Cumberlite - 2016 Spring

SPRING 2016 

THE CUMBERLITE 

Alumni 

Weekend 

2016

The Importance of Connection 

“ 

T 

his weekend was especially instrumental in 

reigniting those special friendships that were 

born at GCA,” said Sonia (Thompson) Gott, 

’72.“One of my roommates (Brenda Micheff Walsh) 

was just as inspirational in those days gone by as she 

is today. Alumni weekend encapsulated a spirit of faith 

and hope as Jennifer LaMountain sang, speakers gave 

testimonies, and reunion groups shared time together. 

Take it from an old-timer: relationships are everything 

in life and the most important is that of communion 

with our Master, Jesus Christ.” 

This year marked a special connection with 

the past as the class of 1966, GCA’s first graduating 

class, celebrated its 50th year reunion. There was 

much laughter and stories as the group caught 

up on each other’s lives and reminisced about 

their time at GCA, which included memories 

of a progressive walk on the first Saturday night 

of school. Fred Tolhurst, ’66, recalls the “hike,” 

which was a three-mile walk to Highway 53 and 

back. “It was the only off-campus activity the 

entire year. The girls were in one line and the 

boys in the other. Every few minutes they blew a 

whistle and the guys would advance one girl with 

the first guy in line going to the back of the line. The idea 

was that we would meet everyone at school. I ruined a pair 

of wing tip shoes during the evening!” 

In addition to the fun memories, many of the experiences 

that were shared during the weekend centered around the 

spiritual focus of the school and the reason why GCA 

exists—to teach young people To Know, To Love, and To 

Serve the Lord. Alumni shared memories of choir concerts, 

religious meetings, and prayer sessions with teachers and 

fellow classmates. 

For some graduates these connections have lasted 

throughout the years. Eric Moore and Ivan Williams graduated 

in 1981 and went on to room together at Oakwood University. 

The two have remained friends throughout the years. “About 

a year ago Ivan called me and said, ‘Eric, I would like to start 

a prayer line with the guys,’ and most of the guys that call in 

every Sunday at 12 o’clock are GCA graduates.” 

As part of the 50-year celebration, GCA and the 

Gordon County Fire Department recognized the alumni 

and staff members who served as volunteer firefighters and 

members of the ladies’ auxiliary from 1965 to 1975. Elder 

E. F. Reifsnyder, GCA principal when the school opened, 

was responsible for establishing the first fire department 

in the area and training students in how to respond to and 

In the fall of 1965 the student body and faculty, along with staff children, posed on these steps in front of the ad 

building for a photograph, signaling the official opening of the school. Although a slightly smaller group, individuals 

in that original photograph posed together to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of GCA. 

2 The Cumberlite Spring 2016

One of the old GCA fire trucks, now kept by the Gordon 

County Fire Department, was back on campus for the 

weekend. 

extinguish a fire. Over the next 10 years more than 

100 faculty, staff, and students volunteered their time 

to protect the residents of Gordon County and, as a 

side benefit, they developed lifelong connections with 

one another. Each of the individuals in attendance 

received a challenge coin with the Gordon County 

Fire Department insignia on one side and the GCA 

seal on the other. 

Connection is more than just catching up on the 

latest happenings in life, such as college, marriage, 

kids, careers, or retirement. Connection is about shared 

memories, both good and bad, that draw people together 

and solidify relationships for eternity. Carol Loree, ’81, 

summed it up when she said, “It was so much fun talking, 

and loving, and laughing with this group.” That is what 

alumni weekend is all about—sharing life together! 

Members of the GCA fire 

department and ladies’ 

auxiliary were recognized 

by Chief Doug Ralston of 

the Gordon County Fire- 

Rescue Department. 

A NEW 50-YEAR CLASS TRADITION BEGINS 

The class of 1966 has been starting traditions from 

the moment they arrived on the brand new campus 

of Georgia-Cumberland Academy in August 1965. 

They have been setting the bar high since that year 

of leadership as seniors at GCA and they continue to 

lead through example and through their support to 

their beloved alma mater. 

This year the class of 1966 wanted to initiate a 

new tradition when they decided to raise funds for a 

class gift in commemoration of their 50th anniversary. 

Their goal was to set an example for future 50-year 

honor classes and challenge them to partner with 

the school by contributing an anniversary gift that 

will financially support GCA. Fred and Jane (Travis) 

Tolhurst spearheaded a fundraising campaign within 

the class, encouraging classmates to give to the 50th 

anniversary gift. 

Donations from class members currently total 

$5,325.00. The project the class has chosen for their 

50-year class gift will be the large indoor stone 

fireplace in the new student center, which will be 

under construction soon. Thank you, Class of 1966, 

for your leadership in giving! 

“We members of the class of ‘66 feel a strong sense of 

responsibility to lead the way for future classes. Though 

few in number, our commitment level was high, and we 

are very glad we could initiate the tradition of a fifty-year 

class gift. Let this be a challenge to those who follow in 

our footsteps.” Fred Tolhurst, Senior Class President 

Spring 2016 The Cumberlite 3

GCA BREAKS GROUND 

FOR $10 MILLION IN CAPITAL PROJECTS 

GCA officially launched its Continuing the 

Mission initiative with a worship service and 

groundbreaking ceremony on April 2, 2016, 

during its 50th anniversary Alumni Weekend. Of the 

$12.5 million being raised, $10 million is earmarked for 

capital projects and $2.5 million for scholarships and 

program improvements. 

The groundbreaking ceremony, which was 

attended by alumni, friends, students, and staff, offered 

a look back from the beginnings of this school in 

1965 to a God-ordained future. Dr. John McVay, ’76, 

and president of Walla Walla University, created a 

Victor Maddox, vice president for pastoral ministries 

and evangelism at the Georgia-Cumberland 

Conference, takes time to celebrate with his wife 

and daughters, Taylor and Amber, both of whom are 

current GCA students. 

vision for the future of his alma mater, predicting 

that, “GCA will continue to be the portal of God’s 

blessing into the lives of new generations of students.” 

He also shared a vision of where he sees God taking 

the school spiritually, academically, and in the area 

of new facilities. 

GCA was privileged to have a number of officials 

participate in the ceremony, including (from left to 

In honor of GCA’s 50th year anniversary, pennies 

were a central design feature of the weekend in 

remembrance of the Penny Campaign in which 3.4 

million pennies were collected to help construct GCA. 


