Cumberlite - 2016 Winter

LINE OF
UPPER
BALCONY
COMMONS
COMMONS
ABOVE OPEN TO BIOLOGY
BELOW
LAB
WINTER 2016
THE CUMBERLITE
CLASS
ROOM
Continuing the Mission: Looking
RENOVATED
Forward to a Bright Future
FINANCIAL
OFFICES
REMOVE EXISITNG WALLS
REMOVE EXISITNG WALLS
CLASS
ROOM
EXISTING
CLASSROOMS
CLASS
ROOM
LS
More than 100 years ago a few
visionary
LINE OFSeventh-day Adventists
purchased land in Reeves, Georgia,
for the purpose
BALCONY
of furthering God’s work in
the South through ABOVE education and health care.
Fifty years later the Georgia-Cumberland
Conference opened a boarding academy on
that same piece of land with the enthusiastic
support of conference membership.The
school they built has well served the students
who have attended. But GCA has grown.
Facility needs have changed over the last half
century. How do we ensure that this 50-yearold
school continues to thrive and grow?
In recent years it became clear to
the administration at GCA that capital
improvements would need to be made to
the campus to position it for the future and
address the following challenges:
LEVEL
ACADEMY
LEGACY
CENTER
UPPER
COMMONS
OPEN TO
BIOLOGY
BELOW LOWER LEVEL
LAB
REMOVE EXISITNG WALLS
REMODELED
RESOURCE
CENTER
GALLERY
REMODELED
• Current classrooms will accommodate no more than 125 students
RESOURCE
at any given time of the day, restricting CENTER schedule flexibility
• There is no common space for students to gather
CHAPLAIN'S AND CO
CONFERENCE
OFFICES
ROOM
• Half of our teachers do not CLASS have adequate offices
• There is no central access ROOM
point to administrative offices and classroom
buildings, creating ACADEMY security issues and confusion
RECEPTION
CHECK-IN
• Current gymnasium space LEGACY
GALLERY
allows less than 10 percent of our students
to be active at one time and limits team practices
MUSIC
KIOSK
CENTER
EXISTING
• Cafeteria seating capacity is 20 percent less than enrollment
BUILDING ADMINISTRA
In addition to facility needs, in order to continue to be at the OFFICES
forefront of Adventist education, we have determined DRIVE THROUGH additional
CLASS
CLASS
funding is needed for student support in the form WITH of scholarships, CANOPY as
well as program support ROOM
for both academic ROOMand extracurricular activities.
As we were contemplating the needs of UPPER the school, LEVEL God was
preparing the resources that would launch the school into a major
funding initiative. In June 2014 GCA received a pledge of $3 million.
Then in September of 2014, GCA received an unexpected $542,700 gift in
the form of a bequest
CHECK-IN
VIEW FROM OUTSIDE
COMMONS AREA
KIOSK
RECEPTION
CONFERENCE
ROOM
DRIVE THROUGH
EXISTING
CLASSROOMS
The architectural rendering of the new student center, which is attached to the
existing ad building. These drawings are conceptual and may be modified.
ACADEMIC BUILDIN
CHAPLAIN'S AND COUNSELING
OFFICES
ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICES
from a conference
constituent. In June of
2015, GCA submitted
a proposal to the
Smyrna Towers Board
requesting funds for
capital improvements.
GCA was humbled
when the board
presented us with a
check for $3.5 million.
Finally, last month
the Bainum Family
Foundation approved
a grant proposal of
$1.5 million. These
continued
on page 2
EXISTING
COURTYARD
EXISTING
CHAPEL

DRIVE THRO
WITH CAN
GYMNASTICS
LOADING DOCK
Continuing the Mission continued
gifts have propelled the school forward in seeking the
remaining funds to complete a building initiative and meet
program and student support COMMONS
needs.
“God is taking this school to a place we only
dreamed about but didn’t think would become a
reality,” said Greg Gerard, GCA principal. “Since joining
the school, I have come across plans for expansion and
upgrades that were drafted in the 1990s but never came
to fruition. The issue back then was funding, which is
AEROBICS
EXERCISE ROOM
always the challenge. We still need additional funds to
complete these exciting renovations and additions, but
God is clearly moving in big ways and opening doors
to see this to completion.”
