Cumberlite - 2014 Summer

SUMMER 2014
THE CUMBERLITE
GCA: Planting Seeds for Success
This past May the class of 2014
graduated from GCA, joining
the ranks of nearly 2,500 proud
GCA alumni. This rite of passage,
celebrated each spring at millions
of high schools across the country,
recognizes the accomplishments of
students and affirms the adults who
helped shape their lives.
After graduation when our
graduates cross that important
threshold from high school to
college or work, we watch
prayerfully to see how the
trajectories of their lives go. It
matters a great deal to us that
our graduates go on to achieve
success in college and careers,
as well as to enjoy rich and
healthy relationships. But
most of all, we want them to
experience a relationship with
God and live a life of service.
We are proud of our
alumni and, if time and space
allowed, would tell you about the
many successful graduates who
are serving the world as educators,
business leaders, medical or dental
professionals, journalists, pastors,
lawyers, artists, civil servants and
more. For now, allow us to share a
sampling of what some of our young
alumni from the Class of 2006 are
doing.
Nathan DeWild is living his professional dream as
director of photography for Journey Films, working with
documentary filmmaker, Martin Doblmeier. His most recent
travels took him to Afghanistan where he filmed the story
of a military chaplain for a new documentary.
Nathan says, “I would never be where I am if people
hadn’t given me a chance. I only knew a little bit about
making videos before I went to GCA but I got experience by
working on the slideshow year to year and then Chaplain
Nathan DeWild, class of 2006, is one of our recent grads who is taking his
career to new heights using the skills and values he developed while a
student at GCA.
Greg [Hudson] gave me a chance to show my videos at
vespers, one of the greatest series ever, that later became
known as ‘Gleamer’.”
From GCA Nathan went on to Southern Adventist
University where he studied film making, eventually
graduating in 2011. When Doblmeier came to SAU for
a showing of one of his documentaries and to speak to
Southern’s film students, he was introduced to Nathan.
That introduction soon led to Nathan’s first job following
college.
continued on page 2

Planting Seeds for Success continued
Although all of his projects at Journey Films
have been fulfilling Nathan says, “I am excited
about this new one because it covers so many
different faiths and shows what a difference
chaplains make in people’s lives. I saw for
myself the huge impact chaplains can have on
lives while I was at GCA. Part of me wanted to
do this film because of Chaplain Greg and how
much he did for me when I was in school there.”
If you would like to learn more about Journey
Films, Nathan invites you to check out their
website at www.journeyfilms.com.
Pastor Jeff Harper fell fully in love
with Jesus while a student at GCA
and now serves as a youth pastor
in Southern California. Jeff will
soon marry his fiancé and future
partner in ministry, Nickele Prahl.
Jeff Harper
says he fully
fell in love with
Jesus during
his junior year
at GCA. “I
started owning
my personal
spirituality
and walk with
God during
a Wednesday
evening small
group led by task
force chaplain,
Brandon Moor,
who taught a
class on ‘How to
Have Devotions.’
He showed us
why and how
spending time
with Jesus each day would change our lives.
My senior year I worked for the chaplain’s office
and got to help plan vespers, Sabbath School,
outreach and was just generally involved in
spiritual leadership on campus. That year was
transformative for me!”
Prior to his junior year at GCA Jeff planned
on a career in medicine, but during that year
realized that he “enjoyed people and loved God
a whole lot,” so he decided to try out theology as
a major in college and see where God led. Still
not 100% sure of his vocational direction, Jeff’s
call to pastoral ministry was confirmed during
his freshman year in college.
Now a youth pastor at the Fallbrook (Ca.)
Seventh-day Adventist Church near San Diego,
Jeff realizes that much of what he experienced at
GCA is playing an important role in his success so
far. Learning to be a critical thinker, developing
a strong work ethic, learning to serve people
through mission trips and developing leadership
skills through class and student association
positions prepared him for the pastorate. Jeff
says, “There are still mentors at GCA who I call
for advice or help with mission trips and youth
ministry questions and they willingly give me
their time and advice.”
Jeff really enjoys all aspects of his work but
says, “Most of all I love seeing young people get
excited about Jesus and realizing how amazing
our God is!”
Adam Rego and Marilee Chase Rego married
after graduating from Southern Adventist University
in 2010 and moved to Denver, Colorado where
Adam took over the management and operations
of a sign business his parents purchased. His past
Adam and Marilee (Chase) Rego are building their
careers in the business community of Denver, Colorado.
They both credit GCA with planting important values
within them while students here that are helping them
achieve success in their careers.
2 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