Caryn Payne, ’69, (second from the right) coordinated the 

groundbreaking reception. Even though she was busy, she found time 

to celebrate with family members, who are fellow GCA alumni. (L to 

R: Eldon Carman, ’72; Sharlene Carman; Holly (Witt) Payne, ’96; and 

Caressa Rogers, ’06) 

right in the photograph) Laura Dancek, chair of 

Parents in Support of GCA; Wally Fox, GCA faculty 

representative; Kevin Cunningham, commissioner, 

Gordon County; Kurt Allen, vice president for 

treasury, Georgia-Cumberland Conference (GCC); 

Ed Wright, president, GCC; Greg Gerard, principal, 

GCA; Kevin Kossick, vice president for education, 

GCC; David Hammond, mayor pro tem, City of 

Calhoun; Carmen Lau, GCA alumni co-president; 

Michaela Davis, GCA student association president. 

After the group broke ground everyone 

enjoyed an ice cream social, complete with special 

commemorative cookies with the GCA seal printed 

on them, created by Jennifer (Herndon) Bergherm, 

’97. 

For many years, discussions regarding 

the need for additional classrooms, 

staff offices, a larger gymnasium, 

fitness facilities, a new cafeteria, a 

student center, and a new entrance 

have taken place. Everyone agreed 

the need existed in order to position 

Georgia-Cumberland Academy for the 

future. But the costs to build these new 

facilities seemed out of reach. 

In June 2014 when GCA received 

a pledge of $3 million toward capital 

improvements, it appeared God was 

providing the means for this project. 

Then in September 2014, GCA received 

an unexpected $542,700 gift in the 

form of a bequest from a conference 

constituent. In June of 2015 school 

administration submitted a proposal to 

the Smyrna Towers Board requesting 

funds for capital improvements. GCA 

was humbled when the board presented 

a check for $3.5 million for this project. 

In December 2015 the Bainum Family Foundation 

approved a grant proposal of $1.5 million. These 

gifts and pledges, 

totaling $8 million, 

have propelled the 

school forward 

in seeking the 

remaining funds 

to complete a 

building initiative 

that will position 

the school for the 

future. 


PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND 

An annual tradition continued when former members of Camerata were 

invited to come forward and sing with the current members of the select choir, 

resulting in a beautiful mass choir. 

John McVay, ’76, outlined a 

vision of continued blessings 

and success for GCA as the 

school follows God’s plans in 

the coming years. 

On Friday evening Greg Gerard, principal, 

interviewed Jesmalis Rosales, ’16, senior class 

president, and Fred Tolhurst, ’66, senior class 

president, about the similarities and differences 

on campus over 50 years. 

Jennifer (Eaton) LaMountain, 

’86 and a former faculty 

member, used her God-given 

musical talents to bring a 

message of hope to those 

attending vespers. 

Zane Yi, ’96, presented a 

message based on the 

parables of Jesus and 

the growth that we can 

experience when we are 

rooted in Christ. 

Grant Tuttle,’66 and a photographer for the 

weekend, and Carol Loree, ’81, take a selfie 

together. 

Truby (Christman) Bowen, ’73, visits with friends 

from the class of 1971: Brenda (Micheff) Walsh, 

Cathy (Garner) Boyd, and Debbie (Dildy) Aldrich. 


Bobby, ‘72, and Marsha (Stanford), ‘76, Land, with their 

granddaughter, Krystena Land, ’17, enjoy ice cream and 

cookies as part of the groundbreaking celebration. 

A lot has happened in the five years since the 

class of 2011 graduated so there was plenty to 

talk about during the afternoon honor class 

reunions. Pictured together are Esther Lee, 

Olivia De la Cruz, and Veronica Guisinger. 

Members of the class of 2006 look through old yearbooks 

while visiting on Sabbath afternoon. 

Alex Martin, ’14, tries to block 

Miles Mitchell, ’17. It was an 

extremely close game, but 

in the end the alumni pulled 

away to win. 

In spite of some solid hitters 

such as Hudson Sutton, ’16, 

the alumni beat the GCA 

softball team. 

Aimee Hunt, ’18, flies over her teammates during the 

Acroflyers halftime show. 

Brooklyn Moore, ’14, goes for 

a layup. The women’s alumni 

team, coached by Sara 

Chase, ’01, beat the Lady 

Jaguars. 


HONOR CLASSES 

FORMER STAFF 

1 st row: Richard Wuttke, Fred Anderson, 

Margaret Anderson, Elsa Patton, Ken Peck, 

Jeri Zacharias 

2 nd row: Barbara Willis, Marilyn Bennett, 

Harry Bennett, Bette Westfall, J. D. Westfall, 

Rolland McKibbin 

3 rd row: Bill Wood, Ken Fuller, Charles 

Young, Del Patton, Charles Zacharias, Grant 

Graves 

Class of 1966: 

1 st row: Alicia (Chesser) Schukar, 

Gary Rollins, Marilyn Maples, Jane 

(Travis) Tolhurst, Arlene (West) 

McFarland 

2 nd row: Phil Stover, Jan (Spivey) 

Campbell, Fred Tolhurst, Grant 

Tuttle 


1 st row: Brenda (Micheff) Walsh, 

Debbie (Dildy) Aldrich, Sandra 

(Wade) Buttram, Cathy (Garner) 

Boyd, Debbie (Howe) Payne 

2 nd row: Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers, 

Mari (Carey) Morales, Jan 

Eberhardt, Andrew Robbins 

3 rd row: Mike Strickland, Michael 

Armayor, Chris Lindsey, Joel 

Jones, Donna Umlauf 


HONOR CLASSES 


1 st row: Karen Smith, Karole (Smith) 

Hurley, Kathy (Long) Preston, Kathy 

(Wear) Meintzer, Pam (Alborg) McVay, 

Carolyn (Harris) Dalton, Jeanie (Penner) 

Meyer 

2 nd row: George Graves, Jennifer (Briggs) 

Bertleson, Peggi Noon, Tami (Baker) 

Richardson, Jerrilynn Holweger, Susan 

(Turlington) Carter, Marsha (Stanford) 

