Hutcheson on February 20, 2016, in WEDDINGS Zanesville, Ohio. 4 5 Class of 2000 Cade Slaughter to Alecia Ann Greer on February 18, 2017, in Bogart, Georgia.

Class of 2001 Shae Rehmel to Ryan Sims on April 3, 2015, in New York City. Jessica Beck to Nathan Phillips on May 14, 2016, on Saint Nick White to Callie Kolbe on March 19, 2016, in Simons Island, Georgia. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Turner Douglas to Elaine Krouse on April 14, 2015, in Athens. (2) Class of 2004 Amy Wayson to Noel Baber on October 22, 2016, in Palm Class of 2003 Desert, California. (4) Cristen Conger to Christopher Ahnberg on May 7, 2016, in Atlanta. (3) Class of 2005 Brandon O’Rear to Erin Kelly on August 27, 2016, in Monroe, Michigan. (5)

Justin Smith to Leslie Norrington on April 16, 2016, at the Rand-Bryan House in Garner, North Carolina. (6)

Class of 2007 Will Cowsert to Katie Slater on December 10, 2016, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida. (7)

Todd Jenkins to Chrissy Colquitt on March 5, 2016 in McDonough, Georgia.

2 3 6 7

32 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT 8

9 12 13

Class of 2008 Kara Crowe to Ben Woodall on April 23, 2016, in Athens. (8) Class of 2010 Esther Deaton to Chars Rocha on December 31, 2016, at The Patrick Gragson to Miranda Sheppard on April 30, 2016, Hill in Athens. (14) in Athens. (9) Hunter Stiles to Mary Beth McGahee on May 14, 2016, in Kaeti Lindsay to Nick Shurling on March 18, 2017, at Athens Fernandina Beach, Florida. (16) Country Club in Athens. (10) Class of 2012 Matt Woodruff to Abbey Rohde on October 22, 2016, at the Sara Beisswenger to Ben Terry ’10 on June 4, 2016, at the Capital City Club Crabapple in Alpharetta, Georgia. (11) High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina. (15)

Class of 2009 Gaines Hill to Jana Young on April 1, 2016, at Naylor Hall in Roswell, Georgia. (12)

Will Jenkins to Ellie Longstreth on June 4, 2016, in Jacksonville, Florida. (13)

14 15

11 10 16

SPRING 2016 33 Class of 1991 Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Huiet (Nancy Brown), a daughter, Mary Hansford, born October 28, 2015, in Charleston, South Carolina. (1)

Class of 1994 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wiggans, a daughter, Blair Landon, born December 17, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas. (2) 9 10

BIRTHS Class of 1995 Mr. and Mrs. Herve Celia (Sally McDonald), a son, James Vincent, born January 29, 2016, in Rockville, Maryland. (3)

Class of 1996 Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hagen, a daughter, Ella Jane, born April 11, 2016, in Atlanta. (4)

Class of 1998 11 12 Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hutcheson (Amy Medkeff), a daughter, Margaret Starla, born January 30, 2017, in Zanesville, Ohio. (5) Class of 1999 Rob Wimberly ’93 and Corbin Miller Wimberly, a daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Chad Brock (Elizabeth Childers), a daughter, Sims Corinne, and a son, Robert Lee III, born July 5, 2016, Eleanor Gwen, born May 28, 2016, in Atlanta. (7) in Charleston, South Carolina. (6) Mr. and Mrs. Andy Steffes, a son, Henry Stephen, born September 8, 2016, in Athens.

Class of 2001 Michael Coenen and Anna Arkin-Gallagher, a daughter, Alice, born May 29, 2016. (8)

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Esary (Alice Marshall), a son, Marshall Evan, born June 22, 2016. (9)

1 2 Mr. and Mrs. Victor Lane, a son, David Anderson, born March 28, 2016, in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. (10)

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Metcalf (Miriam McDonald), a son Henry Lawton, born August 18, 2016 in Athens. (11)

Mr. and Mrs. Wessel Oosthuizen (Jennifer Hulsey), a daughter, Annaleigh Grace, born July 14, 2016, in Atlanta. (12)

3 4 Mr. and Mrs. Hampton Watkins (Elizabeth Hale), a daughter, Callie Rose, born April 25, 2016. (13)

5 6 14 13

7 8 15 16

34 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT 18 24 25

Class of 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Petrovs, a daughter, Tenley Ann, born January 14, 2016, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (14) 26 27

Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Ross (Gwen Moore), a daughter, Ada Maguire, born September 21, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (15) Drs. Ronak and Heena Patel, daughter, Mila, born April 15, 2016, in Atlanta. (23) Class of 2003 Mr. and Mrs. Brent Ullrich (Lucy Huggins), a son, Arthur Pound, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Presnell, a daughter, Wren Taylor, born May 4, 2016, in Atlanta. (16) born December 13, 2016, in Atlanta. (24)

