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It's not goodbye, It's see you soon. Mrs. Martha Collins retires after 29 years of service.
Volume IV I Issue I
Happy Holidays from the Board of Directors! As we draw near to Christmas, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. God has been good to our school and has blessed us in so many ways! The Board has been working hard this year to continue the positive momentum we have been experiencing. We do have a lot of work to get done this year. Below are some of the items we are currently working on or plan to begin this year. -Transitioning our leadership (Head of School) in late March. We are currently seeking applicants for this position. -Working through committees to complete the required accreditation goals due in late spring. -Working with Buckley and Associates to review facilities plans as part of our overall strategic plan. -Looking at curriculum themes for the upper school moving forward. -Reviewing the dress code policy from this year and publishing it some time in January for the next school year. (Only minor changes expected) Special thanks to the volunteers of Booster Club and IMPACT for all their hard work. The efforts and events have been very successful and it is only through volunteers like these that DEA can be a success! More new to follow...Stay tuned. Kevin Griner Chairman of the Board
Head of School Announces Retirement
A Message from our Head of School
Dear Families and Friends of David Emanuel Academy, Since the summer of 2013, I have been pleased and fortunate to serve as your head of school. The board of trustees at that time asked me to serve with the primary purpose to upgrade the academic programs of the school and seek the highest level of accreditation. There is ample evidence from standardized test scores and other measures to confirm that substantial academic progress has been made and we have achieved accreditation through AdvancEd/SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. While excellent teaching and learning are the foundations for any good school, academics alone do not guarantee a successful independent school. Other essential components include extra-curricular activities, fund-raising and public relations, facilities enhancements, and financial management. I am pleased to report that, through the efforts of many talented and dedicated colleagues and volunteers, very significant progress has been made in each of these areas. As I approach full retirement age, it is time to pay attention to the future leadership needs of the school and ensure a smooth transition to a new head of school. To do this well requires a rather lengthy period of time, so it is appropriate to announce my retirement well in advance of my actual last day of work. Therefore, I have conferred with the executive committee of the board to set the date of March 31, 2017 as the end of my tenure at David Emanuel Academy. My pending retirement will not result in any loss of commitment or dedication to my role as your head of school. Continuing to preserve admirable DEA traditions while working for across-the-board improvements will remain my goals through my last day on the job. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of service. Sincerely, Em Hubbard Head of School
BOARD REPORT
DAR Good Citizen
Sophomores, Baylor Smith and Carli Patterson, were chosen by the Metter Chamber of Commerce as representatives for Candler County Youth Leadership. Their selection was based upon academic achievement, leadership ability, extra-curricular activities, community service, and long term goals.
One Act Play
Student Life
Candler Co. Youth
Wendy's Heisman
Seniors, Brianna Clay and Kip Wilson, were chosen as our school winners of the Wendy's High School Heisman for 2016-2017. This program recognizes students for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. Specific eligibilty requirements include senior class status, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, participating in at least one sport, and being a leader in school and active in community service.
On December 2nd (sophomores and juniors) and December 6th (seniors), a total of ten DEA students attended the Fulford Youth Leadership Academy held at EGSC. Students were given the opportunity to interact with other area high school students and take part in various leadership skills development activities. Those attending were Brianna Clay, Megan Crawford, Kyra Jackson, Olivia Turner, Dylan Hall, Sydney Hood, Alaina Scott, Johnna Goodman, Laila Mercer, and Alaina Strange. Selection criteria includes being a sophomore, junior or senior, demonstrate leadership potential or untapped leadership potential, interested in the community and networking, and demonstrates interpersonal skills.
Senior, Mary Farthing, was chosen as our DAR Good Citizen for the 2016-2017 school year. This award is based upon dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism and is selected by peers and faculty.
Fulford Youth Leadership
DEA's One Act Play competed in Eatonton, GA for their region competition. Senior Jack Bray and junior Sydney Hood received Outstanding Performance awards for their performance in Mother Goose Has Flown the Coop. One Act Play is led by DEA's very own Sally Grover.