Land, Tammorah (Price) Demercy 

3 rd row: Jeff King, John Dalton, Stanley 

Thurmon, Richard Thorton, Darrell 

Alexander, Chip Liles, Paul Fuchcar, John 

McVay, Kim Thayer, Jody Whisenant 


1 st row: Angie (Lowe) Liberto, Melissa 

(Holland) West, Bonnie (Addison) Howe, 

Kay (Klein) Mann, Ken Liberto 

2 nd row: George Mackel, Carol Loree, 

Susan Ermer, Ivan Williams 

3 rd row: Eric Moore, Howard Hall, Lonnie 

Leech, Lonnie Kendrick 


1 st row: Matthew McCarter, Gayle (Boddy) Clark, 

Krista (Kent) Martin 

2 nd row: Genie (Earle) Carter, Ken Carter, David 

Loe, Scot Martin 


HONOR CLASSES 


1 st row: Fred McNeil, Judy Kay (Butterfield) Krein, 

Kari (DeForest) Pfeifer 

2 nd row: James Mosley, Jennifer Fox, Rustin 

Sweeney, Kris (Evans) Davis 

3 rd row: Dennis Steele, Vicki (Crossland) Kahler, 

Greg Hudson, Clarence Magee 


1 st row: Angela (Cripe) Teague, 

Naomi (Lee) Koh, Cami (Rahn) 

Smith, Julie Cook, Lisa (Edgemon) 

Richards, Keanna Cargile, Stacy 

(Bruce) Licht, Kristi (Kirkham) 

Smith 

2 nd row: Zane Yi, Wally Fox (class 

sponsor), Melissa (Blosser) 

Reinhardt, Angela (Rho) Yi, Holly 

(Witt) Payne 

3 rd row: Jon Clark, Chris 

Massengill, David Self, Danny 

Kratzer, Michael Sposato, Elizabeth 

(VanHorn) Kearns 


1 st row: Andrea Keele, Mike 

Barnett, Carrie (Worthen) 

Barnett 

2 nd row: Cara (Anderson) 

McClung, Erika (Olson) Knox 

3 rd row: Grant Graves, Sara 

Chase, Jed Mock, Randy 

White 


HONOR CLASSES 


1 st row: Mechele (Schmidt) Clough, Jennifer (Small) Fowler, Kimberly McCullough, Alyssa (Leker) Johnston, 

Amanda Chase, Meagan (Johnston) Szutz, Caressa Rogers, Elesia Gallimore, Kimberly (Camp) Campbell 

2 nd row: Kevin Young, Scott Young, Darren Fowler, Kyle Leeper, Adam Riggs, Adrienne Vernon, Shaunda 

Taylor-Mejeur 

3 rd row: Jonathan Rowe, Nicholas Clayton, Matthew Anderson, Lemmy Recinos, Nick Clough, Kevin Reimer, 

Nathan DeWild, David Wilson 


1 st row: Esther Lee, Dany (Drapiza) Burchard, Brianna Cheever, Molly Theus, Veronica Guisinger, Jaely 

Cruz, Gabriella Pasos, Roxy Torres-Colon, Daniel Acevedo 

2 nd row: Adrianna Young-Leacock, Damali Logan, Kelsie Nielsen, Derek Schutter, Brittany Crawford 

3 rd row: Isaac Nwadike, Cody Paige, Ben Wildman, Christian Campos, Trevin Burchard, D.J. Haskins 


Alumni of the Year Awards: 

Lives Devoted to Ministry 

Each year up to three alumni or 

attendees are honored at alumni 

weekend as Alumni of the Year. To 

receive this award, nominees must exemplify 

GCA’s motto—“To Know, To Love, To 

Serve”—which has been expanded upon 

for the purpose of this award. 

• TO KNOW: The individual has 

achieved outstanding success in his 

or her profession. 

• TO LOVE: The individual has 

shown exemplary acts of sacrifice 

or philanthropy. 

• TO SERVE: The individual has 

modeled outstanding service to 

society and/or the church. 

This year the Alumni Advisory 

Council selected Brenda (Micheff) 

Walsh, ’71, and Ivan Williams, ’81, to 

be honored as alumni of the year. A 

brief biographical sketch of each award 

recipient follows. 

Brenda (Micheff) Walsh, ’71, attended GCA for 

two and a half years, having to withdraw from school 

after the first semester of her senior year due to 

financial constraints. With fondness she remembers that 

her classmates all congregated early in 

the morning to say a final farewell as she 

pulled off campus. “When I look back at 

my years at GCA, they were some of the 

happiest times in my life and I wouldn’t 

trade them for anything!” 

Brenda’s favorite memories of 

GCA revolve around the relationships 

she formed, including long talks with 

friends in the dorm, meaningful dorm 

worships, and prayer sessions with 

friends who were going through 

tough times. She also loved the music 

and served as an accompanist for Mr. 

Waterbrook while he taught voice 

lessons. Dedicated faculty also played 

a role in her life. “I’ll always remember the faculty 

who gave me odd jobs to do so that I could earn a 

Classmate Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers presented Brenda with the 

Alumna of the Year award, along with Yung and Carmen Lau, ’80, 

alumni co-presidents. 

Brenda takes time during 

alumni weekend to pose 

with some little fans. 

plane ticket home to see my family for Thanksgiving.” 

One year after leaving GCA, Brenda admits that she 

chose her own path and veered off course from God’s plan 

for her life. Fortunately, she cried out for help and dedicated 

herself to serving the God who saved her. Forty-five years 

later Brenda is the general manager of 

the NEW 3ABN Kids Network. She is a 

vivacious, loving, and generous Christian 

with a heart for ministry and a burning 

desire to share the love and joy of Jesus. 

When she started praying, “Lord, use me in 

a special way,” God did! And the resulting 

amazing miracle stories have been an 

inspiration to thousands around the world 

who have heard her dynamic presentations 

or read her attention-grabbing books. Her 

message is one of encouragement and hope 

to those who truly want to be used by 

God. She travels around the world speaking 

in churches, camp meetings, evangelistic 

meetings, women’s and men’s retreats, 

ministerial retreats, children’s retreats, organizations for 

prevention of domestic violence, and various seminars. 