Will Childers ‘02 and Katie Rogers Childers, a son, William Thomas, Class of 2004 born May 2, 2016, in Atlanta. (17) Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Epps (Randall Cook), a daughter, Callaway Elizabeth, born June 3, 2016, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. (25) Mr. and Mrs. Rett Reeve (Gini Eldridge), a daughter, Pace McKensie, born May 12, 2016, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (18) Class of 2006 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Coxwell (Anna Fleming), a son, Joseph Leary, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Guest, a son, Owen Laurence, born born November 30, 2016, in Opelika, Alabama. (26) October 5, 2016, in Athens. (20) Adam Rea ’05 and Rebecca Hale Rea, a daughter, Leona Hale, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McLendon (Sarah Hale), a daughter, Sarah Elliott, born July 28, 2016, in Athens. (27) born August 22, 2016. (21) Class of 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Norwood (Sarah Darvill), a daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Anderson (Anne Phares), a daughter, Amelia Jane, Eleanor Jayne, born May 21, 2016, in Atlanta. (22) born February 28, 2017, in Plano, Texas. (19)

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Brudney, a daughter, Adelynn Lee, born February 16, 2016, in Atlanta. (28)

Class of 2009 Mr. and Mrs. Gaines Hill, a daughter, Nora Marie, born June 29, 2016, in Statesboro, Georgia. (29)

Class of 2011 Taylor Gazda and Garrett Stipe, a son, David Hudson, born December 10, 2016, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (30) 20 21

22 23 28 29 30

SPRING 2016 35 Class of 1972 Class representative: Sissy Erwin Toro Carrie Cox Redwine landed her debut acting role in the new musical drama show Class of 1973 Star, which premiered on the Fox television Class representative: Tom McDonald station in December 2016.

Ina Cook Hopkins’ book Rock Eagle: Ginger Finney Kinman has been teaching Centerpiece of Georgia 4-H was released four-year-olds at Christ Church Episcopal in December 2016. The book is a Preschool in Greenville, South Carolina, for comprehensive history of the development the past nineteen years. of the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, including the early history of Putnam County, the Class of 1980 prehistoric Rock Eagle effigy, and the Class representative: Lee Hagan emerging Cooperative Extension Service. Carrie Cox Redwine ‘79, with husband Stan, Class of 1981 recently landed her debut role in the TV show Star. Class of 1974 Class representatives: John Cullens, Class representatives: Rusty Heery, Jimbo LaBoon Page Gunn Pate CLASS NOTES CLASS Class of 1985 Class of 1982 Class representatives: Susan Ridlehuber Class representatives: Greta Terrell Class of 1975 Buchanan, Jenny Collins Richardson Class representatives: Nick Nickerson, Covington, Marie Tillman Harper, Trey Thompson Nita Arnold Woodruff Jenny Collins Richardson is living in Athens and working in the Lower School office at Class of 1976 Class of 1983 Athens Academy. Class representatives: Susan Harden Class representatives: Alex Pannell, Banister, Jeff Larkins Johnny Wilkins Class of 1986 Class representatives: Tom Collins, Class of 1977 Class of 1984 Andrew Herrin, Georgia Schotts Renck Class representatives: K. Ellen Hagan, Class representatives: Whitney Winburn Johnny Terrell Goodstone, Joe Purcell Class of 1987 Class representative: Jeannie Salloum Haden Class of 1978 Whitney Winburn Goodstone is enjoying her fifth year in her mediation and arbitration Class representatives: John Cook, John Ivy After leading the Berry College women’s practice as a partner with Advance ADR. cross country team to their first Southern In 2016, Joni Farmer Ingram transitioned Athletic Association title, Paul Deaton was Michael McKeller recently moved from from teaching to real estate and moved named SAA Women’s Cross Country Coach Atlanta to Sarasota, Florida, where he full-time to her home on Lake Hartwell. of the Year. She and her husband Corey recently continues his work as a franchise developer. opened Dockside Realty located at Harbor Class of 1988 Light Marina and also welcomed their first Meg Moreland White lives in Villanova, Class representatives: Jay Boswell, grandson to the family in September. Pennsylvania, and serves as the director of DeAnn Blanton Golden technology services for Rittenhouse Book Class of 1979 Distributors, Inc. Class of 1989 Class representatives: Rosalind Thornton Class representatives: Tom Allen, Gilbert, MaryLane Branch Todd Allison Bishop Hays

Class of 1990 Class representatives: John Culpeper, Amy Ridlehuber O’Neill, Corky Warner

After marrying Micah Bennett in 2014, Terrell Moore Bennettmoved to Watkinsville and serves as the program coordinator for The Ark United Ministry Outreach Center, a non-profit organization working to prevent evictions and utility disconnections for those who have experienced a recent drastic change in their financial situation.

Class of 1991 Class representatives: Rinne Allen, Carol Franklin, Kim Elder Holt, Apryl Hughes Stanfill

The Class of 1986 girls’ trip was to Charleston, S.C., this year: Marion McGriff Marvel, Becky Shippee (not an alumna), Amanda Kingery Heath, Kelli Anderson Weis, Amy Chambers Chandler, and Ariel Trouche Davis.

36 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Class of 1995 Class representatives: Lige Gillis, Louise Crane Goodwin, Alec Hodson, Kathy Coward Kuntz

Wes Rogers was named one to the University of Georgia’s recent “40 Under 40” list. Wes is the president and CEO of Landmark Properties.

