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Super Saturday is Coming - April 16th, 2005

Two from SCPS to Enter Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame
The Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its 2005 class of inductees, and two of our own are among those honored. The Lawton M. Calhoun Award, the Hall's athlete of the year honor, will go to SCPS Senior Kellen Stanley. Among this year's Citation Award winners, for service to athletics, is the late Richard "Bubba" Attwood, who began the SCPS football program in 1972. The honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in ceremonies to be held on Monday, May 9, 2005 . . .

Dog Doctors
Students at Chatham Parkway in grades 3-12 recently enjoyed visits from the “Dog Doctors.” These canine physicians are 100-pound Bernese Mountain Dogs, a breed that traces its origin to the mountains of Switzerland. The “Dog Doctors” are part of a community outreach program of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine . . .

Let There Be Art
The Weeks Building on Chatham Parkway was transformed Monday evening, March 14, 2005 into a fine arts gallery as approximately 40 judges critiqued creative works of art by Middle and Upper School students submitted for the annual Reflections: A Celebration of the Arts. The judging panel was composed of representatives from local art and photography galleries, students and staff of Savannah College of Art and Design, members of the Landings Art Association, the Savannah Art Association, and community residents recognized for their artistic merit. As the judges provided written, constructive feedback for each of 450 Reflections entries . . .

The Miracle
This seven-minute video, debuted at our 2005 SCPS Dinner and Auction, provides an exciting glimpse into the history and vision of Savannah Christian Preparatory School The video includes a recounting by one of the school's founders of the miracle which helped launch the school, as well as a synchronized game film and radio broadcast football flashback to the famous "Red Alert" drive of 80 yards in the final 34 seconds of the 1981 championship game . . .

Savcps.com web redesign includes Bulletin Board
In response to faculty, staff and parent requests, we have added an SCPS Bulletin Board to the home page of our newly redesigned web site. The Bulletin Board is available for announcements, notices, inquiries and requests . . .
 

1994
Cindy Nielubowicz Burnsed and her husband Chris are proud to announce the birth of their son, Cole Edward Burnsed, on December 22, 2004 at 5:32 p.m. weighing 9 lbs and 22 inches. Chris and Cindy were married on December 21, 2000 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Bridesmaids who are ‘94 alumnae included Amanda Hancock Lebiszczak, Tracy Porter English and Tiffany Consos Aliotta. Jason Nielubowicz ‘88 was a groomsman.

2000

Dan and Lauren Pavlin

Lauren McCoy and Dan Pavlin were married on March 13, 2005 on the bluff at Belle Island in Richmond Hill. Ashley McCoy ’05 served as her sister’s maid of honor, while Adam McCoy ’01 served as best man. Alicia Henley ’01 was a bridesmaid. Jenna Wallace ’02 sang a duet with Adam McCoy during the ceremony, accompanied by Trey Hancock ’04 on guitar. Lauren attended Mars Hill College, where she was on the soccer team. She graduated in December 2003 with a BS degree in Psychology. Lauren is attending graduate school at Armstrong Atlantic State University, studying Special Education. Dan attended Milligan College where he was on the soccer team. He received a BBA degree in Risk Management and Insurance in December 2003. He is employed by Bernard Williams & Co. Following a honeymoon in St. Martin, the couple lives in Savannah.

Sharon Valitzski will be starting Graduate school in the fall of 2005 at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forest Resources, working toward a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is currently working as a Wildlife Technician at the Nemours Wildlife Foundation in Seabrook, just outside of Beaufort, S.C. Sharon, who is a Presidential Scholar at UGA and has been on the Hope Scholarship for four years, is president of the UGA chapter of The Wildlife Society and serves as a student ambassador for UGA’s Warnell School of Forest Resources. She is a member of the student honorary society Xi Sigma Pi and serves on the Student Advisory Council for the Dean of Student Affairs. Sharon was also named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges last spring in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishment and leadership.
 