Brenda is best known as the producer and host of the 

popular Kids’ Time, and Kids’ Time Praise programs on 

Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), a position 

she has held for 16 years. Today, the program has more 

than 35,000 children enrolled in Bible studies from 119 

different countries around the world! Brenda is humbled 

by how God has used her to further His kingdom on 

this earth. 

“The most rewarding part of the ministry God has 

called me to do is knowing God is using me to bring 

others closer to Him.” 

In addition, she is a frequent guest on the “3ABN 

Today” program, cooking and singing with her sisters. 

Together they have produced four gospel CDs and have 

authored six vegan/vegetarian cookbooks. She also has 

produced her first solo CD entitled “My Wonderful 

Lord.” She is the author of many books for both adults 

and kids, including her life story, Battered to Blessed. Her 

latest project is a series of five children’s books, Miss 

Brenda’s Bedtime Stories. 

Brenda is married to Tim Walsh and lives in 

Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has two grown daughters, 

Becky and Linda Kay, and is the proud grandmother of 

Michael, Jason, Megan, and Dylan. 

Ivan L. Williams, Sr., ’81, was born in Winston-Salem, 

North Carolina, and grew up in 

Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 13 

while working in an evangelistic 

meeting, Ivan sensed God’s call 

to ministerial service through 

the preaching of the gospel of 

Jesus Christ. Ivan attended GCA 

where he engaged in the life and 

ministry of the campus. Some 

of his favorite memories center 

around Camerata trips and class 

competitions. 

After graduating from 

GCA, he enrolled at Oakwood 

University and pursued degrees in 

communications and theology. He 

then went on to attend Andrews 

University where he obtained a 

master’s degree and Claremont 

School of Theology, in Claremont, 

California, where he completed a 

Ivan’s sermon was titled “God 

Restores.” He shared a message of 

hope that God can use us no matter 

where we are in life. 

doctoral degree in ministry. His dissertation dealt with 

pastoral burnout and renewal in Seventh-day Adventist 

ministry. 

One thing he has learned since leaving GCA that 

he wishes he could share with current students is “you 

are who you are becoming! Choices and decisions made 

now impact your journey in life. Be a leader and not just 

mere reflectors of other people’s thoughts.” 

His pastoral ministry has spanned more than 24 years 

and has included many churches in the South Atlantic, 

Southeastern California, and Northern California 

Eric Moore,’81, presented the award to his lifetime 

friend Ivan. 

conferences. Ivan serves on numerous boards and 

committees inside and outside of the church. His goal 

in all that he does is to make a difference for Christ. 

Ivan serves as the director of the Ministerial 

Department for the North American Division of 

Seventh-day Adventists. The NAD 

ministerial team serves and supports 

more than 4,200 pastors, and more 

than 100 ministerial directors and 

associates in Bermuda, Canada, 

the United States, and the Guam- 

Micronesia Mission. Prior to this, he 

served as the ministerial director for 

the Northern California Conference. 

In addition to pastoral ministry, 

Ivan also served eight years as a 

chaplain for the California State 

Assembly in Sacramento, California. 

He currently serves as a United 

States Air Force chaplain (lieutenant 

colonel) in the Maryland Air 

National Guard, and is the president 

of Brighter Hope Ministries Inc., 

which can be seen and heard on 

various radio and television stations. 

“I enjoy helping and supporting the NAD ministerial 

family with relevant resources. It is my goal to be a voice 

of pastoral relevance speaking to the church at large, 

which opens up many opportunities to impact the local 

church.” 

Ivan is married to Kathleen, and they have two 

children, Imani and Ivan II. 


LIFE LEGACY AWARDS: 

MAKING AN IMPACT FOR LIFE 

Faculty and staff have the ability to make a difference 

in the lives of their students when they invest the 

time and energy to get to know their students. In an 

effort to say thank you for all that the faculty do, GCA 

gives the 25-year and 40-year honor classes the privilege 

of nominating a GCA staff member (past, current, or 

posthumously) for the Life Legacy Award. Recipients of 

the award are individuals who have had a broad ranging 

and significant impact on the lives of GCA students. This 

year John Briggs and Barbara Willis received the award. 

John Briggs served as a guidance counselor and 

English teacher at GCA from 1972 to 1976. John 

passed away on November 7, 2010, at the age of 81. 

During his 40-year career as an Adventist educator, 

he touched countless lives. The following tribute 

was written by Kathy (Wear) Meintzer, class of 1976, 

on behalf of the students who knew and loved John 

Briggs. 

Jennifer (Briggs) Bertleson, ’76, 

accepted the Life Legacy Award 

on behalf of her father. 

We didn’t know a man 

named John Briggs, we knew a 

man named JB. The fact that we 

could call him that speaks a lot 

for the kind of teacher he was— 

personal. He was not a stiff and 

formal man—he was almost one 

of us. He not only taught us, but 

he counseled us, guided us, laughed with us, and loved 

us. For some of us, he was the best teacher we ever had. 

We may not remember all that we learned inside the 

classroom, but the things he taught us outside of those 

rooms are much more valuable. We saw a man who loved 

God and strove to teach us foolish youngsters to do the 

same. He lived the principle, “Study to show thyself 

approved unto God.” Books and tapes and learning, 

oh my! He loved to learn and grow! He taught us the 

importance of communication with each other—to open 

our hearts and expose ourselves to each other. Without 

communication, he said, we cannot really know and 

love each other. He was such an example of learning for 

ourselves, not just assuming that everything we’d been 

taught was true. It was okay to think outside the box. 

His whole life was dedicated to helping others. For 

many of us, he was a father figure, one that represented 

God to us as no earthly father ever had. He had a 

special knack for spotting the “strays,” if you will— 

those of us who had been wounded and needed special 

attention. I was one of those. He made room for me in 

his family the last year of academy and supported me 

through one year of college. He made up his mind that 

I was in his heart and he would always be there for me, 

and he was. No matter what 

choices I made, or what I did, 

he was there. He didn’t have 

to be, but he was. He was my 

touchstone. No matter where I 

was, how bad things seemed, I 

always knew I was loved. He 

was not just ‘JB’ to me, he was 

‘PA.’ That’s the “be the Jesus 

that others may never see” kind 

of man he was. 

I could almost bet that 

there are very few teachers who 

touched as many lives as he 

did. He was not perfect, but 

there was no question where 

his heart was. Mr. Briggs, JB, 

or PA— there will never be 

another one like him. 