We are excited about the future, but we need
individuals and businesses who are willing to invest in
the future of GCA and impact the trajectory of student
lives. Together we can inspire a new generation of
young people who RENOVATED
will take their places as leaders!
Over the next FINANCIAL
five years GCA is seeking
gifts for the following OFFICES projects as REMOVE
part EXISITNG
of WALLS
the
Continuing the Mission major funding initiative:
COMMONS
AREA
LINE OF
BALCONY
ABOVE
UPPER
COMMONS
OPEN TO
BELOW
Student Support – $2 million
The school desires to raise $2 million for student
support. Gifts to the worthy student fund and other
scholarship programs assure DINING AREAyoung people of God’s
big plans for their lives and His ability to provide the
resources necessary for them to pursue those dreams.
Sixty-nine percent of our student body receives aid
from the worthy student fund, indicating that there is
CLIMBING WALL
FRONT DESK
MAIN LEVEL
RESTROOM
CONCESSIONS
RESTROOM
a large need for financial assistance. Providing a DINING means AREA
for young people to attend GCA changes the trajectory
of individuals, families, the church, and society thanks
to a strong education that is focused on making Jesus
real to each student.
Program Support – $500,000
You never know what it will take for life to “click”
for a student, and that’s why GCA is seeking to raise
ACADEMIC BUILDING
EQUIPMENT
PANTRY
PRIVATE
KITCHEN
$500,000 to enhance its academic REMOVE and EXISITNG extracurricular
WALLS
programs. Sometimes it is a sports program that draws
students in, helping them develop personal goals and
self-discipline. Maybe participation in a musical group
B
REMODELED
RESOURCE
CENTER
LOWER LEVEL
ACADEMY
LEGACY
CENTER
GALLERY
CHECK-IN
KIOSK
CON
RO
RECEPTION
Attached to the existing gymnasium will be a new athletic and dining facility.
UPPER L
VIEW OF NEW GYMNASIUM FRONT
2 The Cumberlite Winter 2016

IOLOGY
LAB
EXISTING
CLASSROOMS
FERENCE
OM
CLASS
ROOM
UGH
OPY
EVEL
connects them with God like nothing else could.
Perhaps the study of science helps them understand
their universe and creation in a more meaningful way,
leading them toward a life of service in the medical
CLASS
ROOM
professions. Various aspects of our curriculum and
co-curriculum provide a means for students to achieve
growth and success academically, spiritually, physically,
and socially. Funds are needed to expand our academic
and extracurricular programs, purchase new equipment,
and allow for creative programming.
CHAPLAIN'S AND COUNSELING
OFFICES
ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICES
EXISTING
MUSIC
BUILDING
Facilities CLASS
Support – $10 million
Students live and thrive in classrooms, labs,
dormitories, ROOM
athletic fields, and worship facilities.
GCA has raised $8 million of the $10 million needed
to modernize and expand the spaces where this
transformative work takes place. Quality facilities
are essential to maintaining excellence in the GCA
Experience. The following improvements are part of
the master plan:
• Construction of a new student commons area that
will provide indoor space for social and educational
gatherings.
EXISTING
COURTYARD
• Construction of a new administration and classroom
building entrance, which will increase security
and provide an identifiable point of contact to the
campus. This area will contain an alumni legacy
center and administrative and teacher offices near the
student commons area, thus encouraging interaction
of students with faculty and staff.
• Renovation of existing classrooms and construction
of four new classrooms that will address the current
shortage of classroom space and accommodate for
larger class sizes.
EXISTING
CHAPEL
• Construction of a new gymnasium, which will allow
a greater number of students to be involved in
sports and athletic activities. The new gymnasium
will permit GCA to house its own practice activities
rather than being dependent on the use of the local
elementary school gymnasium. The gymnasium
expansion will also provide adequate space
for bleacher seating, enabling more spectator
involvement, and expanding our seating capacity
from 700 to well over 1,200 for large events such as
graduation.
• Construction of a new fitness center with additional
classroom space to help students and staff develop
lifetime habits of wellness.
• Construction of a new cafeteria that will
accommodate the entire student body for any given
meal, as well as special events. The new cafeteria
will be joined to the gymnasium, which will greatly
COVERED
improve our ability DINING to meet AREA the food needs for
student activities, as well as large groups using our
facilities.