Class of 1996 Class representatives: Ashley Kamphaus Brathwaite, Andy Keller, Erin Morgan

Wes Rogers ‘95 was named one of UGA’s “40 Class of 1997 Under 40.” Class representatives: Lindsey Hickman, Jason Jun, Lauren Garrard Moore, Molly Hill West, Elizabeth Zechella Carol Franklin graduated from the University Actress Shannon McLemore ‘99 is working on a of Georgia with a degree in history. Class of 1998 feature film and a TV pilot. Class representatives: Gina Carrillo, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman graduated from Lucy Chastain, Joe Disney, Alison Howell Troy University with a degree in sports Hakamium Beginning and is also working on a television management. pilot. Shannon, who lives in Los Angeles with Maureen McDonald Burks lives in Edwards, her husband, spent last summer teaching at Class of 1992 Colorado, with her husband and two the New York Film Academy. Class representatives: Bird Blitch, children. Steve Ventura, Ellen Wilkins Wiley Class of 2000 Class of 1999 Class representatives: Laura Gibson, Jenny Class of 1993 Class representatives: Patrick Croffie-Siame, Jackson, Marty Shaw Kern, Cade Slaughter Class representatives: Tom Bingham, Ginna Duncan Ezernack, Katie Moore Seth Kelly, Amy Herrin Wilhite Walraven Class of 2001 Class representatives: Spencer Dicks, Kelly Class of 1994 Kristin Weekley Del Signore recently joined Martin Marlowe, Jennifer Hulsey Oosthuizen, Class representatives: Leslie O’Dell Beckwith, Century 21 Commonwealth in Massachusetts Kalere Payton, Eric Sherman Chelsea Jankel Sutula, Cullen Albright as a sales associate. O’Steen, Matt Wolf Joy Deaton Barresi achieved her goal of Shannon McLemore was named “Best running a marathon with her brothers at Chris Lobdell lives in Chicago and is the chief Actress” at the Ouchy Film Festival 2016 in the Donna Finish Breast Cancer Marathon in revenue officer at Ahalogy. He has more Switzerland for the short film Home. She Jacksonville Beach, Florida, in February. than fifteen years of enterprise technology is currently in pre-production in the lead and digital media experience. role of the upcoming feature film A New Michael Coenen teaches constitutional law, administrative law, and federal courts at Louisiana State University Law School in Baton Rouge.

Class of 2002 Class representatives: Rob Carroll, Catherine Klein Denham, Ntumwa Kisaalita, Lennie Shewmaker, Anne Marie Tison

Casey Greene is an assistant professor in the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His lab develops deep learning methods that integrate distinct large-scale datasets to extract the rich and intrinsic information embedded in such integrated data.

Class of 2003 Class representatives: Brandon Barrett, Meg Alumni spent time together on vacation in the Bahamas in March 2017: Ann Montgomery Pitts ‘85, Gordon Inscoe, Callie DeVore Sewell, Nick White Flach ‘85, Kim Jones Maupin ‘85, and Jimmy Maupin ’84.

SPRING 2016 37 Class of 2008 Class representatives: Sam Mansfield, Brooks McAlister, Ramey Mize, Matt Woodruff

William Callaway recently participated in the White Coat Ceremony at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. The ceremony signifies the student’s induction into the dental school.

Katie Gazdalives in Macon where she is the executive director of the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Ruby Lai is currently a graduate student in physics at Stanford University.

Katie Milner graduated from Oglethorpe University in May.

Sonya Rice graduated from the Medical The Class of 1986 held its 30-year reunion last fall. College of Georgia in May 2016 and is currently completing her residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She recently Katie Rogers Childers was named one to the Class of 2005 completed a five-week rotation in Cusco, University of Georgia’s recent “40 Under 40” Class representatives: Ellie Adams, Tyler Peru, with a program called CerviCusco, list. She lives in Atlanta and serves as the Brantley, Christine Follin, Kent Person which supplies cancer screening and deputy chief of staff for policy for the Office prevention services. of the Governor. Sonia Patel is participating in a radiology medical residency in Boston. Kara Crowe Woodall lives in Atlanta where Amy Coenen works as a licensed therapist at she works for Harry Norman Real Estate. Family Counseling Center in Athens. Class of 2006 Class representatives: Claire Coenen, Alan Class of 2009 Shae Rehmel Sims and husband Ryan are Franks, Jay Tison, Dorothy Todd Class representatives: Sara Katherine the proud owners of Donna Chang’s, a small Braucher, McKay Matthews, Mary Hadley neighborhood restaurant located in Five In May, Claire Coenen will graduate from Williams, Everett Young Points in Athens. the Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Master of Theological Studies. Before pursuing this Ella Douglas Brigagliano is pursuing her MBA Class of 2004 degree she worked at UGA’s Service Learning at Vanderbilt University. Class representatives: Bob Klein, Matt Lane, Department for two years running the Nina Lieu, Kara Downs Romano Experience UGA program designed to bring Della Cummings will graduate in June 2017 local public school children onto the campus with an MBA from the University of Chicago Weston Lewis is living in Melbourne, at least once a year. Booth School of Business. She will be joining Australia, where he works as a sustainability the economic consulting firm Analysis Group consultant and engineer for Umow Lai. After almost two years working as a health as an associate in their Washington, D.C. reporter for The Boston Globe and office. Boston.com, Chelsea Rice has a new job as a staff writer for athenahealth’s new data- Anna Kochut moved to Austin, Texas, where driven healthcare news site, she is a member of the University of Texas athenainsight.com. Her team’s work and School of Law’s Class of 2019. research have recently been featured by FOX Business, CNBC, and The Boston Globe.