Barbara Willis taught a variety of classes during 

her tenure at GCA. Serving at the school from 1986 

to 2005, she taught business education, computers, 

economics, consumer math, and keyboarding. A 

dedicated educator and loving teacher, Barbara passed 

along practical life skills to her students. The following 

tribute is a compilation of the thoughts of many of 

Barbara’s students. 

The common thread that you’ll hear from us is that 

Mrs. Willis cared about us. She wasn’t just fulfilling 

her job as our teacher; she genuinely invested herself in 

and offer words of encouragement if we were struggling. 

She prayed for us and with us. 

It is always a delight to come back to alumni 

weekend and see Mrs. Willis. Her face lights up when 

she sees one of us, “her kids.” She takes the time to 

find out where we are at and what we are doing. She 

genuinely cares and we know it. And when you have 

someone believing in you, it makes all the difference in 

the world. Mrs. Willis has been the catalyst for many 

of us to boldly go out into the world and impact it for 

good. May we be the Jesus to others that she was to us. 

In addition to honoring 

John and Barbara with a 

hand-blown glass replica 

of GCA’s courtyard 

fountain, we would like to 

give them a booklet with 

tributes from their former 

students. Please send your 

memories or thoughts 

about Mr. Briggs or Mrs. 

Willis to Nancy Gerard at 

ngerard@gcasda.org. Thank 

you in advance for helping 

us recognize these worthy 

teachers! 

Vicki (Crossland) Kahler, ’91, presented the award to former teacher, Barbara Willis, ’68. 

getting to know us as individuals. She cared about our 

dreams and about our fears; she cared about our success 

and our failure. We felt her love and support inside and 

outside of the classroom. 

In the classroom, she taught us practical skills that 

we all use to this day, like balancing a checkbook and 

navigating a world of ever changing technology. Mrs. 

Willis embraced new technology as it was introduced 

into the classroom, and she taught us to do the same. She 

inspired us to become all that we could be. In a loving 

way, she pushed us to become successful men and women. 

Outside of the classroom, she treated us like family. 

Her home was always open. In addition to inviting us 

to her home, she planned ice skating, camping, and other 

trips that provided us with a chance to get off campus 

and relax. 

She made us feel special. One way she did that was 

giving you a card on your birthday. She never seemed 

to miss anyone’s birthday. She also was attentive to our 

problems. Mrs. Willis was always there to listen to us 

Barbara shared some of her favorite memories of her 

time at GCA. 


A WET WEEK THANKFULLY ENDED 

WITH A DRY TOURNAMENT 

“ 

Rain or shine, I was ready to play,” commented 

Peter Hwang, ’93. “The forecast had rain 

all over it, but not a single drop fell on us 

throughout the entire time.” Yes, it seems 

you can almost count on a forecast for rain when 

it’s time for the GCA Alumni Golf Tournament and 

this year was no different! But once again we were 

blessed with a great tournament, free from weather 

disasters. 

With 110 golfers, we had a full tournament and a 

great day of play. Although the course was wet from 

recent rains, the conditions were still very good at 

the beautiful Barnsley Resort. 

Five teams competed for the Alumni Cup and 

the reigning champions, the class of 1975 team, saw 

their winning streak broken by a group of young 

upstarts from the class of 2014. Or maybe it wasn’t 

the young upstarts so much as the hot golfer and 

middle-aged GCA staff member who rounded out 

the team and helped them win. Either way, it was 

okay to see the ’75-ers give up their regular place 

as Alumni Cup winners. 

One great aspect of the annual golf event for 

GCA is the opportunity for friends to reconnect. Ron 

Raitz, ’74, came from Atlanta to golf with classmates 

Hal Coble, Chris Ezell, and Mark Richardson. “I 

always look forward to participating in the annual 

GCA alumni golf tournament. It is a chance to catch 

up with old friends, have some good laughs, and also 

acknowledge a school that had a strong impact on so 

many. The bonds of friendship, after all these years, that 

were forged there are testimony to that fact.” 

Peter Hwang, ’93, enjoyed playing in the GCA 

tournament for the first time with a group from the class 

of 1996, which included Daniel Lee, Chris Massengill, 

and David Self. “I have played in a few golf tournaments 

over the years, but this one was special. GCA and the 

wonderful memories I made during my four years will 

always have a special place in my heart. It was great to 

see new and old friends, some I hadn’t seen for over 20 

years. The course was beautiful and the GCA team did 

an amazing job planning the entire event.” 

Top winners for the first flight was a team with a 

score of 58 from Turner Heating and Air, which included 

Eddie Turner, Chad Harkin, Frank Horn, and Ricky 

Miller. First place winners from the 2nd flight were 

Murrell Tull, Casey Tull, Derin Scott, and Zain Scott 

with a score of 60. And the first place winners from the 

3rd flight were Brent Baldwin, Steve Blackburn, Morgan 

Baldwin, and Madden Baldwin with a score of 61. 

Four closest to the hole winners were Adam Brown, 

Ron Becker, Derin Scott, and Ron Reading. Long drive 

went to Jason Hogan. 

We are grateful to all of our sponsors for their 

generous support of the tournament and especially 

Dr. Roger Elliston, ’75, who supported GCA and the 

tournament as our lunch sponsor this year. Thanks to 

our sponsors and golfers, the tournament raised more 

than $27,000 for student scholarships and capital needs. 

Scott King; Peggi Noon, ’76; Tami (Baker) 

Richardson,’76; and Norman Fickling, ’69, take a break 

from playing to pose for the camera. 

Roger Elliston, ’75, lunch sponsor for this year’s golf 

tournament, drives the ball down the fairway. 


The winning team of the tournament (1st flight, 1st 

place) included Frank Horn, Chad Harkin, Eddie 

Turner, and Ricky Miller. 

First place winners from the 2nd flight were 

Murrell Tull, Zain Scott, Casey Tull, and Derin Scott. 

First place winners from the 3rd flight were Morgan 

Baldwin, Madden Baldwin, Brent Baldwin, and Steve 

Blackburn. 

Todd Hunt, GCA boys’ dean, played with Alex Martin, 

Luke Foll, and Caleb McKinney for the class of 2014 

and won the alumni cup, unseating the reigning 

champions from the class of 1975. 

