wingspan | winter 2013

1WINGSPAN | Winter 2013

MOUNT PARAN CHRIST IAN SCHOOL

WINTER 2013 / VOLUME VII / ISSUE 1 A BIANNUAL PUBLICATION FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDSWINGSPAN

To be known deeply

Imagine Tomorrow

CELEBRATE p. 4

State Champions pp.21-23

A Familyin Cambodia p. 14

2 WINGSPAN | Winter 2013

WINGSPANWinter 2013, Volume VII, Issue 1

PublisherDr. David Tilley

EditorDavid Lowery

Assistant EditorMickie Roberts

Graphic DesignerTiffany Westbrook

Contributors Corbin Bean Lyn Bennett

Cameron Bohn Eric Bradley Cary Brague

John Braswell Brandon Burton

Meg Calhoun Jennie Chandler Pam Copeland

Billy Flood Cindy Gibbs Jill Hooley

Kweku Hudson Cindy Hughes David Lowery

Robert Morehouse Meagan Morgan

Jennifer New Janie Niswonger

Megan Perry Paige Reznikov Philip Schiltz

Katie Sheffield Steve Shelton Adam SlocumDavid Tilley

Tiffany Westbrook

Photographers Carrie Fisher Jonah Fisher

Heather Hermanson Lynn McKenzie

Jamie SmithPenny Valiani

Tiffany Westbrook

WINGSPAN is published biannually for the

families and friends of Mount Paran Christian School

© Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30152

770-578-0182 www.mtparanschool.com

MPCS Mission Statement Providing academic excellence in a

Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School

unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.

MPCS Vision Statement Mount Paran Christian School

will become the exemplary Christian school in the Atlanta area as

defined by the development of Christ-centered servant-leaders and

quality academic preparation.

These beautiful verses of scripture provide the context of two of the major emphases of MPCS this year. “To be known deeply.” That’s the challenge we gave ourselves as we opened the school year in the fall. We were reminded that God knows us all to our core and He calls us, as an MPCS family, to know those we serve with the passion, and insight, and love, and commitment that our students deserve. Everything we do should honor Him because He has called us to love with the love that surpasses knowledge, as revealed in Ephesians 3:17b-19. Nothing thrills me more than the frequent parent and staff testimonials revealing this agape love being lived out in our community. “More than we ask or imagine!” You have no doubt heard of and probably been one of the many who have responded to Imagine Tomorrow, our capital campaign, which received its impetus and meaning from Ephesians 3:20. Loving deeply and giving generously are inextricably linked. God reveals himself to us through that pattern repeatedly, and I stand as a grateful witness to the fact that the community of MPCS has honored the Lord’s design in this as well. You have loved and you have given, and I am truly thankful! Let’s be honest. There were probably a few skeptics among us who questioned whether we would realize our goal of raising $16.5 million to pay down on the debt of the Murray Arts Center, this during one of the worst economic times of our lifetime. I have to admit, I did waver at times. The task was daunting and the challenge enormous, but God constantly reminded us that He is, in fact, able to do more than we can ask or ever imagine! And He did just that. We celebrate His faithfulness! You will read in this Wingspan about many of the ways our MPCS family has loved deeply and given generously. Thanks to all of you for sharing in the truth and power of this Ephesians Scripture. Our students are clearly worthy of being the focus of our affection, time, talents, and resources. And yes, there’s more to do. We have not completed the task to which we have been called at MPCS. With unfinished work ahead of us, we know one thing for sure: God is faithful! We, of all people, have been blessed by that truth!

From the Headmaster

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. — Ephesians 3:16-21


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26

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Christian Life

Athletics / Arts

Academics

On-Campus

Alumni / Annual Report

A Passion for Christian Life

A Family in Cambodia

Relationships MatterStudent-Athlete Matt McKenzie

State ChampionsCompetition Cheerleading, and One-Act Play

Band ChampsRegion Accomplishments

Academic Success StoryStudent Thrives Despite Dyslexia

Orton-Gillingham and Gifted TrainingTeachers Raise the Bar

High School Greek

Middle School Forum

Color Theory

Homecoming

Alumni Dinner Class Notes

Giving

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25

27

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14

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CONTENTSFeatures

What’s New

CELEBRATEImagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign

Writing ContestMPCS Winning Essays

Teachers We Knew DeeplyRemembering Cheryl VinsonCathy Goodman

Board of TrusteesWelcome and Thanks

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Like us on Facebook!

ON THE COVER: Eighth grade student Ashley Busby and sixth grader Kweku Hudson perform during the Celebrate event at the Murray Arts Center.

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F Written by Jennifer New

Features

Friday, November 30, 2012, was an amazing night in the life of our school! More than 1,000 members of our school family, including students, parents, staff, grandparents, alumni, friends, and donors, gathered to CELEBRATE God’s blessings on our school and to enjoy the creative talents of our students. Each year, leading into the Christmas season, our performing arts students and staff offer a Lessons and Carols worship service to our community. Yet, this time, as we celebrated the birth of our Lord, we also wanted to give thanks for His many blessings through the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign. It seemed to be a challenge to plan a celebration completely in faith of what the ultimate outcome of the capital campaign would be, come December 31. However, a creative team made up of parent and grandparent volunteers, as well as staff from across the school, conceptualized, developed, and planned each component of the CELEBRATE event over the course of several months to accomplish this purpose. The event was first and foremost, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which was presented through the reverent Lessons and Carols service. This year, more than 150 students representing our MPCS choruses (fifth grade, middle school, and high school), bands (both middle and high school) and orchestra, joined together on the Kristi Lynn Theatre stage to musically tell the story of Christ’s birth. Leaders from across our school were asked to present corresponding Scriptures throughout the program. This worship experience officially kicked-off the Christmas season at MPCS while parents beamed with pride as the students displayed their gifts and talents for God’s glory. CELEBRATE was also a culmination of God’s blessings on our school, not just of the financial resources and the gorgeous Murray Arts Center facility, but a celebration of the impact His school is making in people’s lives. Throughout the program that night, several members of the MPCS community (students and staff) read essays they had written about what MPCS means to them, their family, the community, and God’s kingdom. The essayists, students Philip Schiltz, Corbin Bean, Kweku Hudson, Paige Reznikov, and staff member Brandon Burton, were the winners of the Imagine Tomorrow writing contest (p.8). The flawless delivery of these personal essays was dramatic. Everyone was reminded it is a blessing to be part of this MPCS family and community of believers. And, of course, no celebration is complete without great food and fellowship. When celebration-goers were not in the Kristi Lynn Theatre enjoying the worship service, there was a party going on in the Grand Lobby and throughout the Murray Arts Center. The festive food was catered by A Divine Event and was purposefully presented with artistic flare reminiscent of the creativity that takes place throughout the Murray Arts Center every single day. As we all fellowshipped and reflected on the many blessings, there was still the distinct sense that more remained to be done. We were, after all, still $1.8 million away from meeting the capital campaign phase one goal and securing the challenge grant. CELEBRATE served as a great reminder that we must continue to invest sacrificially in these students and in this great school. Ultimately, our families, some that very night, answered the call to finish the first project of the campaign successfully. W

Celebrate!Murray arTs CenTer ~ noveMber 30, 2012



Written by Jennifer New

Flashback to 2007. Having enjoyed this new campus for four years, we were settling in to the gorgeous sur-roundings and facilities. A budding football program had created new excitement and school spirit at MPCS. In December 2007, our school was given the amazing opportunity to purchase the performing arts center adjacent to our property. Mr. Don Dozier, a past parent and longtime supporter of MPCS, sold the $38 million state-of-the-art performing arts center to us for $16.5 million. This sale price alone was a tremendous gift by Mr. Dozier to our school. Immediately, another important family and school partner, the Stuart and Eulene Murray Family Foundation, granted us $10 million toward the purchase, and the facility was renamed the Murray Arts Center. This unprecedented grant was the lead gift needed to begin a capital campaign to pay for the Murray Arts Center, as well as build an athletic stadium and high school addition to accommodate the growth of our enrollment and programs in the next phases. The $10 million grant by the Murray Foundation and the gift of Mr. Dozier have been the largest gifts ever to Mount Paran Christian School, and set the stage for philanthropy here for years to come. Though the Development Office had been working for a few years already to increase philanthropic support of our school through the Annual Fund, these events accelerated the impending capital campaign. After prayer and strategizing, the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign was born based on Ephesians 3:20. Shortly thereafter, the economy took a dramatic downward turn. The campaign evolved to focus more on seeking foundation support and pinpointing lead donors. In January 2010, an anonymous foundation awarded MPCS a challenge grant of $1.5 million that would help drive the rest of the campaign. If we could raise the remaining $5 million by 2013, they would give us $1.5 million toward the purchase of the Murray Arts Center. For a school like ours, new to the philanthropic world, and in the midst of a tough economy, this would require hard work, resources, faith, and ultimately God’s provision to be successful. What an opportunity to catapult our school to the next level! In the summer of 2011, Dale and Cindy Hughes assumed the role of Capital Campaign Co-Chairs and began assembling a devoted team of volunteers who would see the first phase to its completion. Brainstorm sessions led to planning meetings, donor visits, events, and even a writing contest. It truly was the diligent weekly prayer walks of a committed few around this campus that made the biggest difference. We “celebrated” as a community, in faith, the victory of phase one on November 30, with only $1.8 million left to raise. By the time school let out for the Christmas break, the amount was reduced to $750,000 remaining to meet the phase one goal. Just before Christmas day, we were only $400,000 away. Providentially, on December 31 and by the 2013 deadline, we had raised $16,634,000 which exceeded the $16.5 million goal and secured the $1.5 million challenge grant for our school. God answered the prayers for the future of our students and revealed Himself in a mighty way! As we move forward, we must honor Him through good stewardship and by giving Him the glory for blessing us more than we could ever dream or imagine! W

More than we dreamed or imagined...

This would require...ulTiMaTely god’s provision To be suCCessful.

Special thanks to the Capital Campaign Cabinet members who volunteered and contributed significantly to the success of phase one: Frank and Libby Barnett, Rob and Carole Chaput, Shawn and Angie Davis, Russell and Sandy Dawson, David and Lea Fisher, Larry and Patti Harvey, Dana and Heather Hermanson, Dale and Cindy Hughes, Bob and Linda Hunt, Wally and Debi Johnson, Andrew and Ashley Jones, Scott and Kimbrell Kimbrough, Darin and Laurie Kraetsch, Lance and Julie Lovell, Jim and Suzanne Perry, and Sherm and Bett Smith.


To our donors: THANK YOU to the donors who have given thus far to the Imagine Tomorrow capital campaign. By your sacrificial and generous giving, we reached the first, most challenging benchmark goal of $16.5 million for the Murray Arts Center. The impact of your investment is tremendous and will be realized by MPCS students for many years to come.

Anonymous (17)The Mable Adair Family Foundation Paul and Joyce AddisCarey and Traci AkinMichael and Holly AkinsJason and Angel AllenAmerican Tower Matching Gift Program Doug and Sherry AndersonConnie and Heather ArnoldMelvin and Martha ArnoldAtlanta Area Appraisals, Inc. Marshall and Lynda AusburnChet and Hazel AustinDavid and Joanna Austin In Memory of Wally Johnson IVTracey AxelberdWilliam Babb In Honor of David and Rhonda RamseyDurema BacchusThad and Karen BairdMartha Baker In Honor of Hogan FloydRick and Tina BakerTommy and Lauren BalasBank of America Foundation Gary and Mary Ellen BarkerKevin and Karen BarlowBill and Nan Barnhart In Honor of Rick and Beth GrayTodd and Kelly BartonMichael and Molly BaumTony and Julie BauteBaxter & Beckett, LLC Mark and Karen BeanKevin and Amy BellHenry and Margaret Bellinger In Memory of Walter F. Johnson IVHorace and Lyn BennettMark and Sue BennettBrian and Brenna BitlerStephen and Jan BlackburnJohn and Linda BlomSteve and Heidi BohlmannJason and Tewana BohnMel and Barb BokhovenBill and Sheron BolenRhett and Ali BonnerBart and Melissa BoydJosh and Caroline BradfordEric and Amy BradleyCary and Lynne BragueBrasfield & Gorrie, LLC John and Jill BraswellTodd and Jeanine BroganGary and Shaunda BrooksRobert and Brandi BroomeBrent and Carla BrownDavid and Malin BrownMike and Katie BrownRonnie and Nicole BrownsworthTodd and Katy BrumbelowJonathan and Emily BunnRob and Kim BurnettMatt and Mary BurtonBobbi Burruss Buddy and Linda BurrussMichael and Tonya BurrussRobin and Penny BurrussScott and Dawn BusbyKim ButlerBrian and Kim CainJim and Joann CallisJames and Daina Cannon

Steve and Lori CannonRyan and Tina CantwellBrad and Christy CarrollChuck and Laura ChaRob and Carole ChaputGreg and Janice ChastainCKS Packaging, Inc. The Coca-Cola Company Matching Gifts Program Chris and Gena CochranJim and Beth ColeScott and Robin CondraFred and Heather CookThe Cooper FamilyThe Cooper Firm Rick and Pam CopelandNeil and Stephanie CopelandSusie CouncilVan and Whitney CouncilMichael and Joanne CouncilGurdon and Andi CountsDan and Ann CoxAndrew and Corban CrainJohn and Sharon CrispDavid and Naomi CromptonGreg and Paula CryanChris and Tara CumberlandJeff and LeAnn CurtisAndy and Kathy CyganiewiczGeorge and Beth DavisKen and Renee DavisChuck and Deborah DavisShawn and Angie DavisAllen and Cindy DawsonRuss and Sandy DawsonWesley and Janice DebnamVince and Tara DeesMichael and Beverly DevaneyBill and Sally DeWeeseScott and Marcia DietzDon DozierTom and Karen DozierRobin and Kelly DrawdyMark and Monique DroegeTim and Wanda DroegeEric and Julie DuncanCraig and Elizabeth DuncanKeith and Cherie DunnJo Ann DurhamDirk and Kathy EbenerScott and Judith EbertJim and Ruth ElsbreePatricia Elsbree In Honor of Mr. James Elsbree, Sr.Len and Rebecca EmpieDavid and Kim EppsGeorge and Alecia EthridgeBryan and Shanon EvansMark and Niki FaithScott and Julie FarleyDavid and Mallory FarmerBelle FaulknerAndy and Angela FeldmanJohn FernFidelity Charitable Steve and Amanda FinchFirst Data Foundation The First Fruits Fund David and Lea FisherSteve and Janet FisherBuck and Tina FlatfordAndy and Catherine FloamBart and Becky FloydSheila FollettPaul and Sharon Foster

Wesley and Janet FulbrightBradley and Susan FulkersonEd and Jennifer GandiaRichard S. Gardner, DMD,PC Richard and Laura GardnerMark and Mindy GarrettMark and Rhonda GeorgasCurt and Lori GerkenTheresa GernattSteve and Debbie GibbonJerry and Cindy GibbsPrice Gilbert, Jr. Charitable Fund c/o Wells Fargo Skip and Jennifer GilcreaseGirl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Inc Troop #2384 Going Green Horticultural LLC Brian and April GraberGraham Family Foundation Eva GrahamMark and Nikki GrahamTom and Dana GrayRick and Beth GraySteve and Kathy GreenBen and Mary GribbleSusan GribbleFrank and Heather GriffithMark and Judy GrinerKaren GrossCarolyn HagenGeorge and Mary HamiltonSandy HamiltonAlan and Deonna HanleyKeith and Jackie HarmonBen and Susan HarrellRhett and Cindy HartzogPaul and Perry HatchSteve and Susan HaynesBen and Hayley HedrickGary and Ruth HendersonDana and Heather HermansonBill Hewitt In Memory of Wally Johnson IVKirk and Christy HewlingDwight and Lisa HicksKevin and Lisa HofmannGreg HogleSheila Hogle In Memory of Wally Johnson IVJonathan and Tiffany HollisThe Home Depot Foundation Honeywell Hometown Solutions Sonny and Sarah HowellMichael and Kathy HowrenRobby and Kristy HubbardKwamina and Yacoba HudsonDale and Cindy HughesBob and Linda HuntGloria Hunter In Honor of Donna Hunter McCoy ‘93, Ragan McCoy and Mason McCoyScott and Schelli HutchinsonSteve and Sheri IngramJ&M Rentals Janas Family Foundation Melanie JanasSteve and Julia JanasReynold and Patsy JenningsBob and Julie JimenezDebi JohnsonKeith and Paige JohnsonAndrew and Ashley JonesChad and Kim JonesJohn and Jennifer JonesMark and Alisa Justice