4th Place
Seventh grader, Grace Catherine Hood, received 3rd place in color photography with a photograph of her granddaddy's first truck.
Fifth grader, Ben Bennett, received 2nd place in the State in the Speech competition. His speech had to align with the State theme, "Beta Above and Beyond."
2nd Place
inaugural Year at DEA
3rd Place
The Living Literature group, with their display of the book, Because of Winn Dixie, came home with a 5th place ribbon. The team consisted of Riley Griner, Peyton Free, Abbi Hall, Emma Taylor, Alana Tant, Alana Donaldson, AnnaKade Clemens, Anna Claire Davis, and Lanna Douglas.
In the club's first year at DEA, Mrs. Laura Moore led twenty-eight, fifth through eighth graders, through induction, meetings, and preparation for their first showing at State competition. The kids represented DEA well at State, bringing home five Jr. Beta State awards and the opportunity for three to advance to Nationals! The club's first officers (pictured left) are: President Chloe Calhoun, Vice President Grace Catherine Hood, Secretary Peyton Free, and Treasurer Alana Tant.
Fifth grader, Abbi Hall, received 4th place in the sketch competition with her drawing of a dragon.
5th Place
Jr. Beta Club
Grace Catherine Hood won a 2nd place ribbon with her necklace jewelry design made out of a spoon.
Headmasters (95+ avg. each subject) Brody Fleming Charissa Hall Thomas Purvis Addalyn Terwilliger Aubrey Williams Jake Adams Banks Booth Cavan Calhoun Clayton Hood Hadden Nease Seth Williamson Sara Cate Fennell Abbi Hall Tony Sutton Anna Claire Davis Peyton Free Emma Taylor Chloe Calhoun Hannah Jackson Tatum Taylor Alexis Coleman Carolina Lamm Laila Mercer Dylan Hall Brianna Clay Chase Collins Parker Lane Hagan Mercer Mabry Moore Honor Roll (90+ avg. each subject) Bryan Beasley Brayden Donaldson Henzli Hall Landon Lindsey Makayla Mallard Journi Morris Cooper Riner Jayden Slater Juddson Wilkes Kyli Bell Jaxson Wiggins Ben Flanders Emma Proctor Ann Carol Daniel Lanna Douglas Riley Griner Molly Hammock Grace Catherine Hood Rylie Rowland Alana Tant AnnaKade Clemens Jack Davis Alana Donaldson Hannah Goodman Maddux Bedgood Maci Nease Ethan Wells Emily Ely Wade Murdock Carli Patterson Baylor Smith Alaina Scott Megan Crawford Mary Farthing Kyra Jackson Kyler Sauce Kip Wilson
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Homecoming 2016
Character Day - Color Day - Pajama Day - Spirit Day - Parade Pep Rally - Football Game - Martha Collins Day - Homecoming Court
Homecoming 2016 was marked with many special memories and moments. The week was filled with the usual dressing up theme days and fun. For a second year in a row, IMPACT hosted a spirit parade with long-time employee, Mrs. Martha Collins, serving as Grand Marshall. In fact, this year's Spirit Day was named Martha Collins Day in celebration of her 29 dedicated years of service to DEA! Before the Homecoming game started, there was a time of recognition to honor Mrs. Martha. Mrs. Martha started her work at DEA in 1987. Through the years, she became a fixture of joy and love in DEA's main office. Everyone knew they could get a loving smile, words of encouragement, or a tender hug from Mrs. Martha. As a token of gratitude, DEA presented Mrs. Martha with a bracelet. Presenting her gift were two DEA legends- Mr. David and Mrs. Mariann Beecher. Mr. David served as headmaster when Mrs. Martha was in high school at DEA and he served on the Board of Trustees when Mrs. Martha was hired. So, it was only fitting that they would present Mrs. Martha with her retirement gift. This was a special Homecoming for DEA. A bittersweet time for the Senior class and all of the DEA family. We experienced a great loss within our student body at the beginning of this school year. In a most sacrificial manner, the Senior class voted for our beloved Anna Leigh Wells to receive the honor and title of Homecoming Queen 2016. It was a unanimous decision and one that was no doubt a testimony to the life that Anna lived and the joyful spirit she brought to all her classmates. As only the Lord could work out, Anna's older sister Emma has been the reigning Queen. On Homecoming night, Emma and family received the title in honor of their daughter and sister, Anna. It was a beautiful moment- one that will not be forgotten. Receiving the title of King was Senior, Gage Bell. Words written by the senior class in honor of Anna Leigh Wells: The DEA Homecoming Queen is a special person who symbolizes the spirit, love, loyalty, and friendship that is David Emanuel Academy. The DEA senior class of 2017 has selected the person who represented all of the best qualities of DEA through her effervescent personality, her leadership, her individualism, and her devotion to her family, her classmates, her teammates, her friends, and her school. The class of 2017, with all their love have chosen their friend and classmate, Anna Leigh Wells as the 2016 DEA Homecoming Queen. Homecoming crowns will be presented to Anna's parents. Anna's sister, Emma, will ride with this year's Homecoming King.