Thank You To Our Sponsors 

Lunch Sponsor 

• Roger Elliston, DMD, FAGD 

Platinum Sponsors 

• Mark, ’74, and Brenda 

(Brown), ’76, Richardson 

• West Georgia Endodontics 

• George Whitman, ’68 

Gold Sponsors 

• Georgia-Cumberland 

Conference of Seventh-day 

Adventists 

• Gordon Hospital 

• Eddie, ’74, and Debbie Klein 

• Larry Payne, Edward Jones 

Financial Advisor 

• Performance Food Service 

• Southern Union Youth 

Ministries 

• Turner Heating and Air 

Silver Sponsors 

• Brevard Home Buyers, Inc. 

• Chips Away 

• Fox Systems, Inc. 

• Greater Community Bank of 

Calhoun 

• Todd Hold, ’87 

• Southern Adventist University 

• Don Wilson, ’69 

Hole Sponsors 

• Chase Farm 

• Alan and Diane (Artress) 

Connelly, ’88 

• Tommy Davidson, ’72 

• Dalton Plastic Surgery, 

Reginald Sherrill, MD 

• Steven R. Fehlenberg & Co. 

• Georgia-Cumberland 

Academy SDA Church 

• Genesis Women’s Center 

• Heritage Health Food, 

Collegedale, TN 

• Learning Labs, Inc. 

• Ledford Chiropractic, PC 

• Brian Martin, ’75 

• North Georgia Eye Care, 

Daniel Ahn, MD 

• Joel, ’88, and Jennifer 

(Gibson), ’89, Peel 

• David,’75, and Tami (Baker), 

’76, Richardson 

• The Sample Barn, Inc. 

• SouthernCare Family 

Medicine, Loren King, MD; 

Cathy Becker, NP 

• Southern Union Conference 

of Seventh-day Adventists 

• Star Supplies 


Early Morning Run for GCA 

It was an early morning for students, alumni, and friends of GCA 

who gathered at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, to pick up their 

number for the first ever GCA 5K. The runners congregated 

in the lobby of the gym in an effort to stay warm before the race. 

With temps in the 40s, it was a chilly start to the run. 

Fifty-one people registered for the race, although a few 

students decided their warm bed in the dorm was more 

inviting than pounding the pavement in the cold. At 8:00 

a.m. the race got underway, and 18 minutes and 38 seconds 

later George News crossed the finish line as the first male 

finisher. Joni (Self) Yamamoto, ’93, finished in 23 minutes and 

22 seconds and was named the top female finisher. George 

and Joni received gift certificates to Rak Outfitters. 

After the last runner crossed the finish line, prizes were 

awarded to the top two male and female finishers in each age 

category. The youngest runner to compete was 9-year-old 

Maddox Higginbotham, son of Clint, ’99, and Shannon, ’97, 

Higginbotham, and the oldest person to run was 69-year-old 

Mitch Hazekamp, a friend of GCA. 

The Run for GCA would not have been possible 

without the help of Britni (Brannon) News, ’04, who 

spearheaded the event. In addition, GCA is thankful 

for the support of the following sponsors: 

Title Sponsor - $2,500 

High Point Climbing and Fitness 

Gold Sponsors - $500 

Georgia-Cumberland 

Conference 

Todd Hold, Class of 1987 

Erica King, Class of 2012 

Sweet Velo Blue 

Silver Sponsors - $250 

Ed Dancek, Ameriprise 

Financial Services, Inc. 

Jeni Hasselbrack 

Caleb Holland, class 

of 2017, poses with his 

prize for finishing first in 

his age category. 

George News and Joni 

Yamamoto, the first place 

male and female finishers, 

are all smiles. 

Gary Rollins, a member of the class of 1966, 

completed the race in an impressive 29 

minutes and 35 seconds. 

Some of the runners who participated in GCA’s first ever 5K. 


10th Annual Ride for GCAas 

Although a bit chilly, we were blessed with a beautiful, 

sunny day for the 10th annual Ride for GCA. A group 

of about a dozen bikes and a few more riders gathered at 

the GCA Church to pick up t-shirts, chat, and enjoy a hot drink 

before heading out. 

The route, planned by Lonnie Leech, ’81, and Christian 

Jones, ’10, took the group through the North Georgia 

Mountains and along the Ocoee River where spring was 

breaking out in gorgeous color. The group made two stops 

to stretch and gas-up and then rode on to Cohutta Springs 

for a picnic lunch. 

This event, which has become a regular Alumni Weekend 

highlight, was first suggested by David Woodcock, ’85, 

who faithfully attends every year and brings friends from 

Chattanooga with him. Riders also join us from Ellijay, as 

well as the Atlanta area. It is always great to have our regulars 

back, as well as new riders from time to time. 

We are grateful to our sponsors and riders who make 

this an enjoyable and profitable event for GCA. The 

delicious lunches were donated by Christian and 

Jakes, a local restaurant operated by Christian Jones, 

class of 2010. The t-shirts were donated by American 

Imaging and Designs, which is owned and operated 

by Randy and Rick Naus. 

Morgan Preston, ’10, and Christian Jones, ’10, enjoy 

a few minutes in the sunshine before the ride starts. 

Lonnie Leech, ’81, and Tammy McGhee, ’82, pose together 

at the church before heading out on the ride. 

Riders enjoy lunch at Cohutta under a bright 

blue sky. 


ALUMNI RECONNECT 

IN CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, AND ALABAMA 

Because it can be difficult for some alumni to travel 

to Georgia for alumni weekend, the alumni office 

schedules regional reunions that offer graduates a 

chance to reconnect and stay in touch with the latest news 

from GCA. This winter/spring GCA had the privilege of 

hosting three events. 

California 

Southern California alumni and former staff came 

out to enjoy some great food and the opportunity to 

reminisce with GCA friends, new and old, on January 

31, 2016. This gathering has become a regular point of 

reconnection with our west coast alumni and former 

staff, and each year we see a very healthy showing 

from this area. 

Attendees enjoyed catching up with friends, 

making new acquaintances with other GCA people, 

and hearing the latest GCA news. This year’s event was 

especially exciting as Greg Gerard, principal, shared 

the latest plans for capital improvements at GCA and 

the progress on fundraising for those projects. 