Daniel and Diane KanellJonathan and Malissa KempTim KeplerMatthew and Jennifer KilgoScott and Kimbrell KimbroughJohn and Christye KingstonDerrick and Linda KitchensBrady and Jill KnightJack and Barbara KnoxDarin and Laurie KraetschMary Pat LacyMichael and Nancy LaneEric and Susan LatonCraig and Patti LeeMeurice and Peggy LeFevreMark and Simone LeonardLighthouse Marketing Marcus and Deb LigonDaniel and Kelly ListonDavid and Marla LitzDaniel and Paige LochridgeBrion and Susan LockBarry and Tammy LovernGayle LoweDavid and Kathy LoweryJack and Jan LupasKeith and Jennifer LynchAdrian and Kristan MarshallKyle and Susanne MasseyBrad and Terry MatthaidessBob and Dianne MatthewsSean and Donna Hunter McCoySean and Donna McCoy In honor of Mr. and Mrs. James McCoy and Mr. Donald HunterDoug and Wendy McCrabbSteve and Shannon McCuneJoe and Joanna McDonaldAlenka and Shameka McElhaneyBrian and Suzanne McGearyTate and Meredith McKeeNorrie and Lynn McKenzieAllen and Laura Lea McKinneyHank and Nicole McLartyGreg and Sherri McLeroyTommy and Cissy MedlockStephen and Brooke MeltonJaniece MillerMichael and Carol MillerRay and Myra MillerMills Specialty Metals MK Polymers LLC MNM Holdings Mr.and Mrs. Walter D. MoonKim and Sabrina MooreMoore Properties, LLC Jerry and Colleen Moore In Memory of Walter F. Johnson IVEric and Kelly MoranMike and Carol MoranMatt and Claire MorrisTodd and Tami MoschnerStephen and Kelly MossScott and Karen MostellerHarold and Jan MoteRon and Lisa MulkeyLois MullaneyLeeann Muller In Memory of Wally Johnson IVChris and Chrissy MurphyStuart and Eulene Murray Family FoundationNational Christian Foundation John and Jen Neumeyer

Kevin and Jennifer NewScott and Fran NewMark and Janie NiswongerKen NorthLori NorthDavid and Betsey NortonTim and Deidre NortonTim and Jennifer OswaldDillon and Tracy OvertonChuck and Angel PaasNik and Sham PalomakiGerry and Dorothy ParadaDavid and Rebecca PartainLeon and Judy Partain In Honor of Our Grandchildren Sarah, Amy, and Luke PartainTina PeachBart and Vickie PerezFelton and Rachel PerryJim and Suzanne PerryDavid and Christine PerssonBill and K.K. PetitPete and Janet PetitRic and Jamie PhippsHarry and Terri PierceBob PrillamanProCore Solutions Terry PughAustin and Allison PugmireDavid and Kristen PyleGreg and Lee RableThomas and Cindy RaineyBrad and Ginny RaineyThom and Julie RayPat and Karen ReardiganWes and Pam ReelMatt and Kathy ReevesLeo and Sarah ReichertMike and Andrea ReidChip and Tammy RennoBarry and Deanna RenzBrad and Meghan RespessGus and Amanda ReynaRF Knox Co. Inc. Jeremy and Brenda RichardLori RichardsonSuzanne Richardson In Honor of my Grandchild Austin RichardsonRiverside Oral & Facial Surgery David and Maria RobertsJohn and Mickie RobertsSteve and Rhonda RobinsonJonathan and Brittany Robson In Honor of David and Rhonda RamseyJames and Katy RogersJeff and Bonnie RoginskyKevin and Michelle RostowskySam and Sheila RothrockAndy and Trixie RoukoskiMarilyn RowlandBarry and Jo RoziewskiDavid and Darla RubalcavaKevin and Tawanna RuskDavid and Ruth RussIda Alice Ryan Charitable Trust c/o Wells Fargo Chris and Misty SaldiTom and Kim SawyerThe School Box, Inc.Andrea SchmidtDan and Lesia SchnurJeff and Katie SchwabJerry and Phyllis SchwabScott and Amy Schwan

Paul and Kim SevernCharles and Cathy SewellPaul SheehanDavid and Debbie SheffieldSteve and Brenda SheltonCurtis and Lisa ShochCarl and Bernardette SigmanSherm and Bett SmithJean Somerlot In Honor of my Grandchild Warren RaymerDick and Kris SpainGreg and Heather SteeleJoshua and Bonnie StephensMark and Connie StevensBrett and Tricia StewartBarbara StoneGregg and Tori SturzRichard and Lea SullivanSunTrust Foundation Matching Gift Program Michael and Jeri SuteEmmett and Catina TaliaferroChris and Abby TantonChuck and Debbie TaylorRobert and Jane TaylorThe Storage Key, LLC David and Angie TilleyTip Top Poultry, Inc Lucy Todd In Honor of my Grandchild Lee Rose KozaRobert and Cynthia TrammellTrinity Credit Counseling, Inc. John and Julie Truono In Memory of Walter Johnson IVBrian and Mandy TuckerRobert and Melissa TurzakRick TylerRuby Tyler In Honor of my Grandchild Savannah TylerDavid and Jennifer Van de VateVan Michael Salon, Inc. Guy and Bobbi VanHornScott and Amanda VarnerRobb and Nikki VernaTodd and Tricia VerSteegWayne and Saundra Voter In Honor of Nicholas Bos and Emily BosMike and Kim WattDave and Tina WeberMike and Sonya WeberWellstar Health Systems In Memory of Walter F. Johnson IVRoss and Tiffany WestbrookLarry and Alison WhitePhyllis WhiteGreg and Tina WhiteCam and Alison WilburKen and Shawna WilliamsChad and Angie WilsonMary Wilson In Honor of Josh and Zak WilsonJack and Sandra WittyBiff and Ellen WoodruffSteve and Cyndi WoodruffMike and Christine WoodsCarl and Brenda WorleyElizabeth WrightStanley and Kaydell WrinkleDale and Emily YakeTy and Kelli YoungYourCause (Network for Good) Pete and Greta ZefoAndrew and Kimberly Ziegele

Features



AIMagIne ToMorrow PHASES TWO AND THREE

whaT’s nexT? Written by David Tilley

MaTCh The faCiliTies To The exeMplary prograMs exisTing in Those areas.

W

As we sit in awe of the gifts from our friends and multiple blessings from our Lord that we witnessed during the successful first phase of the campaign, we are reminded that while we celebrate appropriately, the total vision of the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign has not yet been fully realized. Where do we go from here? During the next two phases of the campaign, MPCS will be raising funds to build a much-needed athletic stadium and an addition to the high school to meet the ever-growing secondary school academic program. The school’s administrators talk often about our commitment to the three “A’s” of MPCS: academics, arts, and athletics. The completion of the funding for the Murray Arts Center positions MPCS as the premier independent school in Georgia in the area of the arts. Now we turn our capital development attention to athletics and high school academics where the plan is to match the facilities to the exemplary programs existing in those areas. A high school addition will provide new classroom space to accommodate the courses currently being served in the Murray Arts Center. Floating teachers who currently do not have a “home-base” will be provided appropriate instructional space. Also, new course offerings will augment an already challenging academic program. These will include new science labs and a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) wing to establish this as a distinctive and model program throughout the region. A new high school dining hall will provide a dedicated lunch space for high school students and staff, as well as scheduling flexibility in the current dining hall for lower and middle school students. The high school addition will come at a cost of approxi-mately $5.5M. The current high school enrollment is at 400 and the master plan sets the limit at 440 with the new space. It isn’t that we want to build a new facility to allow MPCS to grow much larger; it is that the school wants to optimally provide for the students it serves and provide new courses which the current facility limits. The growth of Eagle athletics demands that an athletic stadium is needed to meet the needs of MPCS student-athletes. At the cost of approximately $1.5M, a state-of-the-art stadium for football, soccer, and lacrosse is being planned. This two-thousand seat stadium with built-in concessions and food plaza, restrooms, and much needed athletic storage will rival any in class A sports in Georgia.

eXCITIng newS! MPCS is pleased to announce that a major donation has been provided by Lance and Sonja Cooper and Jack and Barbara Knox to place an artificial turf field on the site of the current field. This major gift is a first step toward the stadium. By spring 2013, we will have a high quality field for use 24/7 by our student athletes. Thanks so much to the Cooper and Knox families for their extremely generous donations to the next phase of our campaign!

If you are interested in learning more about the next capital campaign projects, please contact the development office or the office of the headmaster. We welcome you to be a part of Imagine Tomorrow (Phase 2 and 3) today!

A more extended story regarding this new turf field will be included in the summer issue of the Wingspan.


FACULTY And STAFF ESSAY WinnEr: Brandon Burton, Overnight Security Guard

What MPCS Means to My Family

My wife, Emily, and i separated in January of this year. Heck of a way to start

this off, i know, and i apologize. But i promise it has a happy ending. So, keep that in mind.

Anyway, we separated. it was completely my fault, except for the fact that when she picks up after

me, she doesn’t tell me where she puts my things. Emily and my son, Kelly, were in Douglasville, about forty-five

minutes away from the school, and i was staying in a corner of my friend’s basement, who lived off of Wade Green road.

About the time we separated, the transmission in my car went home to glory. It left me walking five miles to work

in the January cold. i’d clock-in at ten-thirty in the evening, do rounds in the cold and then clock-out at seven in the

morning, and then I’d walk five miles home.

I was distanced from my family by sin, selfishness, and a great, cold distance that was both figurative and literal.

But the most painful aspect was the creeping, nihilistic mentality that began to slip into the spaces where i had

distanced myself from God. Well, that is to say that i convinced myself that there was an irreparable rift between

myself and God’s love, as well as the love of everyone who God had blessed me with by making them a part of my life.

But in an act of grace that illuminated the darkness into which i’d slipped, God pulled me back into the light of

love and set me and my family on a path that would eventually bring us back together at the beginning of August.

So, from February fifteenth at two o’clock in the morning until August first, there was a period of learning to walk

in- step with the Father as he worked his wonder to repair the damage that was done and make my family whole

again. Throughout the course of those months, i relied on my prayers and the prayers of others, and an immeasur-

able amount of hope, faith, and love.

Working overnight doesn’t afford me much time for inter-personal relationship development and, to be honest,

there are some mornings (mostly toward the end of the week) when the eight hours of solitude has left me with a

lack of finesse during whatever brief conversations I have on my way home in the mornings. I can imagine that I’m

fairly obnoxious, being all hyped-up on caffeine, when i’m bouncing off the walls and everyone else is shambling in,

wishing they’d managed just a few more minutes of sleep.

But that never has kept anyone from sharing kind words of love and encouragement with me – words that i

clung to and kept close to my heart on those long walks home in the morning.

i had hope. Yes i did. And hope does not disappoint. i had a job in a time when a great number of Americans

did not. My long walks gave me two hours in the evening and in the morning when i could pray and grow closer

to God. Also, i’ve worked jobs in the past where my coworkers were worn out and beaten down by the broken-

ness of the world. Those coworkers would have seen my marital situation and encouraged me to throw in the

towel and move on to something that didn’t require as much work and spiritual vigilance. i can’t even begin

to tell you how thankful i am for the fact that i was surrounded by wonderful, Godly people who knew that

the prize was worth the running, even when the race seemed so very long.

So, Mount Paran Christian School has been more than a paycheck to me. it’s more than a tedious

weekly routine that keeps me from the things i’d rather be doing. it is a ray of hope for me that shone in a

very dark time of my life. it is a source of encouragement, and a place where i can walk around, checking

doors late at night while i continue learning about the mystery and wonder of God’s love. it’s also a

community of people, who i love and who have given their love to me and my family, and i will never

forget that. i pray with all my heart that God blesses every single precious soul who sets foot on this campus.

right now, Kelly’s watching Thomas and Friends and sipping on his juice cup next to Emily,

who’s laughing at silly movies she’s watching on her iPad. i’m sitting at the dinner table, typing away

on my laptop in our modest apartment down from the Marietta square. Emily insisted on putting up

the Christmas decorations this weekend, so the place has a wonderful glow and warmth.

This time last year, we’d decided to let any hope of this present joy slip through our fingers. Now,

we have nothing but hope for the future and an abundance of love. We are thankful for Mount Paran Christian

School, and i’m not certain i’ve ever really taken the time to say it. So, THAnK YOU, Mount Paran, for standing

as a light on a hill for all the broken and lost people like me. And thank you for letting those people be a part of the

family, and do what they can to shine right along.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many

to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. —daniel 12:3

Third–FiFTh Grade essay Winner: Corbin Bean, 5th Grade

Mount Paran Christian School and My Family – We are Blessed!

Mount Paran is a blessed school where i learn about Jesus and what he did for me.

every day, my family takes me to school and picks me up, and our Bible verse that we

say every morning as a family is “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will

succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) There are seven main reasons why Mt. Paran blesses my family.

First, Christ is the center of all things at Mount Paran. Second, i study every day to

understand God’s word with Christian teachers and staff members. Third, Mount Paran is

a happy school where no one is frustrated and everyone tries their best. Fourth, my family

has good friends that support us in all the things we may need. Fifth, i learn about Math,

Science, Social Studies, Language arts, reading, and Bible, which helps me with a good

education for college and the rest of my life. Sixth, Mount Paran has a great cafeteria

to fill my empty stomach and my family can visit me for lunch whenever they want.

Last, but not least, the whole school environment prepares me to become a

servant-leader of the future. That makes our family very happy and proud. in

conclusion, my family and i thank our heavenly Father for the blessings he

provides in allowing me to attend this great school.

What Mount Paran Christian School Means To GOD’S KINGDOM

Mount Paran Christian School means a lot to God’s Kingdom. What it means

to God’s Kingdom can be seen in part of Mount Paran’s mission sta

tement – to

prepare servant leaders, to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth

. Those four

points mean a lot to God’s Kingdom.

Thefirstthingth

atmakesMountParanChristia

nSchoolsignifica

nttoGod’s

Kingdom is its preparation of servant leaders. The Great Commission, which is

found in Matthew 28:19-20, says “Therefore go and make disciples of

all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy spirit,

and teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. And surely I am with you

always, to the very end of the age.” God wants us to go out and teach others

His Word, and Mount Paran Christian School is a place where people are trained

for that. An example of how Mount Paran does that is the mission trip to

Cambodia every other summer.

The second thing that makes Mount Paran mean a lot to God’s Kingdom is

honoring God. Mount Paran honors God by doing the other things in the mission

statement - preparing servant- leaders, loving others, and walking in truth

.

Thefirstpartof

themissionstatementsays

providingacade

micexcellencein

a Christ-centered environment. In ev

erything Mount Paran does, God is at the

center, from the classroom, to the arts, and even in

athletics.

The third thing that makes Mount Paran mean a lot to God’s Kingdom is

loving others. Mount Paran shows this on the Community-wide Service Day,

where kids go out to the community, and serve pe

ople who are less fortunate.

AnotherwayMountPara

nshowsloveforothersis

whenthefifth-gra

derstake

afieldtriptoash

elterforthehom

elessindowntownAtlanta

.Theretheythrow

a Christmas party for the people that come, and gifts from most of the Mount

Paran families are given.

Thefourthandfi

nalthingthatmakesMountPara

nmeanalottoGod’s

Kingdom is walking in truth. When kids at Mount Paran ask Jesus to b

e their

Savior, and when they apply what they learn in Mount Paran’s weekly chapel,

andinBibleclass

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cestheymake,and

theworld

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ountParaninfluen

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community, the world becomes an even better pla

ce!

For all these reasons, one can see that Mount Paran Christian School means

a lot to God’s Kingdom. God wants us to prepare servant-leaders, honor Him, love

others, and walk in Truth. Without God’s Kingdom, everyone would be doing as they

please, but we are very blessed to have Mount Paran Christian School, which is

committed to expanding God’s Kingdom, and making the world a better place!

MIDDle SCHOOl eSSAy WINNer:

Kweku Hudson, 6th Grade

Writing ContestImagine Tomorrow:

Capital Campaign chairs enlisted the help of our gifted students to communicate how Mount Paran Christian School has impacted their lives. A writing contest was launched in November of 2012 with a $500 cash prize awarded to each of the five age group/cat-egories. Out of hundreds of entries, the winners were announced at “Celebrate” and asked to read their essay at the Lessons and Carols presentation. Their overall sentiments accurately represent the work that MPCS is doing; as do the individuals themselves who are the reason why we campaign for Imagine Tomorrow.

Features


FACULTY And STAFF ESSAY WinnEr: Brandon Burton, Overnight Security Guard

What MPCS Means to My Family

My wife, Emily, and i separated in January of this year. Heck of a way to start

this off, i know, and i apologize. But i promise it has a happy ending. So, keep that in mind.

Anyway, we separated. it was completely my fault, except for the fact that when she picks up after

me, she doesn’t tell me where she puts my things. Emily and my son, Kelly, were in Douglasville, about forty-five

minutes away from the school, and i was staying in a corner of my friend’s basement, who lived off of Wade Green road.