• 1st Prize – Terry Harrelson
• 2nd Prize – David and Angela Wood
• 3rd Prize – Beth Foskey

• K-2 – Mrs. Dot’s class
• Toddlers – Mrs. Jeannette and Miss Stephanie’s class
• Infants – Mrs. Sharon’s class

Lower School Staff L-R: Nancy Lee, Assistant Principal; Mike Crosby, Assistant Principal; Lucy Brannen, Principal; and Dewey Hooper, P. E. Instructor

Barnabas Awards
During the month of February our Barnabas Awards were given to the following students for being a good friend. God's Word says that "A friend loves at all times," and these students showed that they know how to accept, share, and enjoy the companionship of others. What a way to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

• DeRenne Avenue
  • 2nd Grade: Wade Benton, Ashley Hanna, Milad Keshavarz
  • 3rd Grade: Crews Boyette, Olivia Remion, Elizabeth Stuber
  • 4th Grade: Vanessa Daves
  • 5th Grade: Mandy Carlson, Ashley Kitchen, Jordan Sabia, Conner Williams
• Chatham Parkway
  • 2nd Grade: Grace Allen, Emalee Brown, Katey Cale, Dylan Marlowe, Addison New, Justin Philips, Zachary Remick
  • 3rd Grade: Alexander Buss, Andy Crawford, Sarah Elizabeth Inglesby, Matthew Keane, Amanda Parisher, Steven Patterson, Tripp Smith, Hunter Wilson
  • 4th Grade: Joshua Black, Natalie Corbin, Gabby Delnostro, Wesley Lick, Michael McCumber, Ashley Shiver, Anna Stewart
  • 5th Grade: Andrew Brodman, Ryan Grotheer, Emy Lounsbery, Niraj Patel, Rebekah Reynolds, Mary Stramm, Carlie Ayn Williams

Rocks and Minerals

Dr. Suess' birthday party

Quick Think A Thon winners

Mr. Card Smith, father of third grade student Burnam, recently visited the third grade classes at Chatham Parkway to talk about rocks and minerals. Mr. Smith, a geologist, brought rocks, minerals, and fossils for the students to study. The students enjoyed learning more about the area in which they live.

Dr. Seuss' Birthday
March 2nd was Dr. Seuss’ 101st birthday and our eager Kindergartners celebrated once again with a birthday party and a book parade! These early readers love Dr. Seuss and his silly, funny stories of that famous Cat and a Lorax or two! The students proudly displayed their favorite Dr. Seuss book around their necks and paraded with style and enthusiasm. Parents joined us along the parade route that wound through the hallways and along the sidewalks, culminating in the “Cove,” where 101 red and white cupcakes formed that trademark hat that has become the symbol for this author’s body of work! If you aren’t doing anything next March 2nd, come join next year’s Kindergarten as we carry on this wacky tradition of reading, writing and fun!"

Oatland Island trip
Mrs. Speir's and Mrs. Crosby's third grade classes enjoyed a fabulous learning experience at Oatland Island on February 24th. The students traveled back in time to learn about energy. They used muscle energy to card wool and make shingles with old-fashioned tools. They also made candles using melted beeswax, simple sticks, and cotton wicks. Finally, they got to eat the homemade cornbread that was made inside the log cabin they visited.

Quick Think A Thon
On Tuesday, March 1st, Savannah Christian hosted the annual area-wide Quick Think A Thon competition for second graders throughout the Coastal Empire. SCPS was well represented by Emma Davis from Mrs. Harriet Garrison's class at the DeRenne Avenue campus. Sponsored by the Savannah Exchange Club, the competition encourages children to give good responses in difficult life situations. This year's moderator was Mike Avery, news anchor for WTBS.

Position Available
Position Available Immediately for Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Personnel SCPS - DeRenne Avenue Campus. Some mechanical, electrical and plumbing experience desired. General duties include cutting grass, painting, disposing of trash, as well as other general building, grounds and athletic field maintenance. Contact: Wesley Ward or Stephen Hefner @ 355-2693, Ext. 100.