Class of 2007 Class representatives: Frank Guest, Camille Hayes, Trey Sinyard, Spencer Tolley

Will Cowsert lives in Atlanta where he works for Ernst and Young.

Chenzi Xu is a Ph.D. candidate in economics at Harvard University. Joy Deaton Barresi ‘01 with husband Matthew Jenna Todd Clapp ‘99 and Kate Stewart Barresi (second from left) and brothers Joshua ‘07, Timberlake ‘08 with their babies in North Carolina. Paul ‘87, and Seth ‘04.

38 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Ina Cook Hopkins ‘73 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

After graduating Athens Academy make contacts and assist with reference I attended the University of Georgia, letters. The more real work experience you graduating in 1977 with a journalism can put on a resume, the better. degree. I then began a wonderful In a world where a high school graduating journey with my husband which took class can number in the thousands, a us to Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago, Weston Lewis ‘04 plays the guitar at his company’s Pittsburgh, Albany, and Athens. At this moment, however, I am most proud of the book 25th anniversary celebration. Those days before cell phones, I wrote...It is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It Facebook, and email meant that I required a good foundation in writing and grammar. lost touch with many classmates. Mary Hadley Williams lives in Washington, Thank you, Athens Academy! D.C., and is enjoying her new job as the I carried with me the advice from manager of social and digital marketing for teachers, support from classmates, The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. and experience in all areas of school life. [graduating] class of nineteen students Regis, and Bulgari Hotels and Resorts. We were a very small student body astounds many people. We may have taken in the ‘60s-’70s, but there were many for granted our small classes, but I know Class of 2010 roles to fill in leadership, sports, clubs, we appreciated the attention we received Class representatives: Georgia Hawkins, and publications. In a large school we from our teachers. To this day I love escargot McGee Hopper, Caroline Lewis, Hays Sligh might not have had the opportunity to because Miss Stowell hosted the French participate, and every activity added to Club in her home where she prepared a Esther Deaton Rocha and husband Chars our skill set. French dinner for us, including escargot. I reside in Queretaro, Mexico. As I said before, we were a very also love Shakespeare and for that I credit small student body. Those participating Frank Booth, our English teacher. Everyone Ben Terry, who recently graduated from in sports and cheerleading traveled in our class loved Shakespeare because of his Vanderbilt University, is living in Houston, together on a school bus to games and influence. Texas, with wife Sara Beisswenger Terry ’12. returned together to the red barn near Besides my amazing husband, wonderful Ben is currently working for a public finance the soccer field off Hawthorne Aveune. daughter, and delightful grandchildren, I am firm. The red barn held a jukebox--no quarters proud of the positions I have held which required, as I recall. We almost wore required that I work with a lot of different Class of 2011 that jukebox out during parties after people in different regions of the country. Class representatives: Chase Brantley, games. It was such simple fun. My college major was public relations, and Anne Lanier Gilbert, Ansley McAlister, Then came the school’s moving I truly used it. At this moment, however, I Mark Sanders day in 1972. Everyone helped. There am most proud of the book I wrote, Rock are great pictures of my class carrying Eagle: Centerpiece of Georgia 4-H, published Nicholas Adams graduated from the honors boxes into the new facilities off Highway in 2016. It is by far the hardest thing I’ve program at Georgia Tech in May 2015 441. We were so proud of our new ever done. It required a good foundation with a degree in computational media and school buildings, especially after a year in writing and grammar. Thank you, Athens a certificate in information technology in temporary quarters at a church on Academy. management. Before beginning his new job Prince Avenue. as a technical support engineer for Airwatch, [Advice for current Athens Academy he traveled to the Galapagos Islands and students and young graduates]--I would Machu Picchu. suggest getting involved in one’s chosen field as soon as you can, even if that means volunteering to do mundane things so that you observe professionals practicing their craft...Ask faculty to help

Katie Rogers Childers ‘03 was named one of UGA’s “40 Under 40.” Left: Ina (seated, center) as the captain of the cheerleading squad at Athens Academy; right: at the signing for her new book in December.

SPRING 2016 39 Sara Beisswenger Terry recently graduated from Vanderbilt and is living in Houston, Texas, with husband Ben Terry ’10. Sara is currently working for Deloitte Consulting.

Daniel West graduated summa cum laude with honors with degrees in math and English from the University of Georgia in December 2016.