About the time we separated, the transmission in my car went home to glory. It left me walking five miles to work

in the January cold. i’d clock-in at ten-thirty in the evening, do rounds in the cold and then clock-out at seven in the

morning, and then I’d walk five miles home.

I was distanced from my family by sin, selfishness, and a great, cold distance that was both figurative and literal.

But the most painful aspect was the creeping, nihilistic mentality that began to slip into the spaces where i had

distanced myself from God. Well, that is to say that i convinced myself that there was an irreparable rift between

myself and God’s love, as well as the love of everyone who God had blessed me with by making them a part of my life.

But in an act of grace that illuminated the darkness into which i’d slipped, God pulled me back into the light of

love and set me and my family on a path that would eventually bring us back together at the beginning of August.

So, from February fifteenth at two o’clock in the morning until August first, there was a period of learning to walk

in- step with the Father as he worked his wonder to repair the damage that was done and make my family whole

again. Throughout the course of those months, i relied on my prayers and the prayers of others, and an immeasur-

able amount of hope, faith, and love.

Working overnight doesn’t afford me much time for inter-personal relationship development and, to be honest,

there are some mornings (mostly toward the end of the week) when the eight hours of solitude has left me with a

lack of finesse during whatever brief conversations I have on my way home in the mornings. I can imagine that I’m

fairly obnoxious, being all hyped-up on caffeine, when i’m bouncing off the walls and everyone else is shambling in,

wishing they’d managed just a few more minutes of sleep.

But that never has kept anyone from sharing kind words of love and encouragement with me – words that i

clung to and kept close to my heart on those long walks home in the morning.

i had hope. Yes i did. And hope does not disappoint. i had a job in a time when a great number of Americans

did not. My long walks gave me two hours in the evening and in the morning when i could pray and grow closer

to God. Also, i’ve worked jobs in the past where my coworkers were worn out and beaten down by the broken-

ness of the world. Those coworkers would have seen my marital situation and encouraged me to throw in the

towel and move on to something that didn’t require as much work and spiritual vigilance. i can’t even begin

to tell you how thankful i am for the fact that i was surrounded by wonderful, Godly people who knew that

the prize was worth the running, even when the race seemed so very long.

So, Mount Paran Christian School has been more than a paycheck to me. it’s more than a tedious

weekly routine that keeps me from the things i’d rather be doing. it is a ray of hope for me that shone in a

very dark time of my life. it is a source of encouragement, and a place where i can walk around, checking

doors late at night while i continue learning about the mystery and wonder of God’s love. it’s also a

community of people, who i love and who have given their love to me and my family, and i will never

forget that. i pray with all my heart that God blesses every single precious soul who sets foot on this campus.

right now, Kelly’s watching Thomas and Friends and sipping on his juice cup next to Emily,

who’s laughing at silly movies she’s watching on her iPad. i’m sitting at the dinner table, typing away

on my laptop in our modest apartment down from the Marietta square. Emily insisted on putting up

the Christmas decorations this weekend, so the place has a wonderful glow and warmth.

This time last year, we’d decided to let any hope of this present joy slip through our fingers. Now,

we have nothing but hope for the future and an abundance of love. We are thankful for Mount Paran Christian

School, and i’m not certain i’ve ever really taken the time to say it. So, THAnK YOU, Mount Paran, for standing

as a light on a hill for all the broken and lost people like me. And thank you for letting those people be a part of the

family, and do what they can to shine right along.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many

to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. —daniel 12:3

HIGH SCHooL Essay Winner:: Paige Reznikov, 12th grade

" Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us he is able to accomplish

infinitely more than we would ever ask or hope. May he be given glory in the Church and in

Christ Jesus forever and ever though endless ages. Amen." This was the verse Dr. Tilley

centered his devotion around the first day of school this year. And, although Paul was encouraging the

church at Ephesus here, I find Ephesians 3:20-21 to have remarkable parallels to Mount Paran Christian

School and the meaning it brings to its students, families, and community as the Lord has blessed Mount

Paran and used this school as a vessel to bring further glory to His name.

I came to Mount Paran in seventh grade, and although the school was only a thirty-minute drive from

my house, to me it felt like the other side of the world. Leaving my former school (which I had attended

since kindergarten) and transferring to a larger school where I knew no one petrified me. Despite the

unconcerned and apathetic attitude I tried to convey to my parents, on August 9, 2007, I was a nervous

wreck as I made my way through the Mulkey Building into the middle school hallway. However, from the

moment I arrived in Mrs. Wilbur's homeroom, I became keenly aware that the community of parents,

staff, and the student body at Mount Paran extended far beyond words on an admissions brochure or a

speech at an open house.; The community I found was unique and exuded genuine warmth toward me, making

every effort to facilitate assimilation and help me feel welcome. As my parents witnessed the positive

influence my education at Mount Paran was having on me, they desired that my younger sister, Audrey, also

become part of the MPCS family. So, it became their natural choice to transfer her in January of my

seventh-grade year to join me at Mount Paran. Looking back on my six years at Mount Paran, it is obvious the countless opportunities that have been

afforded to me and my family as a result of attending school here. From performing on the astounding

Murray Arts Center stage where professional singers and musicians rehearse, to gaining confidence in

public speaking through participation on an incredible mock trial team that competes on a state level, I

have been challenged and grown academically and socially both in and out of the classroom. However,

MPCS has had the greatest impact on me spiritually. The faith professed here is not purported or

shallow, but rather vivid and captivated by bringing honor to God in all aspects of the school. From

participating in student-initiated prayer groups during lunch break, to having staff members, parents,

and Mount Paran alunmi lead me in Bible studies, I am so grateful to say that this community of

believers has immeasurably fostered my relationship with Christ. Furthermore, Mount Paran has

served as a catalyst for our local community by living out the mission statement and "preparing

servant-leaders." Whether through going on a Mission trip to Guatemala or raising awareness for

human slavery and trafficking through PromRed, I have been privileged to watch my fellow classmates rise

up and bring glory to God through their actions. Jean Piaget once wrote, "The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and

women who are capable of doing new things." As I prepare to graduate, I know that beyond nostalgic

memories, Mount Paran has instilled in me the ability to accomplish "new things." And, as we gather to

celebrate all that God has done through Mount Paran, we can also take root in his promise to do "infinitely

more than we would ever ask or hope" and look to tomorrow for all that is to come.

PK3-Seco

nd Grade

essay W

inner:

Philip Sch

iltz, 1st Gr

ade

What Mount

Paran Me

ans to M

e

Going to M

ount Para

n means

more to m

e

than you w

ill ever kn

ow. When I

was little

, I

had a ve

ry bad be

ginning. M

y foster p

arents

adopted m

e when I

was 5 ye

ars old.

My parent

s taught m

e about Go

d and Je

sus.

every day

at Mount

Paran I

do the ple

dges to

the americ

an flag, t

he christia

n flag, an

d the

Bible. I a

lso memor

ize Bible v

erses ever

y week.

Going to M

ount Para

n means

I learn ab

out

God every

day and

I am lea

rning to h

ide his

words in

my heart.

My teache

rs are gre

at and

they help

me learn

about God

and how

to read.

They are r

eally nice

to me. Th

ey love m

e so

much and

make me

feel spec

ial.

Going to M

ount Para

n makes m

e think ab

out

God and

how He d

ied for m

y sins. Go

ing to

Mount Pa

ran means

that my li

fe will be

changed

forever be

cause I a

m learning

that

God is am

azing.

Honorable Mention: Cameron Bohn, PK4

Third–FiFTh Grade essay Winner: Corbin Bean, 5th Grade

Mount Paran Christian School and My Family – We are Blessed!

Mount Paran is a blessed school where i learn about Jesus and what he did for me.

every day, my family takes me to school and picks me up, and our Bible verse that we

say every morning as a family is “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will

succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) There are seven main reasons why Mt. Paran blesses my family.

First, Christ is the center of all things at Mount Paran. Second, i study every day to

understand God’s word with Christian teachers and staff members. Third, Mount Paran is

a happy school where no one is frustrated and everyone tries their best. Fourth, my family

has good friends that support us in all the things we may need. Fifth, i learn about Math,

Science, Social Studies, Language arts, reading, and Bible, which helps me with a good

education for college and the rest of my life. Sixth, Mount Paran has a great cafeteria

to fill my empty stomach and my family can visit me for lunch whenever they want.

Last, but not least, the whole school environment prepares me to become a

servant-leader of the future. That makes our family very happy and proud. in

conclusion, my family and i thank our heavenly Father for the blessings he

provides in allowing me to attend this great school.

WINGSPAN | Winter 2013 9


WHonoring

Written by Jennie Chandler

Written by Jill Hooley

What’s new

Why are there so many MPCS staff and families wanting to honor the life of Cathy Goodman? Who was she? And what was she all about? Cathy loved deeply. When we first started working together, I asked her if she had any pets. She told me that she didn’t want a pet because she didn’t want to go through losing one. She remembered that experience of sadness growing up because she gave that love freely. But who did Cathy truly love? Cathy loved the Lord and drew all strength from Him. Her faith and godliness throughout her life and her struggle with cancer is a testimony to us all. She also loved her husband, Steve, and her son, Philip. She was most proud of the fact that Philip grew up to be a man of God. Her daughter-in-law, Jaye, was the daughter she never had. Cathy loved spending quality time with her family and friends. She was passionate about her church and was always talking about the sermons and the music. Cathy always enjoyed coming back to work at Mount Paran Christian School in August. (Let’s be honest, not every teacher feels that way at the end of a relaxing summer.) She particularly took the time to develop relationships with her co-workers. She shared her life with us and in return, we shared ours with her. Even when she was ill, she would ask what was going on in our lives; an amazing character trait that we all appreciated. As a teacher, Mrs. Goodman loved her students because they were “life-giving” to her. She would joke that she didn’t do her job for the money. She came each day to love on the children and for them to love on her. She made it a point to be at school for them every day, no matter what she was going through. When Cathy was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she was teaching four-year-old preschoolers. Her dedication to her students was still a priority; she did not want the cancer to interfere with her job. After surgery she came back before her six weeks were up because she just couldn’t stay away. Throughout her battle with uterine and breast cancer, she rarely let her many appointments interfere with her school day – such an unbelievable commitment! Her students and their families meant so much to her. With this dedication, Cathy was truly able to touch so many lives through her work. Cathy was someone who loved deeply and as a result, made a difference. She accomplished what we are striving for as teachers at MPCS. That’s her legacy. And that’s how she would want to be remembered.

She accomplished what we are striving for as teachers...

When I began working at Mount Paran Christian School last year, I was impressed with the opportunities to assist in growing the visual arts program for the lower school. It was wonderful to see that MPCS had begun to create a visual arts gallery in the Mulkey building window hallway to showcase student work. I remember the first time walking through it and thinking what a beautiful warm space to appreciate art and nature. I had many plans and wishes for how to improve our gallery, keeping in mind not all plans could be accomplished at once. Along with the generosity of Steve Goodman and the teamwork of many staff members at MPCS, the Cathy Goodman Art Gallery came to fruition. The space has been transformed through color, light, and art! Along with benches for our visitors, there is seating to accommodate an entire class! The space has become more than a passthrough. It is an area where visitors can rest and where teachers can bring students for instructional time. Be sure to take a moment to come and admire The Cathy Goodman Art Gallery.

Cathy goodman art gallery

dediCaTionMRS. CATHy GOODMAN – MPCS SECOND GRADE TEACHER1954 – 2012

Cathy’s legacy will forever live on in the Cathy Goodman Art Gallery which was dedicated in memory to her 15 years of service to MPCS with a celebration that took place on November 30, 2012. Pictured left are Cathy’s husband, Mr. Steve Goodman, parents Paul and Jetty Shirley, and son, Phillip, with his wife, Jaye.

W


FHonoring

Written by Lyn Bennett

Friends at first sight. That is how I would describe the first time I met Cheryl Vinson. Cheryl and I started working in preschool the same year and it was as if we had always been friends. Cheryl had many friends. Anytime I would visit her at home or sometimes in the hospital, I was amazed at all the different people she would introduce me to as one of her best friends. Her husband, John, and son, JT, were so gracious to share their family time with so many visitors. They never complained about the invasion of Cheryl’s multitude of friends into their personal space. I asked Cheryl what her favorite Bible verse was and she said, “Psalm 103, every verse.” Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” That verse really describes Cheryl for me. She gave her all to everything she did. Cheryl had a real passion for life. She loved and served with all she had. Even when she had hard days, she never let up. Her students really had no idea she was even sick. I told her how great she looked to be so sick and she laughed and said how surprised she was that she was holding up so well on the outside. Cheryl, John, and JT made several trips to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas for treat- ments. While there, Cheryl would even plan trips for them to sight see and make the most of what many would see as a stressful trip. Cheryl loved her family and always wanted the best for them. She truly lived life with purpose. She was very gifted at balancing her family time and her service at work. I always knew where to find her at the football games — right in front of the band watching as JT directed them. She adored JT and said God had blessed her and John so much with such an amazing son. She planned a wonderful graduation party for him and amazed me with her determination to make that time truly special for her family. It was a wonderful experience, and she was the perfect hostess.

When I think about our Mount Paran family, I am reminded how blessed we are to be a part of the body of Christ. Cheryl’s friend and MPCS parent, Lee Murray, stayed at the Vinson home for weeks to help John take care of Cheryl. This is just another example of being loved and known deeply through the relationships formed at this school. Cheryl treated all of us like sisters in the preschool. When she told us she had cancer, she was the one who comforted us saying it would be fine because God was in control. When school was out for the summer, our preschool director, Shea Buehler, called all of the preschool and after-school care staff and asked us to go to Cheryl’s house because she needed us. When I walked in, I had to smile at that bedroom full of women, some of whom were sitting on the bed with her, just loving on our precious sister. We miss her so much, but we are comforted knowing we will see her again one day!

Cheryl would praise others and never miss an opportunity to encourage someone. The play-ground is one of the special places in the preschool where Cheryl spent time with the children. She would tell her students how awesome they were as she pushed them on the swing or stop a child just to talk about something fun they had learned in class. Every student was her favorite. It is appropriate that the preschool playground will be named in memory of Cheryl Vinson with a dedication ceremony to be held in the spring of 2013.

MRS. CHERyL ViNSON – MPCS PRESCHOOL TEACHER1956 – 2012

she would comfort us saying... God is in control.

Cheryl Vinson Playground

W



WKeeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Meet the 2013 Board of Trustees

2012–2013:

Don Burton – SecurityTara Dees – After School Care InstructorRobin Fogg – Middle School Resource/ Directed StudiesSheila Follett – OperationsDavid Foster – Technical Director/Murray Arts CenterTracy Gernatt – Preschool Paraprofessional/ After School Care InstructorDana Gray – Lower School CounselorKristy Hubbard – Student Accounts ManagerLindsay Larkin – Preschool Teacher/ After School Care InstructorMatt McConville – Sixth Grade Bible TeacherJamie Mellars – Technical Assistant/Murray Arts CenterKatie Schwab – Preschool TeacherJenica Stephens – Preschool TeacherCynthia Trammell – School Store

Welcome New MPCS Staff Members

What do an oncologist, a banker, and a preacher have in common? In our case, they work together with several others from various walks of life to make up the Mount Paran Christian School Board of Trustees. The primary purpose of this Board is to serve as the caretakers of the mission, philosophy, and vision of the school as outlined in the original articles of incorporation of the school and the bylaws of the Board. They manage one employee – the headmaster – and monitor the financial operations of the school. Because of the term limits of MPCS Board members, a variety of people have served the school on this Board during its 36-year existence. Currently, there are 12 members (which may vary between nine and 15 members), four of whom have joined during the past year. We thought you might like to get to know something about the Board members personally:

We appreciate the service of these and former members of the MPCS Board of Trustees, especially since they receive no compensation and give of their time in the spiritual leadership and strategic planning of our school. Especially noteworthy in their list of responsibilities is the admonition to stay humble, spend time becoming closer to the Lord, and strive for excellence in glorifying God. They agree to offer frequent prayer for the headmaster, staff, and students and support them through continuous encouragement. How blessed we are to have leadership who not only support and guide us to academic and professional excel-lence, but who have a passion for God and a deep love for Mount Paran Christian School.

What’s new

Written by Pam Copeland

Back row (L-R): Ron Mulkey, David Sheffield, Dr. David Tilley, Andy Davenport, Keith Johnson, Dr. Stanley Wrinkle, Dr. Rick Gray.Front row: Myra Miller, Steve Woodruff, George Ethridge, Dr. Josh Rice, and Cindy Rainey. Not pictured: Cathy Sewell.

Andy Davenport – Attorney at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, LLP. Married to Michelle; two daughters who are students at MPCS.

George Ethridge (Board Chair) – Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP. Married to Alecia; four chil-dren, one MPCS alum, and three current MPCS students.