Savannah Ogeechee Regional Science Fair

Parker Carpenter

L-R: Gordon Varnadoe as General James Oglethorpe, Julie Rossiter and Tammie Hooks as Mother Matilda Beasley

Courtney Iddins as Ruthie/Vanessa/Janice in “The XYZ Files”

Middle School Student Government President Leland Lively presents Mindy Nash of the Humane Society of Chatham/Savannah a check in the amount of $500. In addition to the check, the HSCS van contains 500 pounds of pet food, also donated by Middle School students. Mrs. Linda Fidler and Mrs. Kay LeBlanc serve as student government advisors.

Chip Hicks and Beth Carpenter, winners of the Middle School Oratorical Contest

Eleven seventh and eighth grade students recently participated in the Savannah Ogeechee Regional Science Fair. Parker Carpenter won Best in Category for Chemistry as well as the American Chemistry Society Award and a Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Award. Mercedes de la Sierra received a Best in Category Award in Medicine and Health along with a Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Award. Along with ten other students from our region, these two students will compete in the State Science Fair this month. Additional winners at the regional level include Casey Aultman, winner of a Best in Category for Earth and Environment Award and a Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Award; and Brennan Hussey, who received the Outstanding Health Science Project Award. Second place ribbons went to Emily Morgan, Casey Aultman and Bailie Pedigo. 3rd Place winners were Emily DePue, James Toberman, Brennan Hussey and Kelsey Keane. Congratulations to these talented science students for their excellent performance!

Georgia Heritage Celebration
In honor of Georgia Day, the seventh grade social studies classes participated in a town meeting in the Middle School gym. This year’s Georgia Heritage Celebration honoree and featured guest was Mother Matilda Beasley, played by Tammie Hooks. Mother Beasley was a remarkable woman who advanced the causes of African-Americans in Savannah by establishing an orphanage for African-American girls and founding Georgia’s first group of black nuns. The seventh grade students studied her life in preparation for this event.

Also present was General James Oglethorpe, played by Gordon Varnadoe, and the Middle School Chorus, whose musical contribution to the occasion made the celebration even more uplifting. Thank you to Ms. Julie Rossiter for organizing the event and Mrs. Barbara Lanier for directing the chorus.

The XYZ Files
Have you ever noticed strange creatures wandering your local mall? Have you ever wondered about extraterrestrial beings, alien regurgitation and unidentifiable goop? If so, you would have thoroughly enjoyed the recent Middle School drama class production of The XYZ Files.

In this comic farce, FBI Agents Scallop and Mildew (played by Erika Loupee and Bryan Moros), search for clues explaining the cryptic graffiti, “They will be coming” appearing at the local mall. Their search leads them to a variety of interesting characters, mysterious creatures and the ever-helpful “Jellybean Girl.” When disaster strikes and the mall is swallowed by a giant sinkhole, the FBI agents match wits with Dr. Eccentric, the mastermind behind this evil scheme. Whether they watched or participated, the students had a great time.

The next drama exploratory production will be “Archie of the Amazon” on April 27th.

Middle School Basketball Awards

• Sixth Grade Boys
  Best Offensive Player - Caleb Womble
  Best Defensive Player - Zach Diamond
  Coach’s Award - Taylor Ivey
  Scholar-Athlete Award - John Hosey
   
• Sixth Grade Girls
  Best Offensive Player - Alexa Boykin
  Best Defensive Player - Taylor Turner
  Coaches Award - Abbi Sparks
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Allie Searson
   
• Seventh Grade Boys
  Best Offensive Player - C. J. Stafford
  Best Defensive Player - John Burke
  Coaches Award - Gabby Sanchez
  Scholar-Athlete Award - John Burke
   
• Seventh Grade Girls
  Best Offensive Player - Adrienne DeFilippis
  Best Defensive Player - Emma Hostetter
  Coaches Award - Kaney Ballance
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Katherine Saussy
   