GCA has a long history of partnering with
individuals and businesses who understand the benefits
of a strong Adventist education and who are willing to
come alongside the school and support it financially.
We thank God for these donors and the blessings we
have received, and we ask that you consider how you
can give to GCA today and support the Continuing the
Mission initiative.
MAIN LEVEL
NOW IS THE TIME
It’s time for us to join together for something greater.
It’s PAVILION
time for the GCA family EXISTING to band
together in Continuing the SCIENCE Mission
of Georgia-Cumberland Academy. BUILDING It’s time to
partner with God to secure a brilliant future for
generations to come.
Won’t you join us?
TO DONATE ONLINE:
Visit http://www.gcasda.org, and click on the
“Give” link in the top righthand corner.
TO DONATE BY MAIL:
Please send your check to the attention of Nancy
Gerard, Development Office, 397 Academy Drive
SW, Calhoun, GA 30701.
COMPANY MATCHING:
Remember to check and see if your company
offers a matching gift program because that is an
easy way to double or triple your gift, depending
on your company’s giving guidelines.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please contact Nancy Gerard, alumni and
development director, at 706-625-7166 or
ngerard@gcasda.org.
VIEW OF PAVILION
Winter 2016 The Cumberlite 3

GOD’S HANDS AND FEET
While the majority of students were
relaxing at home over the fall break,
almost 70 GCA students headed out
to be God’s hands and feet in Atlanta, Georgia,
and Liberty, Kentucky.
The students who headed to Kentucky
were part of a 15-year tradition of working in
Appalachia with low-income families in need.
This year the students worked on six different
job sites. The work varied from cleaning house
for a woman with Alzheimer’s, rebuilding a
shed that had burnt down, painting the outside
of a trailer, and passing out firewood in the
community to families who needed fuel for the
winter. Some of the students also worked to
stain a deck and paint a bathroom for a woman
whose husband had recently passed away.
The largest job site was cleaning up the yard for
Nackey Eads, a woman whose husband had died just
weeks before their arrival. The house was neglected
and did not have any running water or inside plumbing.
Nackey’s husband had collected scrap metal and old
vehicles for years but had never turned anything in
to the scrap yard. Because it was strewn around the
property, the yard had not been mowed in a long
time, and the grass was so tall that you couldn’t see
the scrap metal. The students worked to pile all of
the metal in one location, and they hope to remove it
next year and give the money to Nackey. In addition
GCA students and staff work together to deliver and stack wood for a
family in need.
The crew poses on Nackey Eads’s completed deck, the largest
project of the trip.
to picking up the property so that she could mow, the
crew built a horse shed and deck.
“After coming to the same community for so many
years, I think the people realize that we’re there just to
help now, and they aren’t so cautious, which is pretty
neat,” said Josh Woods, GCA chaplain. “When we were
passing out wood, we stopped at the home of a lady
who we built a deck for years before. She remembered
the school and stuffed us with food as a thank you for
the wood and our help in the past.”
Cameron Reel, a junior at GCA, was also struck by
the generosity of the woman who the group delivered
wood to. “We stopped by this lady’s house and asked
if she needed wood. She said yes, and
we headed back to load up the wood and
deliver it. About an hour later, we got back
to her house, and after stacking the wood,
she asked us to come up on the porch. She
offered us soup and crackers, soda, and
fresh chocolate cake right out of the oven.
She had so little, but she gave us so much.
It was a very rewarding experience.”
In addition to the various building
projects, a handful of students organized a
VBS program for the children at the Galilean
Home where the group was staying. The
program consisted of songs, crafts, charades,
and Bible stories centered around the theme
“He’s Still Working on Me.”
“I felt insignificant at first,” said Nellie
Dobson, a senior and student assistant
4 The Cumberlite Winter 2016

chaplain at GCA. “I wasn’t out on the building crew, and
I wondered what good I was doing. Then on the last day
one of the kids came up to me and said, ‘We loved VBS.
When I grow up, I want to be
like you and help other people.’
That one comment reminded me
that we all play a part in God’s
plan when we help others, no
matter how big or small the role
seems to be.”
The students who went to
Atlanta were the first students to
go on the “urban mission trip,”
as it was called on campus. The
students engaged in a variety
of service activities, including
A group of GCA girls play with some of the refugee children.
helping the Douglasville Seventh-day Adventist Church
with a health fair, disassembling the Messiah’s Mansion
in Duluth, and working with the Clarkston Community
Center to distribute clothes and organize
donations.