Class of 2013 Class representatives: Sam Clements, Houston Gaines, Caroline LaBoon, Caroline Sanders

MacKinsey Cole will graduate in May 2017 from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a degree in health policy and management. She is currently working for The Class of 2001 had their fifteen-year reunion last fall, including a special playground time for families on Navigant Healthcare in Chicago. the Athens Academy campus. Aaron Conley was recently featured as one of the University of Georgia’s “Amazing Taylor Gazda is a communications specialist Kelsie Smith graduated from Emory Students.” He received the CURO Honors for the Division of Agriculture and Natural University in May 2016 with a degree in Scholarship and will graduate in May 2017 Resources at Oklahoma State University. media studies with a business concentration with a degree in journalism and international in film and media management. After affairs. Sofia Wasserman-Smith is working as an interning for Bounce TV in Atlanta, Kelsie artistic intern for the artistic director of the was hired as a junior promo producer. Christopher Fernandez, finishing up a Target Margin Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. Her responsibilities include producing year serving as student body president She assists with the season programming, promotional shorts for network television at Oglethorpe University, is majoring in workshops, special events, and dramaturgy. shows and films. communications and rhetoric studies with a minor in business and a concentration in Class of 2012 Elizabeth Sinyard graduated from the public health. He will be doing an internship Class representatives: John Braucher, University of Georgia in May 2016 with a this summer at the Centers for Disease Emmeline Hale, Kurt Mueller, Torie Owers bachelor’s degree in architecture. She is Control. currently working with a firm in Blake Callaway is a graduate research Washington, D.C. assistant with the Audit and Assurance Services department at Auburn University.

Sarah Chuboffgraduated from Wofford College in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in public relations, Emmeline Hale moved to Washington, D.C., and began a job at Deloitte as a business analyst.

Robert Leverettrecently graduated from Dartmouth College with High Honors in theater. He recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and is enrolled in courses at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Shane Patel, who graduated from Furman University in May 2016, is currently teaching English in China.

Congratulations to UCLA Bruin Torie Owers, who won the indoor shot put at the PAC-12 Championships with a put of 56’! The Class of 2011 celebrated its five-year reunion last fall.

40 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Kalupe Booze ‘11 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Kalupe is a familiar face around the college academics. Not only that, I’ve Athens Academy campus, even six years also made lifelong connections that are after his graduation. He is currently the extremely valuable and meaningful. head coach for the Middle School boys’ My favorite memory from Athens basketball team, and he led them to Academy would have to be all of the win the region championship--only the athletic teams that I’ve participated on second time the team has won in the along with all of the coaches that I’ve past decade. In the spring, Kalupe can be competed for. The thrill of victory and the found up at the track, where he serves as agony of defeat always brought intense the assistant coach for the track and field emotions. I will always cherish those four teams. years in high school athletics. I found Athens Academy to be unique After graduating six years ago from in its campus lifestyle. Coming from public Athens Academy, I would have never school, I could have never imagined Sonya Rice ‘08 graduated from the Medical School of Georgia in May 2016. guessed that I would be doing what I’m a school being as open with so many doing today. Attending the University of freedoms. It’s truly one of a kind. It Georgia has opened up a lot of doors and expanded my perception on life itself. Kat Findley will graduate magna cum laude opportunities--a lot like attending Athens from Texas Christian University in May 2017 Academy has done. No question, Coach “Coach Booze is one of the most encouraging and has been accepted to the Johns Hopkins Banks helped shape my journey. He has coaches I have ever met. He always pushes us Urban Teachers masters program. opened so many doors and provided me to do our best with the motto written on the with so many opportunities since 2007. board every day before a game, “Play like Jessica Gross will graduate summa cum I wouldn’t be where I am today without champions.” Coach seemed to always know laude from Berry College with a degree in him and his guidance. how to beat other teams and would get us finance and management in May 2017. For Athens Academy definitely provided prepared so that we would be easily able to do her junior and senior years, she earned a full scholarship, the Steven J. Cage Scholarship me with the tools to be a successful it. Because of Coach Booze’s great help, we won for academic excellence in business. Jessica college student. My time at Athens the championship, and I would like to praise him has accepted a job with BlackRock as a Academy was a great warm-up for for that.” product specialist analyst for their Hedge -- Alex Oh, Class of 2021 Fund Solutions Group in New York City beginning in July.

Clockwise from top left: Kalupe during his time on William Callaway ‘08 puts on his white coat for the the varsity basketball team; assistant coaches Sean first time at the Dental College of Georgia. Crawford and Kurt Knisely with John Shepherd ‘21 and Coach Booze; with the girls’ track and field team.

SPRING 2016 41 Rhea Chatterjee ‘15 was recognized as the Georgia Tech College of Computing Outstanding Freshman last fall.