The Italian lunch was enjoyed by all and capped 

off with pecan pie, made with local Georgia pecans 

transported to California by Nancy Gerard. Richard 

Harris, ’78, looks forward to the pie every year and 

has started replicating is for his California friends and 

family members. 

Three GCA principals were in attendance – Jim 

Clizbe, 1970-1973; Cyril Connelly, 1982-1988; and 

Greg Gerard, 2002 to present. 

Thanks to all who attended and a special thank 

you to Cyril and Lyn Connelly who hosted the 

Gerards and helped with the meal preparations. 

Young alumni and friends enjoyed catching up: 

Jeremy Wampler, Courtney Brackbill, ’10; Austin Owen, 

Cassia (Gallimore) Owen, ’09; Jerica Moore, ’04; Ricky 

Dickerson, ’04; Kelsie Nielsen, ’10; Jonathan Harper, ’09. 

Jessica (Johnston) Harrington’s (’03) little Will learned 

all about GCA while Laura (Bowen) Knutson’s (’03) 

Landon looked on. 

Young and not-so-young alumni enjoyed the food and 

the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater. 


Florida 

On February 6, 2016, alumni and friends of GCA 

gathered to renew friendships, meet new friends, and 

visit with GCA staff. Hosted by Andy McDonald, ’73, 

the luncheon was held at Florida Hospital Church, 

where Andy serves as senior pastor. 

will look like as GCA moves forward with capital 

improvement plans. He also shared how God is 

blessing GCA in so many ways. 

The group this year consisted of young alumni 

currently in undergraduate and graduate programs 

in the area right on up to retirees and former staff. 

Although we come from all ages and stages of life the 

one common, golden thread that binds us together 

is our beloved alma mater, Georgia-Cumberland 

Academy. 

Thanks to all who attended the Orlando event 

this year and a big thank you to Florida Hospital 

Church for providing their facilities for us to use. 

It’s great to see friends! Back row: Ken and Cornelia 

Scribner (former staff) with their kids, Sierra, and 

Michael, and Corneliu Totpal. Front row: Julie Cook, 

’96, Greg Gerard, Michaela Totpal (former staff). 

Vickie and Andy McDonald, ’73 enjoyed reconnecting 

with GCA friend, Dorothy Dalton, ’80. 

Heather Markham, ’14, enjoyed visiting with former 

assistant chaplain Amber Callender and her mom and 

aunt. 

After a delicious meal of Italian food, catered 

by a local restaurant, Principal Greg Gerard shared 

news from GCA and guests participated in a drawing 

with great prizes like GCA mugs and the new 

GCA devotional book. Dr. Gerard shared plans and 

architectural renderings of what new construction 

Alabama 

For the third year in a row, young alumni attending 

Oakwood University (OU) and others living in the 

Huntsville, Alabama, area met to enjoy pizza and 

reconnect with their GCA friends. Expecting an 

attendance of the usual 12 to 14 alumni at the March 

27 event, the Gerards were surprised by a group double 

that size and almost ran out of pizza! But it was a good 

problem to have and the alums who showed up had a 

great time reconnecting with friends. Happily, we did 

not run out of food! 

Some first time attendees included several from the 

class of 2015, as well as two alumni from 2004 and 2005. 

GCA mugs were the coveted giveaways and four lucky 

people were the winners of the drawing for mugs. In 

addition to enjoying food and fellowship, Dr. Gerard 

shared the exciting plans for GCA’s new facilities and 

showed everyone the conceptual drawings. 

Continued on page 22 


ALUMNI CONNECT Continued from page 21 

Isaac Nwadike, ’11, a senior theology student, was 

happy to be able to attend the event this year. “It was 

wonderful talking about old times with friends and 

seeing people step forward with their lives.” 

Revyn Bates, ’15, and 

Nadja Chavers, ’15, 

enjoyed their first alumni 

event since graduating 

from GCA. 

Excited young alumni 

paused from eating and 

talking to pose for a quick 

photo. 

Happy winners of the drawing for GCA mugs were 

Rachel Horton, ’12, Mishael Jackson, ’12, Kenesha 

Ryce, ’12, and Isaac Nwadike, ’11. 

Thank you to Ricardo Woolcock, ’91, who helped 

make arrangements for the event this year. And a big 

thank you to Courtney Buckhanon, ’13, who helped 

contact people and get the word out about the alumni 

gathering. 

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 Nancy 

Gerard at ngerard@gcasda.org. 

Virginia McKibbin, a GCA staff member from 1965 to 1970, 

passed away on March 18, 2016. While working at GCA, she 

taught typing, shorthand, and office practices. 

Duane Potter, former GCA history and religion teacher in the 

early 1970s, passed away on January 27, 2016. Mr. Potter 

was living in Maryland at the time of his passing. 

Ken Scribner, who served as recruiter from 2004-2008, has 

finished his master’s degree in business administration and 

is working at Florida Hospital in development. His wife, 

Cornelia, a former English teacher at GCA, is now working as 

the director of ELL at Forest Lake Academy. 

Desmond Suarez, former assistant chaplain, married Carol 

Lima on March 27, 2016. The couple live and work in 

Richmond, Virginia. 

Patty McGhee, ’73, has worked at Kaiser Permanente for 

the last 33 years, but she is looking forward to retiring in 

a few years. 

John Davis, ’78, lives in Redlands, California, and works 

at the Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health as a 

clinical psychologist. 

Eric Moore, ’81, was recently named a National Honoree by 

the Oakwood University Alumni Association. Eric has been 

working in the medical field for the last 20 years. He is board 

certified in family practice and in hospice and palliative 

medicine. He is currently serving as the medical director for 

the Central Florida Vitas Healthcare program. 

Miriam (Pell) Sands, ’85, is currently working as a caregiver 

in West Hollywood, California. 

Naomi (Lee) Koh, ’96, works in Chattanooga as a dentist, 

a position she has held for the last ten years. She and her 

husband, Phillip, have a six-year-old son and another baby 

boy on the way. 

Ben Richardson, ’99, was married to Maranda Dean in an 

outdoor wedding in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 16, 

2016. 

Jamie (Ring) Coffey, ’00, moved to Pensacola, Florida, and 

in December 2013 passed the test to become a certified 


hospice and palliative nurse. More recently, on June 12, 

2015, she and her husband, Jason, welcomed Dalton Aaron 

Thomas to the family, weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. Baby Dalton 

has an older sister and two older brothers. 