FALL HONOR ROLLS
Worship - Inspire - Nurture - Grow - Share
For the November chapel service, WINGS invited Brewton Parker College's Voices of Truth choir ensemble to perform. They sang various Christian songs leading worship for the students and faculty of DEA.
This school year, a new parent and student support group was formed to support the spiritual growth and development of all of the students, faculty and staff. One of the main objectives of the WINGS ministry is to nurture students in their walk with Christ. WINGS' desire is to provide the opportunity for students to fellowship with other believers and to develop a sincere desire to study and obey the word of God. So far, the WINGS group has facilitated a prayer service and walk through the halls and campus of DEA prior to the school year starting, a See You At the Pole prayer service on the National Day of Prayer, morning prayer and devotional time, and chapel services.
Voices of Truth
WINGS
On October 6th, students celebrated Bring Your Bible to School Day. On this day, students nationwide shared God's hope and celebrated religious freedom by bringing their Bibles to school and talking about them with friends. DEA students used them as part of their morning devotion time and scripture reading.
Bible Day
Softball Our Lady Eagles varsity softball team, coached by Allen Jordan, Terry Lumley and Logan Faircloth, had a tremendous season- ending the season as State Champions! The girls had a record of 18 wins, 5 losses, and one tie. They outscored their opponents 212 to 71 on the season with a team batting average for the season of .404. In the playoffs, they outscored their opponents 64-5 with two no-hitters and three shutouts. With a team motto of "We Play for Anna," the team did just that- they won the region title and state championship in honor of former teammate, classmate, and friend, Anna Wells. At the end of season banquet, the following awards were given: Jordyn Bell (Honorable Mention All- Region), Alaina Strange (All-Region), Carli Patterson (All-Region, All-State, Most Improved, Anna Wells Rocking Eagle Award), Brittney Arrington (All-Region), Ansley Lumley (All-Region, All-State, Defensive Player of the Year), Jaycee Faircloth (All-Region, All-State), Cameron Hadden (All-Region, All-State, Player of the Year), Logan Nease (All-Region), Janah Thompson (All-Region, All-State), Anna Wells (All-Region, All-State) Football Our Varsity Football team, coached by Clint Inman, Paul Nease, and Oliver Hubbard had a wonderful first season of 8-man football. With a record of 6-3, the Eagles clinched the title of GICAA East Conference Champions and GICAA South Region Co-Champions. Head Coach Clint Inman stated, "8-man football is an oustanding opportunity for David Emanuel Academy to build and sustain a quality program for the future." At the end of season banquet, the following awards were given: Baylor Smith (All-Region), Ashton Greene (All-Region, All-State Honorable Mention), Kip Wilson (All-Region, GICAA All Star Game), Jack Bray (All-Region, All-State, GICAA All Star Game, Most Outstanding), Gage Bell (All-Region Honorable Mention, GICAA All Star Game), Christian Newsome (All-Region Honorable Mention, GICAA All Star Game Alternate), Hagan Mercer (All-Region Honorable Mention, GICAA All Star Game, Coach's Award), Ethan Wells (Most Improved) Cross Country Our Lady Eagles Cross Country team, coached by Michelle Lamm, competed in Region competition and for the first time ever fielded a full team of seven. At Region, the Lady Eagles earned the third place team overall and advanced to State. They had a tremendous finish to the season. The team earned fourth place overall in the GICAA Division One State Championship. "This was our first year in the GICAA and the competition was tougher than we have seen in the past. To have any team make it to the State level is a great accomplishment, but