Kyle Mueller ‘14 competed in the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Jason Hatfieldbrought home top honors Kyle Mueller made his amateur debut in the Caroline Robinson is a sophomore dramatic at this year’s Novice National Forensics 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont and is having an arts and communication studies double Tournament, helping Berry College secure amazing collegiate career at the University of major with a minor in education at the a third place team finish behind only the Michigan. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. University of Alabama and Carson-Newman She is currently working on her fifth college University. Jason earned first-place marks This summer Madeleine Mullen will be theater production, this time as the sound from all six judges in the public narrative interning at the Institute for Conservation designer for The Hothouse. category. Medicine at the St. Louis Zoo. She will be involved with the St. Louis Box Turtle Project, Class of 2016 Jake Irvin made the Dean’s List at the which studies the movement ecology and Class Representatives: Ellie Crymes, Anna University of Alabama last fall. conservation of box turtles in St. Louis and Grace Ortiz, Riddhi Patel, Joanne Timberlake Galapagos tortoises. Morgan Mason will graduate May 2017 Amelia Johnson is currently studying from Tulane University with a degree in legal Michael Santamaria will graduate in May abroad at Richmond University in London. studies and history with a minor in math. 2017 from Virginia Tech with a degree in In addition to her studies, she is also serving She has been accepted and offered merit finance and a minor in communication. as the assistant stage manager for the scholarships at Tulane Law School and the He will be interning this summer with JP university’s Drama Society. University of Georgia Law School for fall Morgan in Atlanta focusing on Global Wealth 2017. Management. Sabrina Meghani made the Dean’s List at Georgia State University last fall. Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class representatives: Caroline Block, Class representatives: Caroline Colley, Connor Guess, Matt Swan, Nilu Vyas Will Divers, Anna Kate Foshee, Kendall Santamaria Harris College Scholar Ian Dawkins graduated cum laude from Kent State Rhea Chatterjee was honored with the University. Georgia Tech College of Computing Outstanding Freshman Award. The award is based on stellar academic achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Morgan Grace made the Dean’s List at Berry College for fall semester 2016. In addition, she was part of the Berry College Women’s Cross Country team that won its first Southern Athletic Association Conference Championship in October 2016. Morgan is also employed by Berry College Athletics in the recruiting department.

Adam Hearn had a successful season with Rhodes College’s cross country team and Adam Hearn ‘15 made the All Region Cross made the All Region Team. Country team during his sophomore year at Torie Owers ‘12 won the indoor shot put at the Rhodes College. PAC-12 championships earlier this year.

42 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Katie Rogers Childers ‘03 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

As the deputy chief of staff for policy encourage me every step of the way. Most in Governor Nathan Deal’s office, I am importantly, my husband, Will (Class of responsible for overseeing the team of 2002) has been my biggest advocate. We advisors who develop and advocate for the are fortunate enough to have found a “little Governor’s policy agenda to legislators, the Athens” in our Atlanta neighborhood. executive branch, and other stakeholders. Including the two of us, there are five Athens One of the most rewarding aspects of my Academy alumni all living on the same job is seeing policy initiatives that began as street: Charles Ruppersburg ‘02, Matthew Caroline Robinson ‘15 is working as the sound simple ideas move through the legislative Broun ‘02, and Lucy Huggins Ullrich ‘03. It designer for her fifth college theater production at process and become law. I am immensely has been so fun to watch our families grow the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. proud of the opportunity I had to work as we have welcomed Emerson Broun, on the Governor’s Child Welfare Reform Arthur Ullrich, and William Childers in the Council. Because of the recommendations last two years. Hopefully there are a couple Sean Murphy in currently studying civil of the Council, we have been able to lower of future Spartans in this next generation. engineering at Tufts University, where he is caseloads in the Department of Family and also involved with the theatre. Sean played Children Services, recruit and retain more the role of Town in Will Eno’s Gnit, a modern foster families, and dramatically increase adaptation of Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. He is also the budget that supports this incredibly performing as Brighadella in King Stag. In valuable work. addition, Sean is a member of Hype Mimes, Almost fifteen years ago, when Friends the only collegiate mime troupe in New was still the most popular show on TV and England. I was deciding where to spend the next Aaron Prince made the Fall Semester Dean’s four years of my life, Athens Academy was List at Furman University. He has also been preparing me to succeed both personally selected to be part of Furman’s Residence and professionally. Life has been busy and Life staff and will serve in an academic full of fun and hard work in the time since advising and programming role for first year then. After graduating from Terry College students. of Business at the University of Georgia, I moved to Atlanta for an internship Chandler Reynolds made the Dean’s List at with former Governor Sonny Perdue. I the University of Alabama last fall. didn’t know at the time, but it would be the people I met and the relationships I developed during this internship that would play a major role in where I am today. Following my internship, I moved to Beaufort, South Carolina, and then went back to school to earn my MBA from Georgia Southern University. Along the way, the lifelong relationships made during my time at Athens Academy have been invaluable. These friends and faculty have been there to support and

From top: Katie (front, center) with her fellow Spartans and neighbors from Melante Drive in Atlanta; Katie and son William (left) with Lucy Huggins Ullrich ‘03 and son Arthur; Katie (third from left) with Members of the Class of 2016 catch up at an Governor Nathan Deal and the rest Alabama football game: McKenzie Cook, Chandler of his senior staff. Reynolds, Tesh Parris, Anna Grace Ortiz, and Rob Clements.