• Eighth Grade Boys
  Best Offensive Player - Casey Padgett
  Best Defensive Player - William King
  Most Valuable Player - Brandon Sumner
  Coaches Award - David Elliott
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Jatin Patel
  Three-year Lettermen - Josh Diamond, David Elliott, Jatin Patel, Chris Schwarze
   
• Eighth Grade Girls
  Best Offensive Player - Erin Wilson
  Best Defensive Player - Allison Harkins
  Most Valuable Player - Morgan Barnes
  Coaches Award - Whitney Earhart
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Maddie Wheeler
  Three-year Lettermen - Morgan Barnes, Laura Cunningham, Whitney Earhart, Erin Wilson
   
• Cheerleading
  Best All-Around - Katie Rosenblum
  Most Spirited - Erika Loupee
  Coaches Award - Megan Crowley
  Scholar-Athlete Awards - Brittany DeLettre ( 7th ), Catherine Su ( 8th)
  Three-year Letterman - Erika Loupee

• Boys Basketball
  Most Improved Player - Chase MacFarland
  Best Defensive Player - Ryan Burgstiner
  Coach’s Awards - Tiwi Marira, Kellen Stanley
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Emory Nesbit
   
• Girls Basketball
  Best Defensive Player - Tanaisha Lawyer
  Best Offensive Player - Jessica Lady
  Best Rebound Player - Kelsey Moore
  Coach’s Award - Kayla Parham
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Allyson Faircloth
  Four-year Lettermen - Jessica Lady, Tanaisha Lawyer
   
• Cheerleading
  Most Spirited - Lauren Ryle
  Most Improved - Jill Luse
  Coach’s Awards - Brooke Blocker, Ashley Lindquist
  Scholar-Athlete Award - Emily Martin
   

Losing only one regular-season game, the 9-1 Raiders advanced to the state playoffs, where they eventually lost to Brooks County. Ironically, the loss signaled the end of Miller's 50-year coaching career, which included 17 years as an assistant and head coach at Savannah Christian. The 2004 Raiders had the best season of any football team at Savannah Christian since 1988, and held the best record of any public or private school in Chatham County in 2004. They were ranked as high as #4 in the area and #8 AA in state during the season by the Atlanta Constitution AP poll, gaining attention throughout the state. "Our boys played so hard all year, and I couldn't have asked for anything more," said Miller.

At the same banquet, Coach Miller was surprised with a special award commemorating his 50 years of coaching. “I’ve been associated with football as a player or coach for at least parts of seven decades,” said a grateful Miller. "I have worked with some wonderful people had the privilege of coaching fine boys who grew up to be fine men. “The last season was wonderful,” he continued, “ like a storybook ending after all these years."

Patrick Knorr Signs with N. Greenville
Senior Patrick Knorr signed a grant-in-aid to play football for North Greenville College on March 10, 2005. Patrick also received the Trustee’s Scholarship for academic achievement. A three-year football letterman, Patrick played an integral part in Savannah Christian’s best season in recent history, making 61 tackles, 37 first hits, 24 assists, three sacks, one deflected pass and 4 fumble recoveries. In his senior season, Patrick received Honorable Mention, Defensive End for Region 3-AA. In his junior year, he was voted Region 3-AAA Honorable Mention, Defensive Line. A private four-year Christian liberal arts college at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Greenville Crusaders compete in Division II of the National Christian College Athletic Association. (NCCAA).

NHS Inducts New Members
Savannah Christian Preparatory School held a formal ceremony to induct 24 rising sophomore and junior students into the National Honor Society.