Dr. Rick Gray – Oncologist, Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. Married to Beth; two sons, one MPCS alum and a MPCS senior.

Keith Johnson – Regional Vice-President, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC. Married to Paige; five children, all MPCS students.

Myra Miller – Vice President and COO, Piedmont Medical Care Corporation. Married to Ray; two adult children and one grandchild.

Ron Mulkey – President and Owner, Mulkey Enterprises, Inc. Married to Lisa; two adult daughters, both MPCS alums.

Cindy Rainey – Corporate Secretary/Treasurer, Soil Reinforcement Design, Inc. Married to Thomas; two children, one MPCS alum and one current MPCS student.

Dr. Josh Rice – Pastor of Leadership and Community Development, Mount Paran North Church of God. Married to Johnna; two daughters.

Cathy Sewell – Member, Board of Directors, CKS Packaging, Inc. Married to Charles; five children, 15 grandchildren (three of whom are MPCS students), eleven great-grandchildren.

David Sheffield – Vice President, Accounting and Controller, American Tower Corporation. Married to Debbie; four children, three MPCS alums, one current MPCS student.

Steve Woodruff – Senior Vice President, Bank of America. Married to Cyndi; two sons, one college student and one current MPCS student. Dr. Stanley Wrinkle (Board Vice Chair) – Assistant Superintendant (retired), Cobb County Schools. Married to Kaydell; two adult daughters, four grandchildren.

W


The Christian / Spiritual DifferenceWritten by David Tilley

W

Christian Life

While there are many distinctives of the MPCS community, the one that influences every other one is the school’s commitment to an unapologetic and uncompromising biblical worldview. While not a denominational school, MPCS maintains a covenantal relationship with its families, thereby affirming daily the basic tenets of Christian faith in every aspect of campus life. While many things have changed throughout the thirty-six year history of the school, a commitment to the work of Christ continues with more energy and passion than ever before. A new chapter in this story began on January 3, 2013, when Aaron Farrant assumed the role of Director of Christian Life. With mixed feelings, we sent Stephen Burton with our prayers and blessings to his new calling as an associate pastor at Four Points Church in Acworth. During his tenure at MPCS, Stephen has unselfishly offered his creative genius, love for God and His work, deep commitment to faith, and passion for the students and staff he has served for five-and-a half years. Steve Shelton, middle school Principal, comments that Stephen Burton, who co-taught the eighth grade service-in-action class with him, “helped our students understand the paradox of being a servant while at the same time demonstrating leadership skills, and he challenged students to become authentic and focused on who they are becoming in Christ.”

Reflecting on his time at MPCS, Stephen Burton explains, “These past several years as Director of Spiritual Life have been a true joy and privilege for me. My time with the community of MPCS has not been work – it has been worship.” Aaron Farrant moves from his sixth grade Bible position to this newly configured role of Director of Christian Life. He has been a popular middle school teacher and will continue to serve the school well in his new assignment. Steve Shelton commented that “it will be rewarding to watch this young man further his Christian calling as he ministers to a broad spectrum of students, staff, parents, and community.” Aaron expressed excitement about his new role, which will allow him the opportunity “to invest in all of the students at our school. I see this job as a privilege and can’t wait to get started. My desire for this school as we move forward is to be a place where we as teachers, staff, and students are passionately following Christ.” A new Christian Life team has joined Aaron as they begin their work on the various aspects of Christian life on campus. The team includes: Julie Duncan and Barbara Knox, who will assist with lower school chapels and the school-wide emphasis on service; Chris Tanton and Heather Cook, who will assist with middle school chapels and the school-wide emphasis on discipleship; Teresa Burton and Justin Nelson, who will assist with high school chapels and the school-wide emphasis on missions; and Meredith McKee, the parent representative, who will coordinate the community-wide Service Day activities. Aaron

stated, “One of the most exciting changes is the development of the Christian Life Team. We have already met multiple times, and it is encouraging to hear their hearts for God and the students at this school.”

PASSiNG ON A PASSiON FOR CHRiSTiAN LiFE

What’s in a name after all? For eight years, our emphasis at MPCS on religious education, missions, chapels, discipleship, and spiritual formation has been categorized as “spiritual life.” To be sure, there is nothing really terribly wrong with that name. There has been no one who has challenged it. It has seemed to work for us and make sense to us. So why the change to “Christian Life?” It is simply more accurate; more descriptive of who we are. Our emphasis at MPCS is not simply on the broad context of spiritual matters; they are on Christian matters. We teach students to embrace a specific lifestyle, to follow a particular faith, to embrace a living creed, and to relate to a personal God. That’s Christianity – our raison d’être!

The focus has been and will remain on a relationship with Jesus Christ, not on all things defined under the expansive umbrella of the spiritual. So, we asked, why not call it what it truly is? With this emphasis and renewed clarity, we introduce the Christian Life program at MPCS and the new logo represented above. But more important than a name, we pray that the love of Christ will be known deeply by everyone on our campus.



I I grab her tiny hand. Her little brown fingers interlock with my white ones.

Her big Cambodian eyes smile up at me, her big sister.

She’s adopted.

When I was a child, my world was transformed when my parents brought

Cami home — the baby sister I had long been awaiting. With the faith of a

child, I had asked and received, and there was no doubt in my mind that the

Father had sent her to us from across the world, literally.

Over a decade later, another Cambodian hand grabs mine. Now I don’t

even notice the contrast between the colors of our skin. Because she

knows my Father, she is my sister too.

She’s adopted.

It started off as Cami’s story. An orphan child who, through international

adoption, became part of a loving family. But she was loved before she

became “ours.” Long before the adoption papers, she was known and loved

by the One who created her. He had a plan for her before she was even

conscious of life itself.

Then, in an unexpected turn of events, Cami’s story became my story.

The same One who brought my sister from Cambodia to our family called

me out….Katie….Katie….and he sent me.

It started with a chapel my first year at

MPCS, in tenth grade. Dr. Tilley announced

the first Mount Paran summer trip to Cam-

bodia. I had never talked to him before. He

didn’t know me or my family, or about the

little Cambodian girl at my house right here

in Marietta. I couldn’t believe that he had actually said Cambodia. I thought,

“don’t high school students usually go to Mexico, or the Dominican Repub-

lic, or somewhere a little…closer?” I immediately felt that “still small voice”

that felt more like a shout inside my heart. I knew within seconds that I

would go on that trip and serve in my sister’s birth country. It turned out that

it wouldn’t be only me, but both my parents (David and Debbie Sheffield)

and my two brothers (Alan and Ryan) would each have an opportunity to join

the summer teams to Cambodia at different points in time.

I went on two trips with MPCS right after my sophomore and junior years,

We spent most of the time working with kids at an orphanage and learning

center, preparing outreach programs for the children and community or

assisting with various projects like painting walls and planting trees. We

saw some of the most extreme cases of poverty. We visited places like

Toul Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields, remnants of the country’s dark

history; a tragic genocide during the 1970’s that took the lives of two

Written by Katie Sheffield, MPCS Alumna ‘07

Christian Life

A Family Transformed in

Since five-month old Cami was adopted in 2000, each member of the Sheffield family has visited Cambodia on eight different trips.

Cambodia



The 2005 MPCS trip to Cambodia was one of the most memorable events of

my life. Sharing the Father’s love to the country that had been home for our adopted daughter Camryn was very

special. Our family has been blessed by Mount Paran being true to its mission

by offering this type of opportunity and by the participation of the staff

and leadership. —Mr. David Sheffield

million Cambodians, most of whom belonged to the nation’s upper class and

educated population. We experienced the kind hospitality and warm hearts

of the Cambodian people. During those trips, my world was rocked by what

I saw and experienced, and I felt a deep connection with the Cambodian

people that stuck with me.

Fast forward several years later. I’m back in Cambodia, teaching English

to university students, living in a house with Cambodian girls, learning a

foreign language and

culture, eating A LOT

of rice, and sharing

the good news with

people who’ve never

heard it before. Now,

it’s my home.

I never dreamed of

the life I live now. I

probably wouldn’t be

able to find Cambodia

on a map if it hadn’t been for the adoption of my sister. I used to tell the story

about her adoption — the beginning, the middle and the end. I thought there

was an end! Unbeknownst to me, the story continues to be written. First, I

thought the story was about Cami, and

then I thought it was about me…and

then I realized, it’s not about either of

us, or even about our family at all. As

the Psalmist says, “All our days were

written in His book, before a single

one of them began.” Truly this story is

about Him, and He is the author. His

plan is bigger than what anyone in my

family ever asked for or imagined.

Sometimes I miss that Cambodian

girl I left back in the States. I think about how I held her hand over 12 years

ago when she was first learning to walk. How she’d toddle around on her

unsteady feet, but it didn’t matter because I was holding on to her and she

could trust me to lead her.

I think about another hand that grabbed mine and helped me begin to

walk. A hand that reached down from heaven and invited me along on His

journey. For “if I live at the Eastern horizon or settle at the Western limits,

even there your hand will lead me.” (Psalm 139).

If you are interested to follow more of the story and my daily life in Cambodia, visit

www.katieincambodia.com. W



A

Academics

As parents, we are so grateful to God for the two beautiful children He has given us to train up in the way they should go. We, like most parents, are in constant prayer for their protection and for the guidance necessary to follow God’s will for their lives and the strength to carry that through. Having the right school placement is paramount and for our son Jackson, it was daunting. When Jackson was in first grade, we had him tested within the public school system and he was diag-nosed with a learning disability that we later learned was dyslexia. Jackson did well with some assistance in language arts, but, by the third grade, we could see him slipping behind. We enrolled him in The Swift School for the fourth and fifth grade which helped him tremendously. By the summer of sixth grade, we felt God’s leading to find a school closer to home that would accommodate Jackson’s needs and keep a small student-to-teacher ratio. The only school that possibly could accomplish both goals was Mount Paran. As Christians, to have Jackson in a Christ-centered school was truly an added blessing. Our biggest concern was if Jackson would be accepted; would they see the wonderful child that is our son, know that he is capable despite his learning disability, and would they have the resources to help him? The day soon came to meet with Mr. Shelton (middle school Principal). The wild card was the paper Jackson needed to write in his presence. While we nervously waited, everyone we came in contact with was encouraging and helpful. We were in constant prayer the whole time Jackson was being inter-viewed. Afterwards, Mr. Shelton came out embracing Jackson and smiling from ear to ear. All he said was, “I love this boy.” My husband and I wanted to cry, and I think we actually did. We knew Steve got it. He saw that our son was precious, despite his challenges. Thanks be to God! Now that he was an official MPCS student, we would all do what was necessary to help everyone involved in his education to understand his needs. Mr. Steve Bohlmann (Academic Dean) and Mrs. Katy Rogers (Curriculum Specialist) helped us determine the appropriate placement for Jackson. They set our minds at ease that resources were available at MPCS. We met Mrs. Brenda Ray (middle school counselor) and the sixth-grade team. They were wonderful. All of them engaged in the process of wanting to do the best for our son not only academically, but spiritually, athletically, and artistically. At our suggestion, the faculty was able to purchase a computer software program called ‘Kurzweil’ that would help Jackson, as well as other

Written by Meg Calhoun, MPCS Parent

Obstacles OvercomeThe righT plaCe aT The righT TiMe

There are so many insTances when i have wiTnessed These individuals give of Themselves To help proTecT my son’s digniTy and self-esTeem.


goal seTTer

students, in reading, writing, and test taking. Both Mrs. Erin Richardson and Mrs. Angie Fowler, Jackson’s resource teachers in middle school, were instrumental in coordinating the efforts of the team teachers to implement the Kurzweil system to help him with testing. Mrs. Brenna Bitler (Directed Studies) and Mr. Steve

Bohlmann haven’t missed a beat and are doing the same for Jackson in the high school. We have been able to share details about dyslexia to help the MPCS community understand why kids like Jackson may run the wrong way on a play in football practice, stutter on a word when giving a speech at the eighth-grade student forum, or might not be able to read well enough for the part in High School Musical, Jr. Despite these obstacles, Jackson has been able to succeed in so many of these areas due to the guidance he has received from his teachers. Now in ninth grade, Jackson has an incredible network of supportive friends and families. We all do. They, along with the staff, have encouraged his involvement in worship services, football, and performing arts. There are so many instances when I have witnessed these individuals give of them-selves to help protect my son’s dignity and self-esteem. Finally, one of my most touching moments as a parent was when Jackson was given the Timothy award by Bible teacher, Mrs. Heather Cook, at the end of eighth grade. This award is given to the students who demonstrate courtesy and respect for others, who exhibit good sportsmanship, and who are more than willing to be of assistance to anyone who needs help without credit. That was accomplished by love. Through Him and by Him – that is Mount Paran.

we have shared deTails abouT dyslexia To help Them undersTand

Jackson Calhoun is a ninth-grade student

at MPCS. He began riding a two-wheeled

bicycle at the age of three and was 11 when

he watched his first Tour de France. At 13,

he and his father completed the “Bike Ride

Across Georgia” totaling 391 miles in five

days. Jackson began riding with Free Flight

last spring and joined the Junior Flyers of

Roswell to begin riding in Category 5 races.

With the guidance of experienced riders

who are his Christian mentors, Jackson trains

1.5 hours a day with ‘Trainer Road’ software

so he will be ready for his first race later this

year. He also has plans to join the Rome Velo

Cycling Team.

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W What truly makes a community strong is its commitment to know and to be known by one another. This takes both initiative and vulnerability. At Mount Paran Christian School, our teachers and administrators are not merely students of methods and techniques, but of people. They listen to and engage with the students. They seek to understand what makes them unique, and instruct them in ways that they can understand. Our teachers are teachable. They are dedicated to furthering their own knowledge of how students learn best, and then applying that knowledge in their personal relationships with them. One way our lower school teachers have proven their commitment to knowing students deeply is through their study and implementation of the Orton-Gillingham Multi-Sensory approach to reading, spelling, and written expression. All kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers, as well as one preschool teacher, spent two weeks of their summer being trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach. The content of the training is based on more than twenty years of research on reading acquisition. The goal in receiving this training is to equip teachers to better facilitate the process of learning to read, spell, and write. Orton-Gillingham is a hands-on, sequential phonics program that utilizes all learning modalities, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Teachers are trained to recognize and respect the different ways students learn, so they can meet students where they are. Their instruction is engaging, emphasizes discovery and understanding, and is aided by frequent opportunities to practice spelling, writing, and reading skills within meaningful context. This multi-sensory approach moves away from rote learning to making

connections between letters and sounds in order to read words and spell. Students learn to apply phonics rules that open them up to the wide world of reading.

The Orton-Gillingham approach, when partnered with Wright Skills Phonics and the Gear Up guided reading program, provides a three-pronged curriculum that produces successful readers. It helps students become adept at identifying the component sounds of words, and allows them to achieve rapid and accurate word identification. Automaticity (the stage at which a skill is performed automatically, without hesitation), as related to word identification, is vital to reading comprehension. With greater automaticity, more insightful reflection can be given toward the meaning of the text. Instructional Support teacher, Tina Peach, has served in education for forty years, and considers Orton-Gillingham to be the most effective approach. In her opinion, it allows for immediate feedback from the students, differentiation of instruction, and constant reinforcement, all of which allows teachers to know and implement what works best for each individual student. Another way our teachers have dedicated themselves to knowing their students and their needs more deeply is through the gifted endorsement program. In August, seventeen pre-school through seventh grade teachers and support staff entered a two-year gifted endorsement program. Through this program, teachers will come to understand the characteristics of gifted students, their strengths, weaknesses, problems, and behaviors. This understanding will aid teachers in identifying gifted students, and addressing their cognitive and language abilities, interests, learning styles, motivation, creativity, and energy levels, personalities, self-concepts, habits and behaviors. This knowledge will benefit advanced and traditional students in all classrooms as teachers incorporate instructional techniques that challenge each student appropriately. To know one another deeply is the goal of all staff at Mount Paran Christian School. Nowhere is this more evident than in the genuine manner in which teachers interact with their students in the classroom.

Written by Janie Niswonger

Academics

grades pk3-seven

our TeaChers are noT Merely

sTudenTs of MeThods and

TeChniques, buT of people.