While in Clarkston, GCA worked
closely with Friends of Refugees
Providing Education and Empowerment
(F.R.E.E.). With approximately 10,000 to
20,000 refugees living in Clarkston, there
is a huge need to care for these people
and provide them with clothing and
education. During the course of the week,
GCA students spent time tutoring the
children, building an outdoor volleyball
court, passing out clothes, and playing
with the kids.
“My favorite memory from the trip
was when we were passing out clothes
to the refugees. While we were working, a little girl
came up to me and sat down on my lap. She just hung
out with me until her mom came to get here. But when
her mom tried to
leave, the little
girl cried and
refused to go
home. We finally
had to walk her
home with her
mom and get her
interested in her
toys so that we
could quickly
slip away,” said
Desiree Clemons,
a sophomore
at GCA. “It was
really touching
to see how much
of an impact we
could make in
such a short time.
It was a very rewarding experience.”
Greg Hudson, senior pastor of the
Georgia-Cumberland Academy Church
and organizer of the trip, felt that the
urban mission trip was very relationship
oriented. “The students spent most of
their day interacting with refugee children
and their families, helping to meet their
needs. I think this trip helped to show
our students that there are needs close to
our own community if they take the time
to look.”
Robbie Bridges, a senior at GCA, had been on outof-country
mission trips before and was surprised by the
impact this trip made on him.
“This one hit home because
the things I saw just a few
hours from GCA were things
I saw overseas. It’s sobering
to realize the need is so close
to home. The best part of the
experience was playing with
the kids. We spent a couple of
hours just throwing Frisbees
and hanging out with them,
which was great.”
Sophomore Jun Jeon helps a little boy
with his homework.
Sophomore Lance
Hoffman gets
tackled by two
energetic boys.
Winter 2016 The Cumberlite 5

GCA ATHLETES SCORE BIG
As part of its extracurricular activities, GCA
operates a strong athletics program that
is dedicated to helping students develop
positive character traits through teamwork, training,
and good sportsmanship.
NACA Tournament—Soccer and Volleyball
At the end of October, GCA traveled to Fort Bluff
Camp in Dayton, Tennessee, to participate in the
National Association of Christian Athletes (NACA)
soccer and volleyball tournament. After three days
of games, GCA’s men’s soccer team earned the
distinction of tournament champions and the ladies’
volleyball team earned fourth place.
because we aren’t the best at shoot outs. But we held
it together.”
In addition to winning the tournament, GCA was
honored when Bruno received the Most Valuable Player
award, and Irvin Dominguez, a senior from Atlanta,
Georgia, was chosen as the top goalie of the tournament.
Bruno and Irvin were also selected as members of the
2015 NACA All-American Soccer Team.
“The trophy was more important to me than the
MVP award. But I am really proud of being named
MVP,” Bruno said.
Irvin felt honored to be named to the All-American
Soccer Team, especially since this was just his second
year playing goalie for the team. “To see the progress
I’ve made in two years is very surreal. I was nervous
when it came down to the shoot out, but I was also
confident that my teammates would score,” Irvin said.
“We are a family. We help each other and have each
other’s back.”
Clint Higginbotham, head coach and GCA graduate
(’99), has been coaching the team for 11 years and was
excited to see the culmination of all his years of work.
“I knew this team was special, but once we got
into the knockout round, I realized that something
amazing could happen, and we could go all the way.
The winning GCA men’s soccer team celebrate with
the NACA tournament banner.
Twenty-five soccer teams entered the tournament.
After an initial round of two games, the teams
were seeded into three divisions, with GCA being
placed in Division 1. Three games later, GCA was
undefeated and found itself facing the Beach Breakers
from Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the championship
game. At the end of the allotted game time, the score
was tied 1-1. The two teams faced off in a penalty
kick final, and in the end, GCA triumphed with a
final score of 3-2.
“When we started the tournament, I didn’t think
we would be placed in the first division,” said Bruno
Moura, a four-year senior from East Meadow, New
York, who has been a member of the soccer team
all four years. “After we were seeded, we wanted to
win it all and bring home the trophy. Then when it
came down to the shoot out, I was a little worried
The 2015 girls’ volleyball squad is all smiles as they
pose for their team picture.