Amy Anderson, ’01, is currently living in California and 

attending Loma Linda University. She is pursuing a master’s 

degree in social work. 

Carrie (Winland) Bradbury, ’01, and her husband, Robert, 

recently welcomed a new baby into their family. Remington 

Harold Bradbury was born on April 12, 2016 weighing 

7 lbs. 5 oz. 

Andrea Keele, ’01, lives in Beltsville, Maryland, and works 

in the Office of Volunteer Ministries at the North American 

Division of Seventh-day Adventists. 

Cara (Anderson) McClung, ’01, is happily married and the 

proud mother of two children—Jadyn and Liam. She is a 

licensed clinical social worker, and she works at BlueCross 

BlueShield of Tennessee as the clinical team expert in 

behavioral health. 

Laura (Bowen) Knutson, ’03, and Michael became the 

proud parents of Natalie Grace, who was born on September 

17, 2015. The Knutson family lives in Loma Linda, California. 

Ta-Liah (Jones) Muir, ’03, currently lives in California. She 

was married on April 5, 2015, and this year she and her 

husband welcomed a baby boy into their home. 

Josh Woods, ’03, and his wife, Brittany, happily welcomed 

their second child, Eden Jannae Woods. Their little bundle 

of joy came into the world weighing 5 lbs. 4 oz. Big sister, 

Adelyn, is happy to have a little sister. 

Kelli (Leeper) Lamberton, ’04, along with her husband, 

Danny, are pleased to announce the birth of their third child, 

Aliza Jo Lamberton, on April 16, 2016. Aliza Jo weighed 8 

lbs. 12 oz. and is bringing much joy to the Leeper/Lamberton 

families. 

Brittany Gimble, ’05, married Phil Stokes on March 27, 

2016, in Chattanooga. Brittany works as a CRNA and Phil is 

in a medical residency at Loma Linda University. 

Kimberly (Camp) Campbell, ’06, is married with two 

children and is working as a nurse with a hospice company 

in Tullahoma, Tennessee. 

Amanda Chase, ’06, is currently pursuing a doctorate in 

psychology. She plans to graduate in May 2017. 

Jeffrey Harper, ’06, and wife, Nickele, recently welcomed 

a new addition to their family. Judah Alan Harper was born 

on March 3, 2016, weighing 6 lbs. 7 oz. Jeff serves as youth 

pastor at the Fallbrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in 

Fallbrook, California. 

Matthew, ’06, and Elizabeth (Hernandez) Taylor, ’06, are 

the proud parents of baby Hadassah Grace, born on March 5, 

2016, and weighing 8 lbs. 11.5 oz. Elizabeth and Matthew, 

along with Hadassah, call Denver, Colorado, home. 

Kyndle (Moore) Newton, ’07, has been married for five 

years and has three children: Willow Kate (4), Haven (2), 

and Eli (1 month), and a stepdaughter, Jasmine (10). 

Kyndle completed a master’s degree in English education 

and is currently homeschooling her children. She is also in 

charge of charity projects for her local ladies junior auxiliary 

chapter. 

Josh Carrithers, ’08, and his wife, Rachel, celebrated the 

birth of their son, Noah Alexander, on March 1, 2016. He 

weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. The family resides in Soddy Daisy, 

Tennessee. 

Daniel Park, ’08, lives in Torrance, California, and works for 

the nonprofit organization Liberty in North Korea. 

Allie (Warburg) Amory, ’09, lives in Newnan, Georgia. She 

and her husband, Brian, welcomed Saya Makenzy Amory 

into their family on December 1, 2015. Baby Saya weighed 

9 lbs. 7 oz. 

Andrew Lee, ’09, is currently completing his third year in 

dental school at Loma Linda University. 

Brianna Taylor, ’10, is currently working on her MPH in 

Research Epidemiology and Global Health at Loma Linda 

University. She finds the program challenging but says the 

professors are really supportive and actively try to help 

students succeed. 

Kelsie Nielsen, ’11, will be graduating from La Sierra 

University in June with a bachelor’s degree in film and 

television with an emphasis in production. 

Courtney Buckhanon, ’13, 

was recently crowned “Miss 

Oakwood University” in a 

pageant held on April 10 

in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Courtney is looking forward 

to representing Oakwood 

University and having an 

opportunity to work for 

causes that are near to her 

heart. 

Karissa Ramsay, ’13, graduated in April from Adventist 

University of Health Sciences (ADU) with an associate’s 

degree in radiography. 

Heather Markham, ’14, was recently accepted into the 

nursing program at ADU in Orlando, Florida. 


Georgia-Cumberland Academy 

397 Academy Drive 

Calhoun, GA 30701 

Phone: 706-629-4591 

Fax: 706-629-1271 

NONPROFIT ORG. 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

CHATTANOOGA, TN 

PERMIT NO. 1114 

www.gcasda.org 

Cumberlite Staff 

EDITOR: 

Kalie Kelch 

ASSISTANT EDITOR: 

Nancy Gerard 

LAYOUT & DESIGN: 

Frank Strack College Press 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: 

Kalie Kelch, Nancy Gerard, Grant Tuttle 

Upcoming Events 

May 20 and 21 – GCA Graduation. Please feel free to join us as we celebrate the 

accomplishments of the class of 2016. 

June 4 – Collegedale Area Alumni/Former Staff Supper. If you are coming to 

campmeeting or live in the Collegedale area, please join us for supper and a chance 

to visit. We will be meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the White Oak Room in Thatcher South on 

the campus of Southern Adventist University. Call or e-mail Nancy Gerard at 770-548- 

3233 or ngerard@gcasda.org for more information. 

July 3-14 – GCA Alumni and Friends Trip to Ireland. 

August 4 and 7 – GCA Registration. If you know of a young person who wants to attend 

GCA, please contact Jim Lewellen at 706-728-4760 or jlewellen@gcasda.org and 

begin the registration process today. 

If you have a new mailing address or if you would prefer to not receive future issues of 

the Cumberlite, please e-mail Nancy Gerard at ngerard@gcasda.org so that we can 

update our database.

Cumberlite - 2016 Spring

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?