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Teachable Teachers


At MPCS, high school upper classmen have had the opportunity to delve more deeply into scripture through learning Koine Greek, the original language used to record the gospels. Mr. Jeremy Krans first introduced the course into the curriculum in 2006 and Mr. Robert Morehouse has taught the course for the past two years. Koine Greek is different than the modern Greek language. For instance, have you ever tried to read a copy of Canterbury Tales in the original middle English? You would recognize some of the words and likely get a feel for the syntax, but some terms will escape you and the word order will at times, confuse you. This is very similar to the difference between Helenistic Greek of the first century Near East — the setting of the New Testament’s composition — and the language spoken in Athens today. When asked how the course helps students grow in their faith, Mr. Morehouse responded, “Gaining a knowledge of the language in which the New Testament was first written, allows students to develop a deeper appreciation for the meaning of the text. In addition, there are some passages of Scripture where the line between two different meanings is very fine. A firm understanding of Greek can help one navigate these possibilities for oneself.” Blake Trenary, a member of the MPCS class of 2012 and current Berry College student who studied Greek for two years at MPCS, said, “From my individual experience studying Greek, I gained an expanded view not only of the intent of the New Testament authors, but also of the richness of the Christian tradition. There is just something about Greek that draws me closer to God when I study the New Testament, because I gain a closer understanding of what God intended to be written down when he inspired the New Testament authors to write.” Blake believes that the study of Greek provides additional benefits beyond the study of Scripture, noting that “the study of classical languages in general has enhanced my knowledge of English grammar to the point that I can articulate, in speech and in writing, what I believe to other people in a clearer and more systematic way.” She recommends it for highly motivated students who want to know more about Scripture and don’t mind being challenged. “I originally signed up for Greek because I love Greek mythology,” said current MPCS senior, Lauren Craig, “but studying biblical Greek gives a person a completely different view of the Greek culture.” Lauren notes that a better understanding of the Greek culture helps to provide context as she studies Scripture, thereby encouraging her to delve more deeply into the content. Junior Ori Attah also shares that the study of Greek has helped her grow in her faith, noting that “it has helped me understand God more deeply, because I see how complex and detailed the New Testament really is. I think that as Christians we tend to take Scripture lightly, but once you begin to understand the Greek, your eyes are opened to a whole new realm of the Bible.”

Written by Eric Bradley and Rob Morehouse

high sChool

Middle sChool

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The Hughes Gymnasium was the setting on Friday, October 12, 2012 for the annual middle school Student Forum Convention, a gathering of all middle school students and staff at which the Forum president was elected by delegate voters from sixteen “states”. Following weeks of learning and exploring about our country’s political process, including two days spent with Dr. Tilley as the eighth grade social studies teacher, students enthusiastically embraced the election process as it aligned with the national presidential election events. Student delegates arrived to the “convention center” dressed to reflect their chosen state names: the State of Confusion, the State of Camo, the State of Nerds, the State of Mr. Phillips, just to name a few. Each eighth grade student vying for the presidency was introduced by his/her campaign manager, followed by impressive speeches by the candidates themselves. Presidential candidates were: Emily Blackburn (Andy Crain, campaign manager); Abigail Dodson (Matthew Ramsey, campaign manager); Jared Knox (Hyl Kimbrough, campaign manager); David Oyola (Griffin Kim, campaign manager), and Carter Smith (Natalie Hammonds, campaign manager). This year’s speeches were among the best ever as evidenced by staff comments. Following spirited demonstrations throughout the convention, delegates elected Jared Knox as this year’s Student Forum President. Congratulations to all who planned and coordinated this powerful instructional and real life activity.

Student Forum ConventionWritten by Steve Shelton

The Gospel of Greek

your eyes are opened To a whole new realM of The bible.


WRelationships MatterWritten by David Lowery

While not excited about switching schools in the sixth grade, senior Matt McKenzie now realizes that coming to MPCS was the right move. Blessed with many great relationships that have shaped and influenced his life during the last six years, Matt has developed a core group of friends that hold each other accountable. “Deep, strong relationships with guys like Doug, Keith, Daniel, and Drew have impacted me greatly. We will always be friends,” says McKenzie. “But I will never forget the impact of my coaches either. Always encouraging me to give my best on and off the field, they taught me as much about being a Christian man as they did about being an athlete. For that, I am extremely grateful!” At a school where students participate and apply themselves in so many areas, Matt is one of the truly remarkable young people at Mount Paran Christian School. Known for being grounded spiritually, driven academically, and gifted athletically, Matt is a great representative for MPCS. Whether as a team captain in football and wrestling or a PMI leader in high school, McKenzie leads by example and lets his actions speak for themselves. “Matt pursues excellence in every facet of this life,” states athletic director and head football coach, Mitch Jordan. Achieving a 4.21 GPA in AP and honors level courses, an 1880 SAT, and a 29 ACT, Matt has balanced such aca-demic rigor with the demands required to excel in football, wrestling, and baseball. “In my 40 years of working with young people, Matt McKenzie is one of the most complete players I have ever had the pleasure of coaching,” states Kenny Palmer. “Matt loves Jesus, is a great student-athlete, and dedi-cates himself to all three sports played. He’s a difference-maker.” Outside his obvious mental and physical strengths, Matt’s unwavering faith is equally impressive for someone his age. Seeking to honor and glorify

God in everything he does, Matt has developed a true pas-sion for serving others. “Having been on multiple mission trips, both domestic and foreign, I truly believe that serv-ing others comes from our relationship with Christ,” states McKenzie. “I have been blessed to see servant-leadership modeled from some of the most godly men and women I know while at MPCS. I have tried to follow their examples.” W

Athletics

sTrong relaTionships

have impacTed me greaTly.


Matt McKenzie, pictured far left, with teammates Doug Legg, Keith Johnson, Daniel Gray, and Drew Renno.


Written by David Lowery

CHAMPIONS CROWNED

CC MiLESTONESJunior Joey Carr is beginning to gain recog-nition as an elite runner. A recent selection to the All-Cobb County Cross Country Team, Joey has competed at the highest level against runners from schools of all sizes: first at Landmark, second at Asics, second at Berry, and sixth at county. Those finishes against top competition would eventually help prepare Joey for the region champi-onship, a meet he won by 25 seconds. His runner-up finish at state was very rewarding but Joey knows he can do better. “I ran a little too fast in the beginning and it hurt me towards the finish,” states Carr. An intense competitor, Joey plans to work hard dur-ing track and summer season to help him reach his goal of winning at state next year. “Joey is a very driven young man with an outstanding work ethic,” stated Coach Jason Beard. “I know he wishes to run in college. Given Joey’s dedication to the sport and his level of motivation, I would not be surprised to see him reach his goals next season.”

The fall sports season concluded with Mount Paran Christian’s first-ever state championship in com-petition cheerleading. Coming off a runner-up finish that was decided by a narrow margin in 2011 and with a majority of starters returning in 2012, the competition cheerleading squad was motivated and determined to do what was necessary for claiming a state title. The team committed to one another and to their coaches the type of work required both in and out of season. The process began in the summer with multiple practice sessions every week for improved strength and conditioning. This sport-appropriate training would benefit the team with increased power, explosion, stamina, and endurance. It would also allow them to increase the difficulty of their stunts and routines while preventing injury. The team attended invitation-only and choreography camps. “It’s a long season once we get started in August—practice most every day, with games on Fridays and competitions on Sat-urdays,” states Coach Paige Johnson. “Off-season training is very important to our success in-season.” The coaches also laid the groundwork by setting team and individual goals for the season. Winning a state championship would require teamwork. It would require sacrifice. It would require trusting one another. “We had tremendous buy-in to be ‘all in’ this year,” states Coach Paige Johnson. “The team expected to win state this year and worked hard to make it happen.” There was an incredible sense of team unity that started back even before summer workouts. “We also wanted this season to be about more than just our team,” states Coach Tawanna Rusk. “We wanted to be ambassadors for school spirit.” The team adopted the motto for the year as “Cheering for an Audience of One.” Ultimately, the team sought to honor and glorify God with their talents on and off the mats. In the end, all the hard work paid off with a state title. “We couldn’t be more proud of these girls!” states Coaches Johnson and Rusk. With a solid nucleus returning and some new talent joining the team in 2013, the future looks bright for competition cheerleading at MPCS! W

Competition Cheerleading State Champs

2012-2013 Varsity Competition Cheerleading Squad: Seniors–Christina Barger, Morgan Kolker, Caitlin Cooley. Juniors–Savanah Eubanks, Alayna Moss, MacKenzie Kitchens. Sophomores–Hailey Bednar, Ashton Butler, Ansley Bolen, Emily Johnson, Sarah Beth Johnson, Janae Edwards, Peyton Rusk, Margaret Ann Merritt. Freshmen–Charlotte Dayton, Elizabeth Legg. Manager–Lexi Taylor


TWritten by Cary Brague and Meagan Morgan

HOW MPCS iS FiNDiNG SuCCESS iN THE ARTS

The fall of 2012 has been an incredibly rewarding time for the MPCS performing arts. Participation in our high school show choir, mpFX, doubled in size, represented the school at the North Georgia Fair, will perform in Pigeon Forge in the spring, and has inspired the middle school’s first show choir, Rhapsody. Our marching band was exemplary in its competition performances, receiving honors with wins against bands two and three times the size of our unit. Students in the band, chorus, and orchestra programs have been accepted into the Georgia Youth Symphony, and have earned prestigious distinctions for placement in the Georgia Music Educators Association district and all state ensembles. Also, two students were accepted into the All State Band, and four were accepted into the All State Chorus.

The pinnacle of this success came as the high school musical theater production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was received among 50 other high schools into competition for the 2013 Shuler Hensley Awards (award nominations to be published in March). The Joseph production won the 2012 GHSA Single A State Championship for One-Act Play competition against some very challenging schools from across the state. This accomplish-ment has positioned the arts at MPCS as a premier program in the area.

With the growth and heightened activities of the performing arts department, it could be very easy for students to get lost in the crowd, or to “fall between the cracks”; however, the experience has been just the opposite. It is by God’s grace that we have been successful. Truly, as we focus on the meaning of His gifts within us, we are encouraged and energized to continually hone and refine the many facets of the jewels that we are given to magnify His wondrous story. As the tale of Joseph from the Old Testament endears itself to our hearts at an early age in children’s Bible study classes, it is one that provided an even deeper message to everyone involved in the award-winning production.

As the directors worked through the play, staging each scene and choreo-graphing each song, and as they took the play to higher levels of skill within the performance, they began to see the transformative character of Joseph take place not only in the show, but also in the hearts and minds of our students who were performing.

With a musical theater production engaging almost fifty students on stage wearing more than one hundred costumes, a weekend of performances followed by two days of a regional competition, and a weekend of a state-level

Arts

a fall To rise



competition, the cast and crew were truly tested in many ways! However, they were reminded that Joseph lived by faith in God and never gave up.

Mount Paran Christian School hosted the regional One-Act Play competition in The Murray Arts Center with almost two hundred guests and six different schools and plays performing on the Kristi Lynn Theatre stage. Our students doubled their efforts as hosts as well as being competitors! It took an army of parent and staff volunteers, but our team persevered. Their hard work and dedication was rewarded during this wonderful experience; one that the students will likely never forget.

A production of the magnitude of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, was an opportunity for performing arts students to take their gifts and talents to the next level. Not only did our students rise above the challenges, the story of Joseph resonated deeply, bringing many of them farther along in their walk with Christ. This outcome will benefit the students eternally which truly makes the One-Act Play state championship title so much sweeter. W

...to refine the many facets of the jewels that we are given

to magnify His wondrous story.

Written by Adam Slocum

This past September, middle school students in the drama department had the opportunity to perform A

Little Princess, written by Edith Weiss. The play provided opportunities for our student-actors and their audience

to consider diversity in a manner that is gentle yet thought-provoking. As a cast, the students examined and

discussed how we as Christians want to appreciate and love other people, regardless of who they are, where they

are from, what they have done, or what they do. This ideal fits perfectly into the theme for the school year: to be

known deeply. After all, isn’t that what we as humans truly desire – for someone to take notice of our life?

Having the opportunity to be in community with other people is not something Christians should take for

granted — specifically, the students in middle school. But what does it mean to be “known deeply?” To be

“known” means to be understood, valued, and appreciated; to take a walk in another man’s shoes, and to be in

connection with one another. It was our hope that through the content and performance of A Little Princess, MPCS

student and family audiences came away with a deeper desire to seek and identify value in all people, regardless

of who, what, or where one is in their life journey.

Isn’t that what we as humans truly desire – for someone to take notice of our life?

MPCS Middle School Performing Arts:

A LITTLe PRINCeSS


TThe 2012 fall semester witnessed a series of landmark events for the MPCS band program. In events sponsored by the Georgia Music Educators Association (the statewide governing body for school music activities), our students distinguished themselves in three categories of musical competition — large ensemble, small ensemble, and individual performance. In large ensemble, the marching band progressed steadily throughout the competitive season, culminating in a victory at their final event where they swept all categories in a competitive class higher than our actual enrollment category. In small ensemble, our students received superior and excellent ratings at middle school solo and ensemble festival. In individual performance, our students earned high placements in GMEA Honor Band and All-State Band, including first-chair rankings in one of the most competitive band districts in North America.

The MPCS band program has an advantage over larger bands at other schools; each MPCS musician is treated as a unique, integral, and indispensable part of our musical community. The smaller class size allows for students to be known more deeply, and musical instruction is tailored to individual needs and interests. In addition to more one-on-one time, our students have a greater responsibility for performing their parts than they would be in a band with multiple players on each instrument.

This is particularly manifested in the marching band. The traditional model, consisting of hundreds of students, does not allow for individual expression or creativity. At some schools, band members may become lost in the shuffle — cogs driving a machine, rather than artists with personalities. At MPCS, however, students enjoy multiple opportunities for creativity. Much of the music that is played in the stands is arranged by students who write the music and then instruct one other, utilizing technology and non-traditional instruments such as digital keyboard, digital drums, harmonica, and electric violin. While the band traditionally marches in uniform, this year the members performed without helmets and wore Converse sneakers. This was a symbolic move that encouraged the audience to see the band members as individuals able to come together to cre-ate a unified artistic product.

When MPCS band members graduate, they are not only equipped with the skills they need for continued musical success, they also have a firm foundation in mind and spirit. MPCS band alumni are currently using their skills to play in marching and concert bands at NCAA division I schools such as Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt University, Mississippi State University, the University of Georgia, and at other regional universities such as Young Harris College, Jacksonville State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, and Belmont University.

The MPCS band program feels very much like a family. Many students take beginning band in fifth grade and continue throughout high school. During this time they form lasting bonds with the other musicians, parents, and teachers. They support each other throughout the process of growing up spiritually, intellectually, and artistically. High school band students take pride in mentoring the younger students, and encourage them to do their best using the musical tools with which they have been blessed. Students are passionate about their music, which comes across on stage whenever they play. This spirit of a community of believers serving God through their music is the core of the MPCS band.

Written by Billy Flood

Arts

Band Champs

…encouraging them to do their best using the musical tools with which they have been blessed.

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Above: Amanda Jogie. Below from left: Christian Rule, Thomas Paschal, Sam Crisp, Sam Arrants, and Chandler Ruff.


Written by Cary Brague

Written by Tiffany Westbrook

As MPCS endeavors for each student to “be known deeply,” the school is extending this ethos to the surrounding community through the activities of The Murray Arts Academy. This program offers after-school training through music, acting, and dance classes and is quickly becoming the place to further student-development in the arts. Of these multiple open-door community arts educational offerings, dance, in particular, has experienced tremendous growth during the last few months. In August, the Murray Arts Academy dance program doubled its projected enrollment with the majority of students coming from MPCS, local private schools, and many homeschool programs. These students were all included in the MPCS fall performances to high acclaim. Comments from parents of community students articulate how the Murray Arts Academy has rejuvenated the passion of their children to study the arts, primarily attributed to how their children are received and treated by their teachers. The Murray Arts Academy dance programs are quickly becoming a conduit for both MPCS and non-MPCS families to excel in their God-given abilities and gifts. In addition to dance and drama classes, the Murry Arts Academy offers private strings, piano, band, and voice lessons. Class information can be found at www.mtparanschool.com/maa.

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Knowing our Community

On Campus

True Colors Shine Through

Through the Arts

If you’ve ever strolled the halls of Mount Paran Christian School on any given day, you have probably experienced the energy of this place – an innate sense of family and school pride. Many feel God’s presence among the students and faculty as well as a higher standard of excellence. Prior to the 2012-2013 school year, the interior of the academic buildings were fairly bland, with only children’s artwork adding appropriate personality. The environment truly needed an update to reflect the warmth of our spirited culture. As soon as classes ended in May of 2012, work began to add color and life to the lower and middle school walls. Along with these unexpectedly fun hues, a 30-foot mural was commissioned for the Mulkey Building middle school side entrance. Our uber-talented art teachers, Mrs. Jill Hooley, Mr. Jake Richardson, and Mr. Jonah Fisher collaborated to create a mural capturing all aspects of the Mount Paran Christian School experience. The Sewell Cottage preschool building also completed its cottage courtyard makeover with the addition of a “faux” window, shutters, awnings, and paint. Eagle spirit is evident throughout the main hallways with the addition of

blue columns and accent walls. Color was also brought into the high school building after school began. Visitors will admire many new photo enlargements and canvases showcasing the heart of our students in action. Plans to add more photos and Scripture verses throughout the halls in coming months will only enhance this atmosphere – one where our students are truly excited to come everyday and learn.