to take a team of girls who are new to their sport and have them make it to this level is a true testament of their dedication and determination." At the end of season banquet, the following awards were given: Sydney Hood (All-Region), Johnna Goodman (All-Region), Maddux Bedgood (Coach's Award), Maci Nease (All-Region, All-State, Most Outstanding), Jenna Mosley (Most Improved) Cheerleading The varsity cheerleaders, led by Malia Ely, had a great football season cheering on the Eagles! At the end of season banquet, the following awards were given: Brianna Clay (Coach's Award), Alaina Strange (Most Improved), Kyra Jackson (Most Outstanding)
Athletic News
Booster Club C
The DEA Booster Club Membership Drive was a tremendous success again this year. We are so grateful for parents and community partners who continue to help us provide needed resources for our athletes and programs. We have enjoyed meeting with new faces, as well as greeting old friends at the spirit tent during home football games. Our booster tent was once again a huge success! We have just wrapped up 30 Guns in 30 Days and we thank you for your support in this major fundraiser. Funds raised this year will help us purchase the Softball State Championship rings, enhance the entrance to the athletic complex and VIP parking, provide senior banner gifts to our senior athletes, refinish the gym floor, purchase a storage shed for the athletic equipment, and to research the enhancing of the sound system at the athletic facilities. We are also in talks with the DOT on installing State Championship road signs in and around the Stillmore area on the major road ways. We would like to congratulate the Lady Eagles Softball team and their coaches as they earned the title of Region Champions and are GICAA State Champions! Also, special congratulations to our Football team on their GICAA East Conference Champion title and GICAA South Region Co-Champions title. Cross Country had a fantastic showing this season as well. They finished up 3rd in Region and 4th at State! What a great fall sports season DEA had! Congratulations athletes!
IMPACT is proud to highlight the progress we have made in improving DEA's facilities. This summer, a major renovation of the main office was tackled. These improvements reflect the group's dedication to improving and providing the best resources for our faculty and students. The new space offers a waiting area for prospective students and families and a new teacher's lounge. This project was solely funded by the group's 2015-2016 fundraising efforts. Special thanks to Trent Hall of Sunbelt Heating & Air, Ryan Kersey of Solid Designs of Swainsboro, Rick's Glass, and John Morgan for their contributions to this project. At Grandparents' Day, IMPACT hosted a pirate-themed Book Fair. These funds will be totally dedicated to improving the AR (Accelerated Reader) program and its facilities. This year, IMPACT hosted the annual DEA Fall Festival on November 3rd. This is one of the group's largest fundraisers. Monies raised directly contribute to the IMPACT budget which supports the faculty and your children. Thank you to all the families for helping with the Fall Festival production. The amount of dedication that our families have shown is truly amazing. Without regard to any financial gain they have gladly and unwaveringly given of time and efforts to improve the lives of our children for the betterment of the DEA community. Recently, The Eagle Cruise Car Show came to DEA and IMPACT hosted the event. Cars, trucks, ATVs, and motorcycles covered the front lawn of the campus. This was a fun event that will be back again next year! We are so fortunate to have a fantastic group of supporters and volunteers at DEA. IMPACT looks forward to the future. Please join us at our IMPACT meetings so you do not miss your chance of IMPACTing our school with your talents and efforts.