I realized how much of a family we were and how
much these guys were digging in for each other and
playing their hearts out,” said Clint. “We’ve made it to
championship games before, but this time was different.
I didn’t want to believe it, but this has been the best
team I’ve coached. I’m so proud of these guys.”
6 The Cumberlite Winter 2016

The team also has two assistant coaches: Daniel
Delgado, GCA graduate, 2007; and Benjamin Nwadike,
a current GCA parent.
The ladies’ volleyball team played in the fourth
division of the tournament, competing against eleven
other teams, including three other Adventist academies:
Forest Lake Academy, Shenandoah Valley Academy,
and Highland View Academy. After a grueling schedule
filled with intense games, GCA placed fourth in their
division.
“The team did really well, especially considering the
injuries that we experienced throughout the season,”
said Kaleb Leeper, coach and GCA religion and math
teacher. “They are a great group of girls who are very
supportive of one another. It was a very competitive
tournament, and they held their own.”
Jesmalis Rosales, co-captain and a four-year senior,
has been on the team for three years and was pleased
with the team’s performance. “We were exhausted
by the end of the tournament, but everyone pushed
through and played their hardest. This year’s team has
been so much fun. The atmosphere has always been
positive. No matter what is happening during a game,
I can look around and someone is smiling.”
Heather Leeper, assistant coach and GCA alum (’08),
and Sadie Dixon, a two-year senior and co-captain of
the team, also provided direction and support to the
team.
Acrofest 2015—United We Stand
This year’s Acrofest took place at Union College in
Lincoln, Nebraska, from November 11–14. The threeday
clinic was packed with instruction, practice, and
team-building and featured 674 participants from 24
academies and colleges from across the United States,
Puerto Rico, and Canada. Clinicians from around
the country, including an Olympic gold medalist,
helped teams and individuals
improve their skills in pyramids,
tumbling, tossing, acro, stunting,
and choreography. In addition to
training, students were spiritually
strengthened thanks to messages
from Ben Lundquist, young adult
ministries director for the Arizona
Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists and a fellow gymnast.
Bruce Boggess, coach of the
38-member Acroflyers squad, was
proud of how GCA’s team did at
Acrofest. “We have a lot of great
new tumblers this year, which
translates into a strong team
because body control affects everything else. We are
doing a lot of flying and tossing, which are collegetype
moves, so I’m very proud of our team and their
accomplishments.”
The clinic culminated with a grand finale on
Saturday night that featured performances by all of
the teams in attendance. Before the show began, a
special award was presented to Heather Boulais, the
gymnast from Union College who fell during a team
practice on January 14, 2015, and suffered a serious
brain injury, for her courage and determination as she
has fought to regain the ability to walk and function.
Heather was the first gymnast to receive the Courage
Award, but the Acrofest committee has voted to present
this award each year to an outstanding student who
has demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and
challenges.
Phoebe Morgan, a senior at GCA and four-year
member of the team, was impressed with the outpouring
of support for Heather. “As participants we each got a
‘Prayers for Heather’ bracelet. I thought it was great
how the school came together to support their fellow
teammate. Union felt like a huge family.”
In addition to Coach Boggess’s leadership, four
students—Jonathan Alexandre, Kali Coker, Dylan Day,
and Phoebe Morgan—serve as captains of the team, and
Clint (’99) and Shannon (’97) Higginbotham and Travis
Epperson (’91) volunteer as assistant coaches.
Dylan, a junior at GCA who has been on the team
since his freshmen year, attributes the success of the
team to Coach Boggess’ leadership. “Boggess is really
good at evaluating the strengths of the team each year
and then pushing us to the highest skill level that we
are capable of. This year we are throwing more difficult
skills, and I think we had one of the best performances
of the year at Acrofest.”
The Acroflyers team is made up of talented gymnasts who love tumbling and
acro sports.
Winter 2016 The Cumberlite 7

Alumni Reminisce at Regional
Events
Not everyone can make it back to alumni weekend
each year, so GCA’s alumni department plans
regional events that offer alumni a chance to
reconnect with the school and fellow classmates who
live in the same area.