I It doesn’t matter who’s looking at it. When a parent, student, faculty member, or someone else from the MPCS community looks at the school calendar for the upcoming school year, typically the event that they look for first is the annual homecoming event in the fall. A highly anticipated event each school year, homecoming is the one event that brings the entire Mount Paran Christian School community (parents, students, faculty, and alumni) together for a special time of fun activities and the establishing and/or renewing of relationships within our school family. As you might guess, an event of this magnitude doesn’t just happen without a good plan and a lot of people committed to making it work. Consequently, there is a great deal of effort, time, and resources that go into homecoming week to make it a success each year. This year’s homecoming event was one that many will remember for years to come. Themed as A Blast from the Past by the high school Student Government Association (SGA), the participation and creativity throughout the week was amazing. From the junior class winning both the float competition and annual powder puff football game, to the sophomores beating the seniors in the class spirit competition by a narrow margin, the week was full of laughter, fun, and memories. The school-wide parade and pep rally concluded spirit week for all in attendance with a special appearance by Vanilla Ice (a.k.a. Coach Mitch Jordan) and a performance by the State Champion Competition Cheerleading squad. It all culminated with more than 300 of the 400 high school students attending the homecoming dance on Saturday night.

However, what most people will remem-ber about homecoming is the presentation of the court and the naming of the queen at halftime of the football game. A sold-out, ca-pacity crowd was on hand to experience the pageantry and presentation of the night’s main event. A group of young ladies who were chosen to represent Mount Paran Christian School well, consisted of freshmen, Sara Kathryne Brumbelow, Abigail Meyer, and Morgan Paine; sophomores, Ashlyn Hutchinson, Emily Johnson, and Sara Beth Johnson; juniors, Sydney Murphy, Amanda Petit, and Mallory Pettet; seniors, Amelia Hunt, Hannah Lupas, and Valentina Velasquez. The night concluded with senior Amelia Hunt being named 2012 MPCS Homecoming Queen, receiving her crown from 2011 Queen, Ms. Mary Margaret Griffin. All the activities that make up spirit week — the dress-up/theme days, the designing/building of class floats, the powder puff football games, the school-wide parade and pep rally, the homecoming court presentation and football game on Friday, and the homecoming dance on Saturday night — make this a most memorable event. And what makes this week so unique at MPCS is that from preschool to high school, all our students are involved in homecoming in one way or another.

Written by John Braswell

The mosT highly anTicipaTed

evenT of The school year.

As part of the class Homecoming challenge this past fall, students competed in collecting food for the 11 Alive Can-a-thon. Overall, the MPCS student body collected more than 8,000 cans!

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HOMECOMiNG

On Campus

at Mount Paran Christian School



‘12Alumni Dinner

More than 120 MPCS alumni were in attendance for the 2012 Alumni Dinner event held on Friday, November

2, 2012. Alumni from the first class of 1988 to the class of 2012 were in attendance, along with several MPCS

faculty and staff for this special event. The Happy Belly Curbside Kitchen food truck provided a deliciously fresh

farm-to-table organic meal that was enjoyed by all. Alumni also enjoyed a Smile Booth this year with silly and

serious photos taken that added great fun and special keepsake memories. Special alumni presentations were

made during the homecoming game halftime.

Mr. Josh Smith, class of ’03, was presented with the Alumnus of the Year award. The Honorary Alumni of the

Year award was presented to Dale, Cindy, and Lauren Hughes for their many years of service and support to Mount

Paran Christian School.

Classes from 2007, 2002, and 1992 hosted reunions around this same weekend. The class of 2007 hosted

a five-year reunion dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on Thursday night, November 1. Alumna Jordan Freeman

said, “It was great catching up with friends from school and share what we are now doing after MPCS.” The

class of 2002 hosted a ten-year reunion dinner at Ippolito’s Italian Restaurant on Saturday, November 3. Alumna

Laura (Elliott) Baumeister and her husband, John Baumeister, now living in Raleigh, North Carolina, flew in for

the reunion. Laura shared that there were 16 alumni, along with their families, in attendance and several made

the trip from out of town. (Laura and John Baumeister–Raleigh NC; Tara Ellison–Jacksonville NC; Aaryn and

Todd Marquardt–Orlando FL; Jonathan and Lindsey Reeves–Nashville TN, Katie and Jonathan Page–outside

Chattanooga TN). “We ended up staying and talking for four hours! It was a wonderful night!” Laura exclaimed.

The class of 1992 celebrated a 20-year reunion dinner at Ray’s on the River in Atlanta. Alumnus Michael

Hodges shared that there were about 25 alum and their families in attendance. Alumnus, Matt Baughman, shared

the following thought on behalf of the class of 1992: “We had a great turnout for the 20-year reunion of the 1992

class. It was fantastic to see so many good friends and hear about all the incredible things people have been doing

over the past few years. I know we’re all looking forward to seeing each other again soon.”

Current MPCS parent and Alumna Brittany Robson wrote, “We had a wonderful evening at Ray’s on the River

celebrating our 20-year reunion. It was great to see the awesome things God is doing in all of our lives, and how

the academic and spiritual foundation we received at Mount Paran has impacted our lives as adults. As a Mount

Paran parent as well, it makes me so proud to have graduated from this amazing school and one day watch my

children do the same.”

From top: Dr. Tilley with Cindy and Dale Hughes, Class of 1992 and 2002 Reunions, and Happy Belly Food Truck. Left: Dr. Tilley with Josh and Ioana Smith.

Written by Cindy Gibbs

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Alumni


Alumni

Karen Simmons ‘91Karen attended Berry College and the University of Georgia. She is the director of a local non-profit organization. She has a daughter named Valerie-Grace. The Simmons family resides in Marietta, GA.

Erin Cheek Robbins ‘94Erin earned her undergraduate degree in Secondary Social Science from Samford University and her Masters from UAB in Secondary History Education. She has her National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Social Science. Erin shares that she is married to Chris Robbins and they live in the Birmingham, AL area. They have three children; Anna, Clay, and Sam. After teaching middle school full-time for several years, Erin now teaches part-time for a large homeschool co-op program and is the curriculum coordinator.

Mark Layton ‘96Mark graduated from Kennesaw State University and is currently employed with a local company in the printing industry. He resides in Woodstock, GA.

Jason Walker ‘97Jason graduated from Kennesaw State University. He is a product manager for a local corporation. He resides in Kennesaw, GA.

Endien Montgomery Freeman ‘98Endien is married to Trey Freeman and they have three children: Kate (4), Samantha (2), and Madison (2). Endien is enjoying staying at home with her family. The Freemans reside in Marietta, GA.

Karla Fairchild Louissaint ‘98Karla is married to Steve Louissaint and they have one child. Karla works in sales for a local corporation. The Louissaint family resides in Marietta, GA.

Jared Davis ‘01Jared graduated from Shorter College with a degree in Theater and Performing Arts. He is married to Jessica Davis, who also teaches high school art at MPCS. Jared and Jessica have a son named Cayden and their family resides in Woodstock, GA.

Aaryn Phillips Marquardt ‘02Aaryn attended Cedarville University and Kennesaw State University. She works as a healthcare recruiter. She is married to Todd Marquardt and their family resides in Orlando, FL.

Caroline Janas Bradford ‘03After graduating from MPCS in 2003, Caroline completed her undergraduate degree and graduated in 2008 from Samford University. She has come full circle with her alma mater and is the Physical Education Director at Mount Paran Christian School. In addition to this, Caroline coaches varsity tennis and varsity girls’ softball. In 2011 the MPCS varsity tennis team went to the quarterfinals. Caroline is married to Josh Bradford and they reside in Marietta, Georgia.

Brittany Sigman Holbrook ‘04Brittany writes that she and her husband Scott welcomed their third child, Addison in September 2012. Josiah is five and is in Kindergarten, and AnnaBeth is three and attends preschool. Brittany has recently transitioned from the work force to staying at home full-time. Her husband, Scott, owns his own business and Brittany handles the accounting and bookkeeping from home. They volunteer and serve at Connection Pointe Church of God in the children’s department and also with the college/career class. The Holbrook family resides in Marietta, GA.

Devin Phillips ‘04Devin graduated from Samford University and is in his third year of law school. He resides in Marietta, GA.

Katherine Bridges Walton ‘05Katherine graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She is currently working with a local CPA firm. She is married to Stephen Walton and they reside in Marietta, GA.

Whit Davis ‘06Whit graduated from Johnson and Wales University and is currently working with Gabriel’s Desserts as a baker. On February 3, 2013, Whit and Lindley Reynolds were married. They reside in Woodstock, GA.

CLASS UPDATESTo update your information, visit the alumni page on our website www.mtparanschool.com. Be sure to stay up-to-date about the latest school and alumni information by joining the MPCS Alumni group on Facebook!

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by Megan Perry, MPCS Alumna ’09 and MPCS Development Intern

MPCS alumnus Ben Mayhew, class of 2003, better known these days as Capt. Benjamin Mayhew, was welcomed as the new commander of A battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), 11th ADA Brigade on Patriot Field on August 16, 2012. Mayhew assumed command during the ceremonial passing of the battery guidon, which signifies that the soldiers of the unit will never be without leadership. Mayhew is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and has been part of the brigade throughout his five year career in the Army. Mayhew was quoted in the Fort Bliss Monitor on September 6, 2012 when interviewed by Sgt. Todd Robinson, as saying, “I feel honored and privileged to be out front, and I am overwhelmed by the opportunity and position I am now in.” Congratulations, Ben, for this recent accomplishment and the MPCS community is grateful for your service to our country.

Beau O’Dell ‘06Beau shares that he is a firefighter EMT with Cobb County. He is married to Emily and they have a two year-old daugh-ter named Elliana. Beau and his family reside in Dallas, GA.

Tiernan Phillips ‘06Tiernan graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently working as an analyst for a local consulting firm. He resides in Marietta, GA.

Eric Tweedle ‘07Eric recently graduated from the University of Georgia with Honors in the Terry School of Business. He is now working in Buckhead, Georgia for AT&T as a corporate Sales Manager.

Daniel Vaughn ‘08Daniel attends Kennesaw State University. He works in the marketing department for the Kawasaki Corporation. He resides in Kennesaw, GA.

Meagan Sabato ‘09Meagan shares that she will be graduating in May 2013 with a B.S. in International Affairs with a minor in Pre-Law from Georgia Tech where she is currently a senior. She has been involved with GT Motorsports, the Formula SAE team at Georgia Tech, and was nominated Team Leader in her senior year. She is the first female and first non-engineer to hold this position in the team’s 26-year history. She manages students from various academic backgrounds, manages budgets of $80,000+, and finds additional funding for the team to build a one-off prototype race car to be raced at the Michigan International event. Last year they placed 22nd out of 120, and are hoping to finish this year in the top 15. After graduation, she is planning to work with a current team sponsor. Meagan is a founding member of Georgia Tech’s chapter of Ratio Christi and the Student Alumni Association.

Nathan Schreer ‘12Nathan is a current student at the University of Georgia where he is working on his degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral studies. He serves at Central Presbyterian Church in Athens, as the Director of Youth Music.

Alumni Corner

Check out our MPCS alums posing in the smile booth at the Homecoming 2012 Alumni Dinner


DEAR MOuNT PARAN CHRiSTiAN SCHOOL FAMiLy OF SuPPORTERS,

With the abundant blessings of our faithful Lord and generous donors like you, 2011-2012 was another record year for Mount Paran Christian School. Your contributions to the school last year, which are critical to the annual budget and strategic plans for the future of MPCS, totaled $3,806,682.70 (including Annual Fund, designated giving, capital campaign, and GOAL). The MPCS Annual Fund remains the top giving priority, and we are grateful for the 82 percent participation our parents achieved, gaining us access to more foundation dollars. Your extraordinary responses to Annual Fund and capital campaign will significantly enhance the programs and facilities at MPCS. We will certainly look back on 2011-2012 as a year in which our families gave generously in faith and catapulted our school to the next level. It’s an honor to take this opportunity each year in the annual report to recognize the many donors which include parents, alumni, grandparents, corporate partners, foundations, and friends of the school. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we seek to provide students with the very best programs and facilities.

Jennifer r. new, Director of Development

Founders CircleCKS Packaging, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sewell

Headmaster CircleGeorge and Alecia EthridgeDale and Cindy HughesBob and Linda HuntJack and Jan LupasRiverside Oral & Facial Surgery Mike and Kim Watt

Principals CircleGreg and Janice ChastainRuss and Sandy DawsonDana and Heather HermansonRon and Lisa MulkeyLori Richardson

BellTower LevelAnonymousDoug and Sherry AndersonConnie and Heather ArnoldTodd and Kelly BartonJason and Tewana BohnKim ButlerColgate-Palmolive Matching Gift Program Scott and Robin CondraDavid and Naomi CromptonMelinda EdwardsDavid and Lea FisherHD Supply Robert and Nancy JansenEric and Michele JoyMark and Alisa JusticeJohn KleinDarin and Laurie KraetschCraig and Patti LeeRay and Myra MillerChris and Chrissy MurphyDavid OwensStefan and Kathleen PassantinoBill and K.K. PetitHarry and Terri PierceSherm and Bett Smith

Eagles CircleAnonymous (3)Anonymous – Grateful ParentMel and Barb Bokhoven with love for Jackson and Noah RobertsJoe and Kim AddisonDave and Carol ArmitageNicole AsheNick and Tina AthensTracey Axelberd In honor of my grandsons: Luke, Clay and Reid Van de VateKevin and Karen BarlowHorace and Lyn BennettJohn and Linda BlomScott and Terri BrooksSteve and Lori CannonBrad and Christy CarrollThe Chess Guy Inc. The Coca-Cola Company Matching Gifts Program Greg and Paula CryanMike and Mindy DixonMark and Monique DroegeEric and Julie DuncanAndy and Angela FeldmanSteve and Janet FisherAndy and Catherine FloamTheresa GernattBenjamen and Mary GribbleQuinn and Kathy HallJon and Stacey HarrisIBM Matching Grants Andrew and Ashley JonesMark and Stephanie LeeDoug and Andrea LeggByron and Julianne LongShepherd and Ellen LongPaul and Liliana MajorStephen and Kelly MossJohn and Jen NeumeyerScott and Shelly PetersLeo and Sarah ReichertSteve and Rhonda RobinsonKevin and Michelle RostowskyDavid and Debbie Sheffield

Rhett and Sherry SmithDick and Kris SpainStaples Richy and Samantha StephensSunTrust Foundation Matching Gift Program David and Angie TilleyDavid and Jennifer Van de VateGuy and Bobbi VanHornDave and Tina WeberWells Fargo Foundation Edu- cational Matching Gift Program Biff and Ellen WoodruffSteve and Cyndi WoodruffGreg and Pam Youra In honor of Ashleigh Youra

Cottage ClubAnonymous (2)John and Betsy AdamsonBank of America Foundation Michael and Molly BaumMark and Karen BeanStephen and Jan BlackburnMike and Katie BrownMatt and Mary BurtonJames and Daina CannonDavid and Paula CarasChuck and Laura ChaRob and Carole ChaputJeff and Sandy CoxAndrew and Corban CrainCraig and Dona CrumpChuck and Deborah DavisAllen and Cindy DawsonKeith and Cherie DunnScott and Judith EbertKevin and Lorie EnglishPaul and Sharon FosterEric and Tiffany FrommCurt and Lori GerkenSkip and Jennifer GilcreaseMark and Nikki GrahamGlenn and Ginny Gray In honor of Daniel GrayScott and Marcy Griffin

Frank and Heather GriffithGeorge and Mary HamiltonRay HarrisonKevin and Lisa HofmannThe Home Depot Foundation Michael L. Howard, DDS Michael and Marie HowardBob and Julie JimenezDave and Sharon JohnsonJim and Laura JohnsonJohn and Jennifer JonesJohn and Racheal KayalKenn Productions, Inc. Kenn and Heather KingtonBrady and Jill KnightMary Pat LacyMarcus and Deb LigonDaniel and Paige LochridgeEric and Amy LoveBarry and Tammy LovernHarold and Marilyn MauldinPatrick and Francine MelderMichael and Carol MillerJerry and Colleen MooreEric and Jessica MorinJon and Ann NelsonNWGA Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialist Dillon and Tracy OvertonClabe and Denise PolkThomas and Cindy RaineyThom and Julie RayChip and Tammy RennoJake and Larcie RichardsonJames and Katy RogersBarry and Jo RoziewskiKevin and Tawanna RuskDavid and Ruth RussChris and Misty SaldiBill and Patti SchnureSteve and Brenda SheltonCurtis and Lisa ShochLarry and Samantha StengerP.D. and Michelle SumnerMichael and Jeri SuteAzmi M. Tawadros DDS, MD PC