Fall Festival - Book Fair - Grandparents Day - Car Show
Making an IMPACT
Teacher Spotlight: Kate Page
Ms. Kate Page joined the DEA family four years ago after 30 years of teaching in the public school system. She co-teaches third and fourth grade Language and Social Studies. Kate graduated from Georgia Southern University and went on to earn her masters in Reading from Walden University. She began her career in Johnson County were she taught for three years. She then went on to Swainsboro Primary where she taught for 27 years. "I still have the same passion for teaching that I had when I started my career many years ago. I love children because they are so truthful and sincere. You can act goofy or serious and they will still love you. I love my job at DEA! I especially love that I can share my love of God as I teach on a daily basis," Kate commented. Kate has two children, Jessi and John Wilder, but comments, "I literally have hundreds of kids that live in my heart and belong to other people!"
Spotlight on: Luke Lanier ('03)
Luke Lanier graduated from DEA in 2003. During his time at DEA he was a member of the 2000 and 2002 GISA State Golf Team and a member of the 2001 GISA State Runner-Up Football Team coached by Bill Schofill. He went on to attend the University of Georgia where he graduated with a BSA in Agricultural Economics. In 2011 he graduated from the University of Georgia/GBA Georgia Banking School. Luke has been employed by Durden Banking Company since 2007 where he is currently the Assistant Vice President/Ag Lender at Metter Bank, a division of Durden Banking Company. Her serves as Chairman of the Metter Candler Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Bankers Association Agricultural Committee. He also serves on the Candler County Industrial Authority and attends Metter United Methodist Church where he serves as the Finance Chair. Recently, Luke received the 2016 University of Georgia College of Agriculture Young Alumni Award. He is married to Susannah and together they have a son, Charlie (18 months old). Luke fondly remembers Ms. Collins, Mrs. Sikes, and Ms. Grover (who helped him pass English 1101)!
Spotlight on: Jill Morgan Vining ('01)
Jill attended DEA from kindergarten through twelfth grade where she graduated with honors in 2001. She continued her education at Brewton-Parker College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Later, she earned her Masters of Science in Education with a focus on Reading and Literacy from Walden University- also graduating Magna Cum Laude. Jill has been teaching for eleven years where she has been a mentor teacher and model teacher for several years at the Metter Intermediate School. Recently, Jill received the honor of Metter Intermediate School Teacher of the Year and was also selected as Candler County Teacher of the Year. As a child, Jill always loved to "teach" her baby dolls, stuffed animals, and anything she could get to sit in her "classroom." She believes her desire to teach came from the wonderful and powerful teachers she encountered throughout her years at DEA. She says the teachers at DEA played an influential part in her life and molding her heart into one aimed at helping children learn. "While at DEA, I had wonderful teachers who cared for me, wanted me to achieve my best, and helped me earn an education to help me succeed later in life," Jill said. "Watching students succeed is one of the most rewarding experiences. My desire for my students is that they receive the most they can from me; they know that I care about them, and that they become lifelong learners. I hope they strive to always do their best throughout life. My biggest goal as a teacher is that I stay flexible and continue to learn and develop throughout the years. I do not ever want to become stuck in my ways and be unwilling to change. I want to become more innovative and to learn how to change when necessary to benefit my students. Teaching is my passion and I hope to be able to serve others for years to come," Jill commented. Jill was born and raised in Cobbtown. Her parents are John and Judy Morgan and sister Julie Morgan Smith ('94). She credits her father as being a huge influence in her life and one who challenges her to become a better educator. She says her mother's compassionate personality and patience influenced her as well. Jill lives in Metter and has been married to her husband, Jason Vining, for twelve years and together they have two children, Jase (8) and Judson (6). Jill enjoys spending time with friends and family, teaching, attending her kids sporting events, scrapbooking and decorating.
Alumni Corner
David Emanuel Academy is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Donations are tax deductible. Please consider adding DEA to your end of year charitable contributions. Thank you for your support! c/o Director of Development PO Box 400 Stillmore, GA 30464