SPRING 2016 43 Alumni Around Campus

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: The Alumni Association hosted a “Home for the Holidays” reception GOOD ADVICE: Jordan Johnson ‘13 came for alumni during a basketball tournament at Athens Academy in late December. Pictured, back to campus to speak to current students left to right: Bob Chambers, Mark Sanders ‘11, Sunil Alexander ‘90, Will Divers ‘15, Jamella about her experience at Clemson University. Banks ‘12, Kendrick Hill ‘15, Caroline Sanders ‘13, Morgan Anderson ‘13, Connor McCleary ‘16, Pictured with seniors Bo Allen and Jacob Jordan Johnson ‘13, Matt Mastandrea ‘16, Mary Hadley Williams ‘09, Nita Arnold Woodruff ‘75, Hudson. Christopher Fernandez ‘13, Amy Chambers Chandler ‘86, John McLanahan ‘85, and Tom Allen ‘89.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Amy Irving White ‘01, husband Jordan, and youngest son Griffin all visited the Preschool for Spotlight Night in February, where they got a glimpse into a typical day in son Max’s K4 classroom!

HERE’S THE BEEF: Ellie Adams ‘05 represented her company, The Boy & the Dog Beef, at the Athens Academy Holiday Market back in December. She and her business partner sell all natural, grass fed local meats.

44 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Alumni Around Campus

GO SPARTANS: Members of the Class of 1982 enjoyed the Friday night lights together at Homecoming! Pictured: Alice Ann EVERYONE’S ON BOARD: The members of the Alumni Association Board gathered for a meeting Ridlehuber Bowman, Greta Terrell Covington, in September. Pictured, left to right: Past President Andrew Herrin ‘86, Sunil Alexander ‘90, and Marie Tillman Harper. Laura Cole Hixon ‘98, Greta Terrell Covington ‘82, Mary Catherine O’Steen Smith ‘93, Ellie Adams ‘05, Rachel Burton Dillon ‘94, Tom Hollingsworth ‘95, Alumni Association President Carrie Jackson Scruggs ‘92, Ed Ferguson ‘89, Amy Chambers Chandler ‘86, Monica DeVore Elrod ‘92, and John McLanahan ‘85.

PRESENTING THE PRESIDENT: Houston Gaines ‘13, who is wrapping up his senior year and his service as president of the University of Georgia student body, took time away from his busy schedule to introduce UGA President Jere Morehead as this year’s Schacht Lecturer in February.

HELLO, KITTY: Ruby Lai ‘08 returned to campus to help cousin Kitty Fan ‘21 with a robotics project last fall.

SPRING 2016 45 HOMECOMING WEEKEND Friday, October 21, 2017 Reigle Indoor Baseball Facility

1 2

3 ALUMNI FAMILY PICNIC ALUMNI FAMILY

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1: Chris Thurmond ‘90 with wife Deborah and children Sarah Elisabeth ‘19 and Christopher ‘20 2: Joyce Allen and Penny McLanahan 3: Phil Brudney ‘07 with wife Rachel and daughter 4: Jerris Hayes with daughter Camille ‘07, mother-in-law Elaine Thacker, and wife Julie 5: Anne Gilmore Holland ‘00 with mom 7 8 Karen and children 6: Sally Slaughter Shealy ‘83 with father Fain and brother Bo ‘81 7: Rosalind Thornton Gilbert ‘79 with husband Clay (left) and Jimbo LaBoon 8: Beth and Mark Sanders 9: Front row- Robbie Nickerson ‘81, Gordon Sligh ‘81, Coach Mike Castronis, Von Massey ‘80, Jimbo LaBoon ‘81, Bo Thurston ‘80; Back row- Chuck Edwards, David Dwyer ‘81, Lee Hagan ‘80, Hal Henninger ‘80, Douglas Teague ‘80, Bo Slaughter ‘81

3846 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT 10 11 12

13 14 Alumni Class Awards 10: Sarah Pittard (left) with Hunter Stiles ‘10 and his wife Mary Beth 11: Katie Moore Walraven ‘99 with husband Russell and children Quinn ‘29 and Barrett ‘31 12: Eric Nesmith ‘98 with wife Connell and children 13: Hays Sligh ‘10 with grandmother Jenny and sister Maggie 14: Chris Thurmond ‘90, Andy Simmonds, Cole Kelly ‘92, and Herb Meyer During halftime at the football game, the Alumni Association presented the ninth annual Alumni Class Awards. The Class of 2015 received the Class Participation Award, and the Class of 1986 received the Class Financial Support Award. Pictured, Class of 1986: John Thorsen, Tom Collins, Alumni Association President Carrie Jackson Scruggs ‘92, Lam Hardman, Thad Hill, Kelli Anderson Weis, Marion McGriff Marvel, Cindy McDaniel Murphy, David Broussard, Amy Chambers Chandler, Scott Higginbotham, Kim Lynch Griffith, Andrew Herrin. Pictured, Class of 2015: Richard Ferguson, Kathryn Johnson, Will Divers, Kendrick Hill.