Azmi and Deb TawadrosRoger and Chi Chi TaylorTravis and Theresa TrittScott and Amanda VarnerRobb and Nikki VernaJohn and Cheryl VinsonRandy and Kristin WarnerCraig and Jana WilsonStanley and Kaydell WrinkleJangHyuk and SeongHee Yun

Cabin LevelAnonymous (1)Robert and Amy AdamTim AldridgeMark and Jeanne AtencioThad and Karen BairdBaird and Baird Family Dentistry, P.C. Tony and Julie BauteBrian and Brenna BitlerJosh and Caroline BradfordCary and Lynne BragueJohn and Jill BraswellChip BrightSam and Claire BrogdonTodd and Katy BrumbelowDavid and Mary Anne ClappFred and Heather CookDan and Ann CoxWinn and Pat CrumpWesley and Janice DebnamRobin and Kelly DrawdyDavid and Kimberly EppsDavid and Mallory FarmerJohn FernCharlie and Kendra Sue FinchJason and Roni FischerLuther and Patricia ForsRichie and Jodee FosterRob and Monica FriessMark and Mindy GarrettShaun and Mary GatiponMike and Michelle Gilmore

Annual Report

2011-2012 ANNUAL FUND GIVING annualfund

gIFTS DaTeD : 7/1/11 – 6/30/12

2011-2012 ANNUAL FUND GIVINGMike and Rene GordonBrian and April GraberRick and Beth GrayJohn and Betsy HudsonSteve and Sheri IngramJones Lang LaSalle – Matching Gift Program Mitch and Neysa JordanMatthew and Jennifer KilgoScott and Kimbrell KimbroughDerrick and Linda KitchensSteve KolkerPerry and Michelle LambBryan and Kristen LarsonReggie and Brooke LopesDavid and Kathy LoweryJill MaggioreBrad and Terry MatthaidessSteve and Shannon McCuneBrian and Suzanne McGearyTate and Meredith McKeeStephen and Brooke MeltonMK Polymers LLC Virgil and Harveda MoonMike and Carol MoranMike and Ann NoonanKen NorthLori NorthRaul and Sandra OyolaGerry and Dorothy ParadaJim and Suzanne PerryAndy and Tina PiperWilliam and Charlotte Poteet In honor of Matthew LopesJoel and Ellen PughMark and Leigh RobinsonRobson Planning Group, Inc Jonathan and Brittany RobsonAndy and Trixie RoukoskiCory and Cara ScottAmy SessionsPaul and Kim SevernEric SmithScott and Kay SpruillBrett and Tricia StewartEmmett and Catina TaliaferroMark and Randi TerryDan and Stephanie TuckerRick TylerTodd and Tricia VerSteegLarry and Alison WhiteBryan and Jennifer WilsonMark and Stephanie WracherDale and Emily YakeYES–Youth Engaged in Science, LLC

Lake LevelAnonymous (11)Steven and Heidi BohlmannBJ and Parri AbbottCarey and Traci AkinMichael and Holly AkinsJimmy and Jill AlfordJason and Angel AllenChuck and Kim AllenJamie AlsobrookDavid and Joanna AustinRob and Laura BaarsMark BacchusTommy and Lauren BalasJames and Dana BargerGary and Mary Ellen BarkerJason BeardBradley and Kaitlyn BergeronMarian Blackmon In memory of Danielle PittmanRyan and Rose BloodworthBill BolenStacey BolenAndres and Vanessa BolivarDon and Debbie BonaRhett and Ali BonnerCraig and Dianna BradleyEric and Amy BradleySean and Lan BreckleyTodd and Jeanine BroganGary and Shaunda BrooksDavid and Malin BrownWilliam and Veronica BrownKen and Kris BrownMatthew and Shannon BuehlerJonathan and Emily BunnDon and Teresa BurtonTroy and Christiane ButlerDavid and Angela CampRyan and Tina CantwellTom and Heather CapozzaJon and Jennie ChandlerBill and Bethanne ChaseTony and Terri CheathamWillie and Linda ChrispWanda ClancyHarvey and Linda CochranChris and Gena CochranRick and Pam CopelandDamon and Connie CostnerBritt and Makia CottinghamMichael and Joanne CouncilDavid and Tara CraceDwayne and Amy CraigRussell and Kim CrawfordJohn Crisp and Sharon Odell

Patrick and Heather CuaJeff and LeAnn CurtisPatrick and Suzanne DaronAndy and Michelle DavenportJared and Jessica DavisShawn and Angie DavisDerek and Amee DavisBill and Teri DeatonTed and Debra DeatrickVince and Tara DeesMike and Paula DeitersBob and Nissa DeLisle32 Dental Thomas and Barbara DerrerMichael and Beverly DevaneyDoug and Cynthia DeWittScott and Marcia DietzBrenda DillonTom and Karen DozierWanda and Tim DroegeRandall and Jenna DunsonLen and Rebecca EmpieBryan and Shanon EvansSteven and LeeAnn FaulknerSteve and Amanda FinchThe First Fruits Fund Mike and Karinne FishBuck and Tina FlatfordBart and Becky Floyd In honor of Martha BakerJim and Jane FordShane and Jodi FosterRobert and Angie FowlerTim and Jennifer FoxDon FrenchWesley and Janet FulbrightEd and Jennifer GandiaRichard S. Gardner, DMD,PC Richard and Laura GardnerChris and Carol GarrettGlenn and Barbara GatiponMark and Rhonda GeorgasSteve and Debbie GibbonJerry and Cindy GibbsTony and Alice GravettDoug and Rhonda GrayPaul and Dee GrayDavid and Linda GreenSusan GribbleDonavon and Ines GroenBill and Anna GurnoShirley Hackett In honor of Michael CouncilScott and Jenny HaleJohn and Gayle HalpinSandy Hamilton

Jason and Kelly HanerScott and Ashley HankinsLarry and Kelly HardemanKeith and Jackie HarmonJules and Martine HarperLarry and Patti HarveyBen and Hayley HedrickGary and Ruth HendersonPeter HendricksTrey and Tiffany HicksJonathan and Tiffany HollisScott and Schelli HutchinsonMark and Connie JenningsKeith and Paige JohnsonMark and Todd JohnsonChad and Kim JonesChuck and Betty June KauffmanBecky KeithBill and Gail KellyHarold and Sylvia Kelly In honor of Sarah KellyTim KellyJonathan and Malissa KempBobby and Kimberly KimJohn and Christye KingstonJerry and Paula KirchhoferEddie and Cori KozakMark and Amy KraieskiDaniel and Kelly KuzioChip and April LakeTed and Leslie LandenMichael and Nancy LaneEric and Susan LatonDavid and Melva LebhaftMark and Simone LeonardDaniel and Kelly ListonDavid and Marla LitzBrion and Susan LockJeff and Wendy LockeRobert and Donna LoehrLance and Julie LovellCarol MakantMike and Diane MaldonadoBrent and Lindsey MaloneyTye and Angela MarrJohn and Rebecca MarshallMichael and Jody MartinSteve and Janet MasiarczykKyle and Susanne MasseyPerry and Val MayDon and Kathleen McCookSean and Donna McCoyWilliam and Lynn McKenzieHank and Nicole McLartyDan and Mimi MerrettJaniece Miller

David and Ann MitchellKim and Sabrina MooreEric and Kelly MoranMeagan MorganAnthony and Sandy MorrisWallace and Deborah MortonScott and Karen MostellerHarold and Jan MoteMark and Janie NiswongerTim and Deidre NortonJohn and Julie OsterlandSam and Linda ParkerMatthew PeachTina PeachShari PearsonFelton and Rachel PerryTom and Sheryl PettetJoe and Julia PhillipsRic and Jamie PhippsSteve and Lucy PolemitisAustin and Allison PugmireSteve and Megan PulleyOsbourne and Naa QuayeGreg and Lee RableChris and Kim RagsdaleRichard and Victoria RamseyRoger and Lisa RamstackBrenda RayPat and Karen ReardiganWes and Pam ReelKyle and Christina ReeseDavid and Beverley ReidJeff and Barb ReillyGus and Amanda ReynaCathy ReynoldsPeter and Julie RheeJason and Erin RichardsonErik and Ked RipleyJames and Evelyn RismillerJohn and Mickie RobertsJeff and Bonnie RoginskyJoe and Cari RomanMike and Judy RossJeffery and Kim RuffMatt and Jo RunyonMarcus and Jody RussellEd and Liz SabatoDavid and Lisa SanusiRon and Gina SbravatiCraig and Jen SchiltzAndrea SchmidtJeff and Katie SchwabScott and Amy SchwanBrent and Robin Scott

gIFTS DaTeD : 7/1/11 – 6/30/12



2010-2011 ANNUAL FUND GIVINGJulian Scott In memory of Zadie Scott and in honor of Olivia and Emily SpillaneDavid and Karen ServissSkinner and Company Todd and Linda SkinnerRodney and Elizabeth SloneBenjamin SmithBrad and Crysta SmithDavid and Lori SmithKevin and Gina SmithChuck and Rhonda SmithSomata Group, LLC Kevin and Peggy SpillanePauline StinsonGregg and Tori SturzPat and Kris SweeneyChuck and Debbie TaylorEllen TaylorJohn and Mary Lou TechmanLarry TerryLinda Terry In honor of Kyle, Grant and Brooke TerryGreg and Mary Belle ThompsonJason and Amy ThompsonWade and Angela TorpSheb and Cynthia TrueEnsign and Lisa UnderwoodMartin and Libia VelasquezChris and Sarah Vincenzi In honor of Chandler VIncenziMark and Marlene WalkerTim and Ronda WashingtonFred and Monica WatkinsJoan WeindorferDerek and Jessica WelchRoss and Tiffany WestbrookMarty and Laura WhelchelGreg and Tina WhiteStella WhiteArt and Kim WilderTracy and Lynn WillisChad and Angie WilsonPete and Greta Zefo

FriendsAnonymous (10)David AdamsSteven and Katayoun AdamsElijah and Aireka AfedzieAl AhmadiKimberly AllenWes and Shannon AndersonSteve and Donna ArrantsRachel AthensDurema BacchusRichard and Tina BakerBrad and Noelle BanksErin BarnettDavid and Kim BeattieMichael and Joanne BednarWade and Susan BeebeAdam BeebeWanda BeelerKevin and Amy BellDenise BellScott and Michele BerrymanRonald and Wanda BethelChristopher and Carrie BethelJeff and Jennifer BethelPeter and Kathie BilsonAllan and Marie Black

Rob and Liz BlalockTim and Kristen BlandAmy BlomCharles and Erin BodenJamie BognerBrian and Valerie BosBart and Melissa BoydJoel and Kathy BridgesRobert and Brandi BroomeDave and Sophie BroussardSteve and Susan BrownScott and Jill BrownFelipe’ and Angela BrownRobert and Joan BrownWalter and Jean BrownKen and Shellee BrowningKerry and Debra BuchanStephen and Kelly BurtonBrandon and Emily BurtonLarry and Meg CalhounScott and Carole CameronEmily CameronClarice CannonChris and Tracie CanterJeff and Jennifer CapenTony and Amy CargileDan and Connie CarlsonSkip and Laurie ChesshireDuke and Vickye ClaussenBobby and Linda ClayJim and Beth ColeScott and Kristen CondraThomas and Lori CooleySusie CouncilGurdon and Andi CountsMichael and Lisa CoxRobert and Julia CrittendenChris and Tara CumberlandDaniel and Fanny DadzieJeff and Nancy DarkMike and Dana DelMastroJohn and Kristy DodsonBryant and Bonnie DromeyJimmy and Tracy DupreeWill DurrettDirk and Kathy EbenerGreg and Rachel EdenJames and Shaunda EdmondsKasey EdmondsonGary EdmondsonEbbie and Paulette ErzuahRonny and Denise EstesDavid and Christina Evans In honor of Sarah EvansMark and Niki FaithAaron and Jennie FarrantLamar and Belle FaulknerCarolyn FernMark and Sharon FieldsJonah and Carrie FisherDavid and Jennifer FitzpatrickBill FloodMegan FoggAnonymous In honor of Steve Bohlmann and Greta ZefoSheila FollettElizabeth FoxMorgan FoxDavid and Janis FranklinDaphne FulbrightJeff and Stacy FusonRay and Leanne GallowayEarl and Claudette Garrett

Jack and Deborah GentryRobert and Audra GillisSteve and Kathy GreenTab and Elin GriffinKaren GrossBrian and Kathy HagemannBruce and Candice HaleBenton HammondGreg and Lisa HammondsBill and Carla HarrisPenny HarrisonAl and Lisa HartleyBen and Cristina HartmanRhett and Cindy HartzogPaul and Perry HatchSteve and Susan HaynesWilliam and Lesley HaysJoel and Lindsey HazardDennis and Elisa HensleyTim HermansonDwight and Lisa HicksLane and Marci HollandRyan and Jill HooleyMark and Mary Lyn HuffmanPhilip IanSheila JacksonTony and Kim JeansTom and Ruth JohnsonKevin and Hope JohnsonRuby JonesBilly and Kim JonesRoss and Nancy KalberTim KeplerJay and Shannon KigerAdam and Megan KingKen and Tracy KnowlesLarry and Donna KoniecznyRichard and Emily KooistraJeremy and Erin KransReggie and Misty LaGroneJennifer LaminackLand’s End, Inc. Chip and Deanna LanierJack and Kimberly LaPradNoel and Darcey LawlerCarolyn LawsonLending Resource Group, Inc. Trevor and Karen LeonardBetty LesterSharon LesterJulie LlewellynTate LlewellynBarry and Suan LoganMax LorenzHugh and Sally MacaulayDale and Shennell MackBear MahonJuliana MajorBruce and Karen MarkoAdrian and Kristan MarshallPatrizia MautiDoug and Wendy McCrabbGene and Emily McKayJohn-Pierce McKayMark and Patty McWhorterJorge and Anette MendezJack and Carey MerrittDavid and Beth MeyerRob and Martha MezeiMicrosoft Matching Gifts Program Bryan and Deborah Miller Rebekah MillerTim and Connie MooreKaitlyn Moore

Will and Dana MooreRobert and Katherine MorehouseLouie and Holly MorganMadeline MulkeyLois MullaneyJoseph and Jill MulvihillJustin and Thea NelsonKevin and Jennifer NewJonathan and Lisa NicholasAlan and Carole NicholsonSelina O’LearyBrandon and Kitt OrrLeif and Erika OwenChuck and Angel PaasGary and Angela PaineFrank PallottaKenny and Melinda PalmerNik and Sham PalomakiAndre and Nicolle ParentJeff PearsonJonas and Lindsey PerezJeff and Carolyn Perry In honor of Annette CrumptonStephen and Cathy PritchardProject 20/20 LLC Charlie and Leslie PulleyJohn and Sandy QuarlesBrad and Ginny RaineyHannah RaineySabreena RandolphCharles and Teresa ReddHal ReevesMatt and Kathy ReevesMichael and Andrea ReidGary and Regina ReznikovJeremy and Brenda RichardJan RidlenDavid and Sarah RiederMichael RismillerDon and Lois Roberts In honor of Jackson and Noah RobertsDavid and Maria RobertsLaurie RobillardRay and Susan RodriguezSam RogersSteve and Christine RossSam and Sheila RothrockMike and Margie RowanDavid and Darla RubalcavaLogan RuskLee and Cheron RyfunCara RyfunJenna SabatoChris and Heather SandersRyan SchultzCarl and Bonnie Schwan In honor of Colby, Landon and Parker SchwanGeorge and Jane ScottJohn and Karen SessFrank and Robyn SettlemyerWalter and Bonnie ShawAlison SheehanCam SkinnerAdam and Emma SlocumKeith and Angie SmithJim SnoddyJoshua and Bonnie StephensKeith and Kathy StroupRichard and Lea SullivanChristopher and Abby TantonMike and Penny TenoschokLerisson and Rosemene Timothee

Jennifer TorpGary and Martha TroutmanJohn and Julie TruonoBrian and Mandy TuckerRegan and Nicole TuckerScott and Cindy TuckerLisa TurnerKirk and Amanda UnderwoodMarcus and Kristi UnderwoodTevis UptonNichole ValianiPenny ValianiShawn and Jill VaughanTom and Melinda VignaJ.T. VinsonTim and Kathi VromanChris VromanJohn and Becky WaddleScott and Kimberly WalkSteve WatfordMark and Michelle WatkinsBilly and Cynthia WatsonRon and Melissa WatsonWes WattMike and Sonya WeberHeinz and Lillian WegenerDan and Kerry WelbornGeorge and Kathleen WelchPhillip and Kathy WelchCam and Alison WilburEddie and Maria WilliamsEric and Larshaun WilliamsKen and Shawna WilliamsBradford WilliamsBJ and Anna WilloughbyArchie and Trina WilsonJeff and Jennifer WilsonJamie and Monica WinglerKelly and Donna WoodChuck and Patty WoodardMike and Christine WoodsAngie WoodsonDavid and Rosemond YankeyJoseph YankeyEsther YeaklySung and Judy YiMichael and Chris ZaharogiannisTyler ZarnikAndrew and Kimberly Ziegelemore