On October 23, 2015, GCA hosted a gathering at
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, at
Donnie (’03) and Rachel Keele’s home. Greg Gerard,
principal, and Nancy Gerard, alumni and development
director, visited with the approximately 17 alumni and
friends present and updated them on the latest news
from GCA. The group had worship together and enjoyed
eating, sharing stories of their time at GCA, and catching
each other up on the latest happenings.
A few weeks later on November 3, 2015, GCA
hosted its annual young alumni pizza party at Southern
Adventist University. Approximately 50 graduates
enjoyed a time of food, fellowship, and fun as they
visited with each other and the deans and GCA staff
who drove to Southern for the event. In addition to
consuming lots of pizza, looking through yearbooks,
and talking about current career plans, a drawing was
held for some GCA mugs and water bottles. Six lucky
winners now have cool GCA gear to drink from!
Emil Garcia
(’15) and Laia
Burgos (’15)
enjoy supper
together at the
SAU event.
GCA friends enjoy an evening of fellowship together at
the Keele’s home in Michigan.
Candace Nesmith,
vocal music and
French teacher,
visits with a group of
former students.
Andrews University students Rachel Brogden (’12),
Marissa Voegele (’10), and a friend catch up.
Lucy Casas
(’14), Kevyn
Salazar (’14),
and Tucker
Sutton (’14)
have begun
their second
year at
Southern.
8 The Cumberlite Winter 2016

50 th Year Celebration
Alumni Weekend, April 1-3, 2016
This year GCA reaches a milestone as it celebrates its first 50 year honor class! In addition to celebrating a momentous
birthday, GCA will also hold a groundbreaking ceremony as we launch our building project and recognize our GCA fire
department members. Please join us for this special weekend as we look back on our humble beginnings and celebrate the
bright future that God has for GCA. Following is a glimpse of the weekend activities:
LS
Zane Yi, ’96
Ivan Williams, ’81
Friday, April 1
9 a.m. 21 st Annual Golf Tournament
Barnsley Gardens Resort
7:30 p.m. VESPERS
Pastor Zane Yi (’96), assistant
professor of religion at Loma
Linda University
Jennifer LaMountain (’86),
recording artist
Sabbath, April 2
9:30 a.m. “Welcome Home Breakfast”
10:45 a.m. WORSHIP SERVICE
Ivan Williams (’81), director
of the Ministerial Department
of the North American Division
After church LUNCH AND HONOR CLASS PHOTOS
2 p.m. Honor class and GCA
fire department reunions
6:30 p.m. Groundbreaking ceremony
John McVay (’76), president
of Walla Walla University
After sundown Sports activities
Jennifer LaMountain, ’86
EXISTING
MUSIC
BUILDING
EXISTING
COURTYARD
LEVEL
Sunday, April 3
8 a.m. Run for GCA, 5K run/walk
10 a.m. Ride for GCA, motorcycle event
As you can see, it will be a full weekend of fun activities, inspiring programs, and meaningful conversations. Please
contact Kalie Kelch at 706-625-7169 or kkelch@gcasda.org to reserve a spot for the golf tournament, ride, or 5K. Also,
please check out the local hotels that offer a discount to GCA guests by visiting http://gcasda.org/alumni/local-hotels. We
hope you will plan to join us for this special celebration!
HONOR CLASS REUNION ORGANIZERS
1966 Fred and Jane Tolhurt gftolhurst@aol.com, jtmouse@aol.com 865-984-9784
1971 Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers Cheryl1741@aol.com 423-432-7507
Debbie (Dildy) Aldrich debbiealdrich88@yahoo.com 828-389-0535
1976 Carolyn (Harris) Dalton carodalton@comcast.net 615-477-2113
Paul Fuchcar paul@cadas.org 423-265-4741
Thelma (Tyson) Long getalonghere@gmail.com 423-785-7710
1981 Lonnie Leech leleech@att.net 404-379-7221
Carol Loree theothercarol@gmail.com 423-785-6145
1986 Scot and Krista (Kent) Martin trailerrepair2@aol.com 770-533-0087
1991 Jennifer Fox foxyjen10@yahoo.com 770-548-4743
1996 Angela (Rho) Yi yi.angela@gmail.com
Cami (Rahn) Smith smithplumb4@gmail.com 423-400-3306
2001 Sara Chase schase@gcasda.org 706-331-3704
2006 Kevin Young young.kevin.87@gmail.com 706-506-5690
2011 Gabi Pasos gabipasos@gmail.com 407-949-7119
Dwagne Haskins dwagnehaskins@yahoo.com 404-668-9560
WITH CANOPY
UPPER LEVEL
John McVay, ’76
EXISTING
CHAPEL
Winter 2016 The Cumberlite 9

A L U M N I
U P D A T E S
We love hearing from you! Please send us updates about educational
accomplishments, new career opportunities, professional recognition,
additions to your family, whether through marriage or birth, or any
other news you’d like to share. Just e-mail Kalie Kelch at kkelch@
gcasda.org.