SPRING 2016 47 New Courses Off to a Great Start (continued from page 12) Mark Your Calendar! with speech analysis, memorization, speech preparation, speech writing and revision. My hope is that it provides a nice blend of Homecoming 2017 growth, enjoyment, challenge, and reward. Friday, September 29 Science, Technology, and Society with Anna Scott This honors-level course is a non-traditional choice with no Homecoming Parade - 2:00 p.m. tests or exams. Instead, students produce a variety of artifacts to demonstrate their learning as they discover what science has to say about current issues and events. Dr. Scott uses reflective writing, Alumni Family Picnic - 5:30 p.m. research presentations, and Harkness-style seminar discussions, where students face each other around a table in order to share ideas and thoughts, as well as research presentations, in order to evaluate Football vs. Riverside Military students’ learning. “I have been pleasantly surprised at how willing Academy - Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. students are to think very hard about a topic like three-parent babies, climate change, biological weapons, or vaccines when they aren’t fearful of getting an answer wrong,” she says. “They are so interested in learning and sharing their learning with one another. The class has Come out and a fabulous energy, and it is working because the students are curious, invested, and have set high expectations for themselves.” Dr. Scott is support your Spartans! also pleased with the way her students have embraced the reading component of the class, having so far read Bomb by Steve Sheinkin, The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, and Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston. “I have had to remind the students not to read too far ahead in these texts, and I have been so impressed by their discussions of the material!” Junior Storey Prescott-Reynard is enjoying Dr. Scott’s class. “The aspects that I enjoy the most are the discussions that allow everyone to voice their opinions on how worldwide problems such as threats to ecosystems around the world should be solved, and everyone always has their own unique contribution,” he says. “I have gained a greater understanding of the plight of science and how important and urgent issues become mired in political discourse, encouraging me to find a way to help better bridge the understanding between scientists and the average person.”

World Religions with Russ Hovater “I’ve taught world religions for over ten years, but last semester world exposes us to beliefs and ways of life unlike our own,” he says. was the first time I’ve taught it at Athens Academy,” says Mr. Hovater, “The value is derived from better understanding others as well as who oversees the school’s International Studies program. “I’m excited ourselves.” the school has re-introduced the course into the curriculum.” Several other new classes have been offered over the past few According to Mr. Hovater, the elective attracted a diverse group of years, including Algebra III, AP Statistics, Design/Build, and Chorus. students, including their religious backgrounds: “We had believers, Chorus teacher Leslie Setzer, who has developed a large Middle agnostics, and atheists. Religious traditions ranged from Protestant to School choral program, hopes to do the same in Upper School. Reform Judaism to Hindu to Unitarian Universalist, which allowed for Design/Build, also a Fine Arts course, has been very popular and a variety of perspectives and thought-provoking discussion.” allows students to use their imaginations and create items of their He supplemented his lectures with fascinating documentaries like choosing. Once offered as a club, Yearbook is another new class that The Buddha (PBS) by David Grubin. The class also had guest speakers is now offered for credit during the school year. All of these options from the three branches of Christianity including Father Anthony give students in the Upper School a variety of opportunities and also Salzman from St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church, who explained prepare them for the many choices they’ll have in college. the importance of icons in the Orthodox tradition. Mr. Hovater has plans to invite a rabbi or imam to speak at future classes. “Like international travel, studying the religious traditions of the

48 ATHENS ACADEMY / ACCENT Summer 2017 Camps & Programs: Day Camp (6 weeks) All Sports APPLAUSE! Musical Theatre Camp Around the World Art of Fencing Babysitting “Boot Camp” Baskebtall for Girls Basketball for Boys CAD Camp-Middle School CAD-Lower School Club Invention: Boulder Builders & SOS Endangered Earth Coding Craft & Sew Crazy About Crafts Digital Photography Drone Flying: Search & Rescue Exploring Athens Football Math Enrichment (Grades 4-8) Middle Distance Running Camp Quarterback & Receiver Camp Reading Enrichment (Grades 5&6) REGISTER NOW! Robotics-Lower School Camps are filling up quickly! Robotics-Middle School SAT Prep-Math & Verbal www.athensacademy.orgULTIMATE DRONE GAMES - BASKETBALL - ROBOTICS - SOCCER Sewing Survival Skills SAT PREP - DRONE FLYING: SEARCH & RESCUE - STRONG GIRLS Soccer FOOTBALL - EXPLORING ATHENS - CODING & CAD - DRAMA • Open to ALL children throughout the Spartan Spirit Camp PHOTOGRAPHY - CRAZY ABOUT CRAFTS - SUMMER SCIENCE community. Spartans on Stage (Drama) VOLLEYBALL - CHEER - BABYSITTING BOOT CAMP & MUCH MORE! • Camps for everyone from age 4 to adult. Speed & Agility Camp • New offerings added weekly, so check our Strong Girls-Lower School Visit our website--new camps added every week! website often! Summer Science • Arts,www.athensacademy.org Athletics, Academics, Technology, Ultimate Drone Games: Speed, Skill & and more. Acrobatics • Combine morning and afternoon sessions Volleyball to create a full day of fun! World Peace Game • Multi-week discount for traditional summer Writing Workshop (Grades 6-8) day camp. Writing Workshop -Upper School ATHENS ACADEMY Non-profit Organization Post Office Box 6548 U.S. Postage PAID Athens, Georgia 30604 Athens, GA Permit #404

Happy Birthday, Spartans!