Special Thanks tothe 2011-12 AF Parent CommitteeAllen and Cindy Dawson, ChairsTodd and Kelly BartonJason and Tewana BohnRhett and Ali BonnerAndy and Angela FeldmanCarolyn FernAndrew and Ashley JonesDarin and Laurie KraetschBrian and Tammy MazurDan and Mimi MerrettJohn and Julie OsterlandBrad and Ginny RaineyEd and Liz SabatoGreg and Tori SturzEmmett and Catina Taliaferro

2011-2012 ANNUAL FUND GIVING gIFTS DaTeD : 7/1/11 – 6/30/12


SMILEBOOTH

AdvancementShawn and Angie Davis

AthleticsRichard and Donna BardwellChuck and Laura ChaCKS Packaging, Inc.Duke and Vickye ClaussenCharles DroegeWilliam and Marie DurrettBen and Susan HarrellDale and Cindy HughesRF Knox Co. Inc.Jack and Barbara KnoxEric and Susan LatonJames and Donna MauJoe and Julia PhillipsPT Solutions Holdings, LLCDale and Emily YakeDavid and Ronda RamseyJeff and Bonnie RoginskyCharles and Cathy SewellDoyle ShawKevin and Gina SmithAlan and Jane StevensonAzmi M Tawadros DDS, MD PCAzmi and Deb TawadrosScott and Cindy TuckerGuy and Bobbi VanHornMike and Kim Watt

EagleBackersJohn and Linda BlomBob and Linda HuntReynold and Patsy JenningsAndrew and Ashley JonesJack and Barbara KnoxDarin and Laurie KraetschJerry and Colleen MooreRon and Lisa MulkeyHarry and Terri PierceWes and Pam ReelJames and Katy RogersAll Pro Pest ServiceChuck Clancy Dodge of CartersvilleFour of a Kind, Inc.Howell Rusk Dodson, AIARF Knox Co. Inc.Randall Lowe PlumbingMoore Properties, LLCMulkey EnterprisesRiverside Oral & Facial SurgeryBilly Upton AgencyWellstar Health SystemsWT Standard

FacilitiesChuck and Betty June Kauffman

Financial AidDavid and Naomi CromptonAndy and Michelle DavenportRichy and Samantha StephensAlan and Jane StevensonDavid and Angie Tilley

Happy Birthday JesusJohn and Sharon CrispJim and Jane FordDana and Heather HermansonRichy and Samantha Stephens

In KindAeroAtlanta Flight Center Gordon Contractors, Inc. Brad and Christy CarrollAndy and Angela FeldmanMike and Rene GordonKossover & Company Inc. Herb and Amy KossoverDarin and Laurie KraetschMark and Simone LeonardKevin and Tawanna RuskTony and Patty WernerRoss and Tiffany Westbrook

Lower SchoolDavid and Naomi CromptonMr. Benjamin Smith Jr. – 2nd grade

High SchoolRobert A. Sneed & Associates, P.C.

Marching Band BoostersAnonymous – Grateful ParentChick-fil-A at West Cobb FSU

MissionsAnonymous (2)James and Diane AbernathyJohnny and Candace AikenKamla AlexanderTim and Leah AllsNicolas and Jennifer AllumsDavid and Joanna AustinThomas and Julie AustinMark BacchusDennis and Brenda BairdTodd BaldreeMarcus and Robin BanisterJason BeardMichael and Debbie BeardAndrew BentleyRagi BhattBrian and Brenna BitlerChristopher and Amy BitlerMary BraddockJohn and Jill BraswellMichael and Lisa BrockScott and Terri BrooksLarry and Fonda BrookshireRalph and Margie BrownSean and Heather BurkeMatt and Mary BurtonCarolyn BurtonLarry and Frances ButlerScott and Carole CameronSteve and Lori CannonDavid and Paula CarasW.H. CarruthTimothy and Brigette CarruthSam CarterNancy CauthenTerry ChanceyDeborah Cheek

Janet ChihockyEd and Mary ChristopherJim and Charlotte ClayTodd and Shannon CloudHarvey and Linda CochranThomas and Lori CooleyMichelle CooperMichael and Lisa CoxKathy CrislerDuck and Cathy CunninghamJeff and LeAnn CurtisJimmy and Debbie DavisPhilip and Kuniko DeckerBob and Nissa DeLisleBeverly DeLoachTerry and Sharon DewberryJames DodsonJerry and Mary EagleMelanie EakinTim and Windy EcholsMark and Wendy EskewAndy and Angela FeldmanMichael FlynnSheila FollettTim and Jennifer FoxDavid and Janis FranklinDiane FullerRichard and Alta GaedePatrick and Melissa GilbertEmilie GilbertMitchell GlassburnMike and Rene GordonScott and Virginia GregoryScott and Marcy GriffinKeith and Sheri GrigsbyLinda GuffeltLucy HaleTammy HanbackJason and Kelly HanerJames and Lora HardinBen and Susan HarrellJay and Kelly HarrisCraig and Jamie HauerBen and Hayley HedrickEarl and Helen HeinemannJennifer HelmsWayne and Alice HendrixLance and Kathryn HerrinHazel HessDwight and Lisa HicksNatalie HigginsRyan and Jill HooleyChristi HorneBob and Linda HuntGeorge and Shana HurtMichael and Kendra IanitelloDan and Melissa JohanssonJim and Laura JohnsonDavid and Pamela JohnstonFovette JonesSarah KellyBeverly KellyTracy KetrowMichael and Lisa KiblingerSteve and Judy KinneyDerrick and Linda KitchensMary Jane and Larry KitchensMichael and Barbara KlineJack and Barbara KnoxJohn and Inwon KohNancy LambertBryan and Kristen LarsonStephen and Julia LarsonSteven and Melinda Law

Tyrone and Hope LawrenceWayne and Tandra LewisMarcus and Deb LigonPerry and Helen LivseyAndrew and Cynthia MathewsBob and Dianne MatthewsKimberly MatthewsMichael Mc GuinnHarold and Juanita McaulliffeNorrie and Lynn McKenzieScott and Sarah McLayMelanie McNuttGlen and Peggie MeltonJames MerrillJoseph and Angela MetropulosBryan and Debi MillerRobert MillerRobert and Beth MorriceRon and Lisa MulkeyRonald and Penelope MusgroveJohn MusselmanMelissa NasrDavid and Rene NeffJon and Ann NelsonJustin and Thea NelsonKevin and Jennifer NewKimberly NickensWilliam and Kimberly NixGloria O’DellJames and Patricia OdomDonald and Deborah OeschJohn O’MalleyThomas and Julie PapeviesGreg and Julie PawloskiMatthew and Clare PayneRhonda PayneShari PearsonRobert and Carrie PepiotLaura PeterPete and Janet PetitJoe and Julia PhillipsRonnie and Leah QueenEmmett and Mary QuinnClaude and Mary RainwaterTony and Joan RattereeAnn ReevesMike and Andrea ReidJeff and Barb ReillyChip and Tammy RennoGus and Amanda ReynaJan RidlenErik and Ked RipleyDavid and Deborah RobinsonWilliam and Patricia RobinsonRyan and Lindsay RoccoJeff and Bonnie RoginskyDwight and Vicki RoselerKevin and Tawanna RuskOren and Carole RuskEd and Liz SabatoScott SchoenbernerSteven SchoenbernerRodney and Diane SharpErnest and Eve SimonRebecca SimpsonRon and Tracy SkeltonSherm and Bett SmithDale and Elbert SmithRodney and Lisa SmithRick and Donna StaleyAlan and Jane StevensonCecil StewartDavid StowersOlan and Lynna Stubbs

Cheryl SwartChuck and Debbie TaylorMike and Penny TenoschokWill ThompsonAndrew ThompsonTodd and Toni TibbittsWade and Angela TorpJohn TroutmanDavid and Tammy TurnerMarcus and Kristi UnderwoodDaniel and Danielle UrbinaRobert VarelaTodd and Tricia VerSteegMike and Sonya WeberDavid and Sydney WellsSue WhiteThomas and Katherine WhiteSarah WilsonPaul and Donna YokubinasGail YokubinasJoe and Paula Yost

Organization Gifts to Missions655 WestAustin Michael Salon, LLCAutomax Rent A Car, Inc.Building Specs Inspection Services, LLCChicken WorldCobb Vineyard Church, Inc.Cotton States Insurance, Leesa Mohler AgencyCynergy Telecom LLCDickson’s TaeKwonDo PlusDiesel Fitness LLCEast Cobb Presbyterian ChurchEmkay LLCEvan Brody DPM, Inc.Freeman Team RealtyHeinemann ConstructionImpact Design-Build Contractors, LLC.Kennesaw Driving SchoolLeann Catherine Curtis, Inc.Mathnasium of AcworthNarwhal Capital Management LLCNatures Corner Market LLCNehemiah ReConstruction, LLC

THANK YOU to the Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign Donors (list on page 7)!

2011-2012 DESIGNATED GIVINGdesig-naTed giving

gIFTS DaTeD : 7/1/11 – 6/30/12

Outback Deck, Inc.Ragan Enterprises, Inc.Rainbow Cabins, LLCSequoia Management LLCSteven R. Cannon Insurance Agency, Inc.Sundial PlumbingThe Mark and Nancy Peterson FoundationTom Sharple and Associates Inc.Trummie L. Patrick Insurance Agency, Inc.Tutor DoctorYa’lls Place (Personal Chef)Yong Da Inc.

Performing ArtsStephen and Jan BlackburnMike and Katie BrownJon and Jennie ChandlerBill and Sally DeWeeseHylton and Patsy DupreeDavid and Jennifer FitzpatrickShepherd and Ellen Long

PreschoolGraham Family FoundationMark and Nikki GrahamEva GrahamSteve Graham

PTFAnonymous (2)Steve and Kathy AdamsJamie AlsobrookMichael and Molly BaumKim ButlerGurdon and Andi CountsBob and Nissa DeLisleMichael and Beverly DevaneyMike and Mindy DixonGeorge and Alecia EthridgeJim and Jane FordMark and Mindy GarrettPatrick and Melissa GilbertNatalie HigginsMichael and Marie HowardDebi JohnsonJay and Shannon KigerJohn and Christye Kingston

Daniel and Kelly ListonPerry and Val MayTodd and Tami MoschnerSharon RakestrawDick and Kris SpainRobb and Nikki VernaMark and Marlene Walker

RoboticsAmCellFix LLCTransformance Software Services Inc.

ScholarshipRay and Myra Miller in memory of Stephen Werner

Corporations and Organizations32 Dental655 WestAll Pro Pest ServiceAquatic Fountains & Installations, Inc.Austin Michael Salon, LLCAutomax Rent A Car, Inc.Azmi M Tawadros DDS, MD PCBaird and Baird Family Dentistry, P.C.Bank of America FoundationBilly Upton AgencyCarl Black Automotive GroupChicken WorldChick-fil-A at West Cobb FSUChuck Clancy Dodge of CartersvilleCKS Packaging, Inc.Cobb Vineyard Church, Inc.Cotton States Insurance, Leesa Mohler AgencyCynergy Telecom LLCDickson’s TaeKwonDo PlusDiesel Fitness LLCEmkay LLCEvan Brody DPM, Inc.Four of a Kind, Inc.Freeman Team RealtyGeneral Mills – Box Top EducationGraham Family FoundationHD SupplyHeinemann ConstructionHewitt Associates LLC Benefits Resource CenterHowell Rusk Dodson, AIAIBM Matching GrantsImpact Design-Build Contractors, LLCJones Lang LaSalle – Matching Gift ProgramKenn Productions, Inc.Kennesaw Driving SchoolLand’s End, Inc.Leann Catherine Curtis, Inc.Lending Resource Group, Inc.Lighthouse MarketingMathnasium of AcworthMichael L. Howard, DDSMK Polymers LLCMoore Properties, LLCMotherly Matters, LLCMulkey EnterprisesNarwhal Capital Management LLCNatures Corner Market LLCNehemiah ReConstruction, LLCNWGA Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialist

Outback Deck, Inc.Project 20/20 LLCPT Solutions Holdings, LLCPublix PartnersRagan Enterprises, Inc.Rainbow Cabins, LLCRandall Lowe PlumbingRF Knox Co. Inc.Richard S. Gardner, DMD,PCRiverside Oral & Facial SurgeryRobert A. Sneed & Associates, P.C.Robson Planning Group, IncSequoia Management LLCSkinner and CompanySomata Group, LLCStaplesSteven R. Cannon Insurance Agency, Inc.Sundial PlumbingSunTrust Foundation Matching Gift ProgramTargetThe Coca-Cola Company Matching Gifts ProgramThe Chess Guy Inc.The Cooper FirmThe Home Depot FoundationTom Sharple and Associates Inc.Transformance Software Services Inc.Trummie L. Patrick Insurance Agency, Inc.Tutor DoctorWells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift ProgramWellstar Health SystemsWin WearWT StandardYa’lls Place (Personal Chef)YES–Youth Engaged in Science, LLCYong Da Inc.

Each year hundreds of volunteers give generously of their time and talents. We could not do it without YOU! Thank you for your service and for all you do on behalf of our students and our school.

2011-2012 DESIGNATED GIVING gIFTS DaTeD : 7/1/11 – 6/30/12



you “tAke the credIt” ANd chANGe A lIfe

Mount Paran Christian School thanks the 133 individuals (including 2 corporations) who participated in the 2012 Georgia GOAL program. Through your support, we were able to secure $282,050 tax credit dollars for Financial Aid. This made it possible for 70 students to attend Mount Paran Christian School as GOAL recipients! We are grateful for your participation!

please noTe: The annual $51.5 million dollar cap for this Education Tax Credit was reached much earlier in 2012 than in 2011 as the popularity of this tax credit has increased since its inception in 2008.

Annual $51.5 million cap reach dates:2010 cap reached by December 31, 2010 2011 cap reached by November 1, 20112012 cap reached by August 13, 20122013 projecting the cap will be reached

as early as June 30, 2013

Applying early is strongly recommended to take advantage of the 2013 Education TAX CREDIT!

For more information regarding the Georgia GOAL tax credit program and how you can re-direct a portion of your state taxes for MPCS education scholarships, please visit our website at www.mtparanschool.com/goal or contact the development office at 770-578-0182.

noTe: This report reflects only donations processed through the development office. many “fundraisers” throughout the school (pTf, eagle backers, mount paran arts council, and other club/mission group fundraising) are not processed through development, and therefore, are not included in these reported numbers. it is our intent to be as accurate as possible in reporting donors. we realize, however, that errors may inadvertently be made, and we apologize in advance for any inaccuracies that may occur in this report. if you do notice an error, please notify the development office immediately so that we may correct the information in our database and for future reports.

Annual Fund Campaign Totals for FY 2011-2012$420,276.76

839 Total Donors (compared to 760 donors 10-11)

100% Staff Participation

100% Board Participation

82% Parent Participation

All Giving to MPCS FY 2011-2012Annual Fund $420,276.76

Imagine Tomorrow Capital Campaign $2,802,780.00

Missions $155,906.56

Financial Aid $37,422.56

Performing Arts $20,522.65

Athletics $68,115.00

Academics $19,609.46

TOTAL GIVING (compared to $2,194,990 in 10-11) $3,524,632.70

INCOME84% tuition and fees

10% Gifts and Contributions

3% student/Parent fundraisinG

2% investment inCome

1% rental, auxiliary, and other inCome

57% instruCtional

17% debt

16% administrative and oPerational

7% student aCtivities and serviCes

3% finanCial aid

EXPENSES

84%

10%

1% 3%

2%

57%

7%

17%

3%

16%

Development Summary for Fiscal Year 2011-2012

Cathy Goodman Art Gallery Exhibit Artwork by Gabby R., Grade 3

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...a place where faith and intellect grow as one

1275 Stanley Road ö Kennesaw, Georgia 30152

Upcoming Spring events:

2/1 – Summer Camp Online Registration Open

2/22-23 – School House Rock Live Jr. (Inaugural Lower School Musical)

2/26 – Band Concert

2/28 – Orchestra Concert

3/4-8 – Book Fair

3/7 – Art Night (preview on 3/6)

3/15 – High School Talent Show

3/16 – Spring Auction

3/21-23 – The 39 Steps (High School Drama)

4/16 – Choral Concert

4/19 – Junior-Senior Prom

4/24 – Service Day

4/25 – Dance Concert

4/27 – Run for the World

5/10 – Mother-Son Picnic

wingspan | winter 2013

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