Established in 1929, The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization to recognize outstanding high school students. The National Honor Society serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in NHS activities through chapters found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

To be eligible for membership, students must complete an application process and be approved by a faculty committee. Members must demonstrate the core values of the National Honor Society, be enrolled in at least one advanced or Advanced Placement course and maintain a 90 grade point average. Additionally, NHS members at SCPS must accrue 50 points during the school year, earned by community service, participation in school sports and clubs and competing in various academic competitions. The advisors for SCPS’ National Honor Society are Mrs. Sherry Leblang and Mrs. Melanie Shepherd. New members inducted into the National Honor Society Members at listed below:

• Class of 2006: Tim Boatright,* Alex Simmons,* Brian Tanner,* Randy Wiggins* (*accepted into NHS Fall 2004 and formally inducted in March ceremony) Kelly Bunger, Henry Tzen.
• Class of 2007: Erin Bacon, Ashley Bond Olivia Dubberly, Brianna Galbreath, Danielle Frailey, Caitlyn Grissom, Kaitlin Lance, Brittany Lightsey, Emily Martin, Lauren McEachern, Megan Mullininx, Katie Parks, Emi Rendon Pope, Jill Sharma, Laura Su, Stephen Thompson, Eric Tzen, Katie Wilensky.

COUNSELORS’ CORNER

• SENIORS
  • By mid-April, many colleges are mailing acceptances or rejections. If you have been accepted by more than one college, but not from your first choice, give that school a call before sending non-refundable deposits to other schools. Once you have made a decision, write the other schools and let them know you are not going to attend.
  • If you have been “wait-listed” by the college you want to enter, contact the admissions department to ask how you can strengthen your application.
  • With acceptances, many colleges send financial aid offers. You must sign and return a copy of your award letter if you accept financial aid.
     
• JUNIORS
  • Remember to take the SAT and/or the ACT in the spring. If your test scores are low, you may want to take a prep course and retake the test in the fall.
  • Write a list of colleges that interest you and request literature from those schools. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.

Star Student
Congratulations to our STAR Student for the class of 2005, Drew Lupton. Drew chose Mrs. Lisa Kavanaugh as his STAR teacher. The two were honored at a luncheon on February 15 sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The STAR student must be in the top 10% of his class at the end of the junior year and have the highest SAT score in one sitting. Juniors this year must take the new SAT. Scores through November of the senior year may be used.

American High School Mathematics Exam
Congratulations to the eighty-one students who took the American High School Mathematics Exam on February 16. Our top scorer for the AMC 10 was Ashley Bond. Our top scorer for the AMC 12 was Drew Lupton. Along with Drew, Shane McCarthy and Stephen Thompson qualified to take the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) on March 8. AIME is a 15-question, 3-hour exam. The results of that competition will be available after March 28. Morgan Lupton, Nick Plachy and Stephen Thompson will receive a “Young Student Certificate of Achievement” for scoring 90+ on the AMC 12.

Junior Class Takes Career Assessment
The junior class took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) on March 1. The students will be able to use the results with the Georgia Career Information System program to explore careers.

Senior Class Assessed
The senior class participated in The National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly referred to as "The Nation’s Report Card," on March 3. This project monitors the knowledge, skills, and performance of students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades. It provides objective data about students’ performance at national, regional, and, as of 1990, state levels in reading, writing, mathematics, science, U.S. history, civics, geography, the arts and other subjects.

Computer Quiz Bowl
On March 5 Ross Misskelley, Joe Drwiega and Thomas Daniel competed in the Armstrong Atlantic State University Computer Quiz Bowl. Individual and group tests were given. Final rounds similar to “Jeopardy” completed the morning. SCPS placed 3rd in the competition and received individual trophies as well as other prizes.

Yearbook Wins Award
The 2005 SCPS Upper School Yearbook, The Miracle, has been named to the 2005 “Gallery of Excellence” by its publisher, Walsworth. Yearbooks selected for this honor are notable for their innovative design, superior copy and photography. Walsworth will print an extra 800 copies of The Miracle to distribute as quality examples and idea generators, and to display at workshops and conventions across the nation. Mrs. Mary Ann Dudley is faculty yearbook advisor. The 2004-05 Miracle staff includes Caitlin Shaney and Meghan Butler.