Bruce Bergherm, ’75, was recently named CEO for Florida
Hospital Heartland Division. This promotion means that
Bruce will provide leadership for three hospitals in central
Florida (Sebring, Lake Placid, Wauchula). Since 2010 Bruce
has served as CEO at Florida Hospital North Pinellas in
Tarpon Springs. Bruce is married to Ellen (Cunningham)
Bergherm, ’75, and they are the parents of GCA alumnus,
Bruce Bergherm III (’98).
Westley Hayner, ’78, passed away on January 1, 2016, as
the result of a heart attack. Westley was living in Onoway,
Michigan, at the time of his death.
David Denton, ’83, recently published a collection of poetry
in a book titled The Long Promise. David is the principal at
Forest Lake Academy and enjoys life with his wife, Celia, and
their two daughters.
Quanny (Carter) Ard, ’98, along with husband, Danny, are
the proud parents of their third child, a daughter, born on
September 29, 2015. Logan Elizabeth Natali Ard weighed 8
lbs. 1 oz. and was happily welcomed by big brothers Quentin
(5) and Dylan (3).
Ben Martin, ’98, and Brianna are the proud parents of
Emmett Elijah. Born on October 11, 2015, Emmett weighed
8 lbs. 4 oz. Ben is currently serving as the youth pastor at
Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Grant Graves, ’01, and Riley Kirkpatrick Graves, former
staff, welcomed baby Elizabeth Claire Graves into their home
on July 15, 2015. Libby weighed 5 lbs. 2 oz.
Terry Skaggs, ’03, and wife, Melissa, welcomed another
daughter into their growing family. Clara Marie was born on
October 8, 2015, joining older sister, Aundrea, age 1.
Brittany (Graves) Saunders, ’05, and husband, Billy, joyfully
welcomed their first child, Sophie Anne, on September 25,
2015. Sophie weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 ¼ inches long
at birth.
Phillip McClellan, ’05, graduated on December 19, 2015,
from the University of Akron (Ohio) with his doctorate in
polymer science. His dissertation was “Electrosprun PLLA
Nanofiber Coating of Scaffolds for Applications of Bone
Tissue Engineering.” Phillip will be continuing his education
and research with a post-doctoral fellowship at Case Western
Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he will
be researching the growing and repairing of ligaments and
tendons.
Matthew Anderson, ’06, and wife, Elisabeth, welcomed
Michael Scott Anderson into their family on June 26, 2015.
Michael weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. Matthew works as a nurse in the
ER at Erlanger Children’s Hospital, and Elisabeth works at
Southern Adventist University.
Darren Fowler, ’06, is working as a systems analyst at
Hamilton Community Hospital in Dalton, Georgia. Darren
is married to Jenny (Small) Fowler (’06). The couple have
a two-year-old daughter, Stella, and a little boy on the way.
Jenny graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing this
year and is working as a nurse at Floyd Hospital in Rome,
Georgia.
Meagan (Johnston) Szutz, ’06, married Bradley Szutz in
Malibu, California, on December 20, 2015. Bradley and
Meagan live and work in Anchorage, Alaska.
Kaley (Greve) Hinson, ’07, married David Hinson on
December 20, 2015. Kaley teaches grades K-2 at the Knoxville
Adventist School, and David is a mechanical engineer at
DENSO.
Heather Peggau, ’07, graduated with a master’s degree
in healthcare administration from Southern Adventist
University in December 2015. Heather is working in hospital
administration in the Orlando area.
Upcoming Events
Please feel free to attend any of the following events
or sign your child up to attend Acrofest or Academy
Days. We love visiting with our alumni, whether
it is at GCA or a regional alumni event. For more
information about these events, contact Kalie Kelch
at kkelch@gcasda.org.
February
13–14 GCA Acrofest
20 Alumni Lunch in Orlando, Florida
March
21–25 Week of Prayer
27 Young Alumni Supper
at Oakwood University
April
1–3 Alumni Weekend
8–9 Academy Days
May
20–21 Graduation
10 The Cumberlite Winter 2016

Alison (Concha) Tucker, ’07, accepted a new position with
added leadership opportunities at Soin Medical Center in
Dayton, Ohio. In addition, she recently graduated cum laude
from Southern Adventist University with her bachelor’s degree
in nursing and has been accepted into graduate school. Most
importantly, she and her husband, Jordan, welcomed their third
son, Rowan James, to the family on December 1, 2015.
Brandon Wilson, ’07, recently graduated from Southern
Adventist University with a bachelor’s degree in religious
studies. Brandon is working this year at Rio Lindo Academy in
Healdsburg, California, where he serves in the chaplain’s office.
Jennifer Camp, ’10, graduated from Gordon State College
in Macon, Georgia, with her associate’s degree in nursing. She
will be working on an oncology floor at Navicent Health in
Macon.
Chelsea Chamberlain, ’10, recently graduated from
Southern Adventist University with a bachelor’s degree
in nursing. Chelsea works at Erlanger Health System in
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Rachel Hankins, ’10, graduated from Southern Adventist
University in December 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in
English and an associate’s degree in business administration.
Joshua McKinney, ’10, completed a bachelor’s degree in
engineering with an emphasis in mechanical engineering from
Walla Walla University. Josh plans to continue his education
with a graduate degree in engineering.
Damali Logan, ’11, recently graduated cum laude from
Armstrong University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Damali accepted a position as a nurse in the step-down unit at
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
Cody Paige, ’11, completed his studies at Oakwood
University and earned a degree in theology. Cody has accepted
a position with the Georgia-Cumberland Conference and
will be serving as assistant pastor of the Belvedere Adventist
Church in Decatur, Georgia.
Katie Birge, ’12, graduated magna cum laude from Southern
Adventist University with a bachelor’s degree in biology on
December 17, 2015. Katie has been accepted into Loma Linda
University’s School of Medicine for 2016.
Correction:
In the fall issue of the Cumberlite, we mentioned that
Phil Stover (’66) and his son, Mark (’89), were the first
second generation family to attend GCA. However, a
former staff member brought it to our attention that
Shirley (Earlywine) Nickless (’67) and her daughter, Lisa
(Nickless) Moyer (’88), were the first second generation
family. We apologize for this error.
TRAVEL TO T H E EMERALD ISLE
Experience the beauty of Ireland from July 3–14, 2016, with
friends from GCA as we tour the island. The trip is open to GCA
alumni, students, parents, family members, and friends of GCA.
During the 12 day tour, the group will:
• Circle the island via chartered coach
• Visit quaint Irish villages
• Tour landmarks such as St. Patrick’s
Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher
• Enjoy the peak of the forty shades of green in Ireland
The tentative price is set at $3,275 per person (based
on two people per hotel room). Included in this price is:
• All transportation costs, including round
trip airfare from Atlanta
• Ground transportation in Ireland
and Northern Ireland
• All hotels
• Breakfast each day
• Admission to sites we visit
To reserve a spot on the tour, please contact Greg or Nancy
Gerard at ggerard@gcasda.org or ngerard@gcasda.org and
send in a deposit of $500 per person on or before February
15, 2016. A payment schedule will be provided to those placing
a deposit. After ticketing on March 7, 2016, all payments are
non-refundable. Complete payment will be due by June 1, 2016.
Winter 2016 The Cumberlite 11

Georgia-Cumberland Academy
397 Academy Drive
Calhoun, GA 30701
www.gcasda.org
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHATTANOOGA, TN
PERMIT NO. 1114
Cumberlite Staff
EDITOR:
Kalie Kelch
LAYOUT & DESIGN:
Frank Strack College Press LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Rebekah Fink, NACA Organization,
Greg Hudson, Don Keele, Kalie Kelch,
Greg Gerard, Nancy Gerard
Phone: (706) 629-4591
Fax: (706) 629-1272
Email: nagerard@gcasda.org