experience in graphics, as well as his degree from
Southern Adventist University helped prepare
him for this entrepreneurial endeavor. Just a few
years in, Colorado Signs is keeping Adam and his
employees very busy!
Marilee graduated college with a double
major in accounting and history. After their
move to Denver, she went on to get a Master
of Accountancy from the University of Denver.
Now a CPA, Marilee works for RubinBrown, a
regional CPA firm, and specializes in financial
and compliance audits of not-for-profit and
government clients.
Colorado Signs is taking on some big projects
these days. Adam says, “We recently did all the
transit wraps and advertisement branding for
Denver—that included all the trains/light rails and
busses. We also just picked up a contract from
U-Haul where we are currently doing graphic
installation for over 150 trucks. Another current
project is a total rebrand of the world’s largest
flour milling company.” Looking ahead, Adam
wants to see his commercial graphics provider
grow to provide more jobs for people and take
on more nationally recognized work.
Marilee and Adam both attribute a portion
of their success to experiences gained at
GCA. While a student here, Adam worked at
the Helpdesk which provided direction for his
career preparation in college. He credits his
work experiences at GCA with also teaching
him crucial life lessons. “GCA overall made me
a more responsible person and a hard worker.
Those two things are important if you want to
be an entrepreneur.”
Marilee says the culture of excellence at GCA
impacted her. “I could see the investments being
made in me and my potential. The confidence
certain faculty and staff had in me helped
me believe that I could make contributions of
value to the world around me.” Speaking of
the “soft” skills learned here, she credits dorm
living for helping prepare her for the world of
work. “I meet new people almost daily in my job
and those people skills have helped me connect
with my clients and coworkers.”
This bright, hardworking duo is making their
mark on the business world in Denver, Colorado
and we’re proud of them!
Caressa Rogers didn’t plan a
career in photography, but God
opened doors of opportunity
and she is enjoying the fulfillment
that comes from working in her
professional sweet spot.
Caressa
Rogers enjoys a
rich, full career
as a professional
w e d d i n g
and lifestyle
photographer.
Her work has
taken her to all
corners of the
United States,
as well as to
international
locales. Her
c r e a t i v e
instincts and
technical
expertise have
blended to produce award-winning photographs
and position her as a highly sought after
photographer.
Caressa’s early attempts at photography with
her first DSLR camera were pretty good, but
her skills really blossomed when she studied
photography during a study tour to Tanzania,
Africa during college.
With her friendliness and charm, Caressa
easily puts people at ease so she is able to capture
warm and authentic photos of her subjects. This,
along with her stellar photo editing skills, result
in a product that is in demand.
Caressa’s love of travel was well nurtured
during her time at GCA through travel to New
England, numerous mission trips, as well as a
spring break tour to Italy. She says, “I left GCA
craving more. Now as a photographer I have
incorporated that love for travel by specializing
in destination photography and serving clients
across the country and the world.”
continued on page 17
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 3

Our Newest
Alumni
Jessica Ahn
Karla Aponte
Victor Arreaga Lauren Brackbill Andrew Caban Samuel Cardona
Chris Cartwright Lucy Casas Orin Chandler Jillian Cheever
Eric Claus Chelsea Dancek Courtney Day Siera Eklund
4 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Congratulations,
Class of 2014!
Joel Estrada
Aubrey Fautheree
Luke Foll Krystal Greene Jamil Hairston Tyler Hamliton
Alex Harper Vanessa Hernandez Caressa Hobdy Jonathan Hoey
Natalie Joa Erin Jones Molly Keizer Rashid Logan
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 5

Our Newest Alumni
Tatiana Lopez Jonathan Mancao Heather Markham Madison Martin
Caleb McKinney Rayane Melo Cierra Miller Jacob Mitchell
Marriah Monette Mallory Morgan Carine Moura Daisy Munoz
Yousette Nunez Ben Nwadike Kayla Oglesby Obinna Onyieje
6 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Congratulations, Class of 2014!
Max Park Kevin Patel Cheyenne Pearson Ben Rhodes
Josh Robinson Joey Rocha Margoski Saintinus Kevyn Salazar
Micah Scott Enae Smith Garrett Stephens Tucker Sutton
Adam Turner
Emily West
Tim Williams
Kincaid Wurl
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 7

Voices from the Class of 2014
Each year at graduation we hear from students who have asked for the
privilege of sharing their “GCA Experience.” What follows are selected excerpts
from two of this year’s speakers.
Hi, my name is Carine
Moura and this is my GCA
experience.
As many of you know, I
grew up in an Adventist
home. Yes, I was always
in Sabbath School classes, I
was a pathfinder, I ate plenty
of potlucks and to top that
off, I was also a pastor’s daughter. I always knew I
was going to attend boarding school. It was already
part of the plan since both of my parents attended
boarding school, as well. We came to visit GCA
and I absolutely loved the campus and I knew this
is where I wanted to be.
I can’t tell you all my experiences from the
last four years at GCA. That would take too
long. But I’m standing here after four long,
hard years and the only word I can think to
say right now is, “Wow!” Not only, “Wow, I’m
actually graduating,” but “Wow, I’m amazed at
who GCA helped me become.”
I remember my first day – I was so scared.
I didn’t know anyone at the school. That year I
got close to some of the craziest, funniest girls
I have ever met. And guess what? They have
never left my side and I am very proud to call
them my sisters today.
It was here at GCA that I:
Made friends for life
Decided to open up to new possibilities
and positions
Topped a four-high in gymnastics
Met the best faculty I could ever ask for
Had my first snowball fight
Learned how to play baseball
Was used by God to serve Him on mission
trips
Went through the hardest times in my life
Found and lost love, passions and dreams
Became stronger, with God’s help, and
Found God and built a relationship with
Him for the first time.
God has been with me my whole life, but
I’m proud to say I ran to His arms my third year
here at GCA and I’m not planning to run away
My name is Daisy Munoz
and I am a four-year senior.
Coming to GCA as a freshman
was a very different
experience for me. I pretty
much knew my way around GCA
because my sister had been a
student here before me.
I was a little nervous about
the idea of living in the dorm and being away from
home but it turned out to be the best experience
ever. Living in a dorm with a lot of different girls
helped me be more open and also step out of
my comfort zone. One of the things that really
marked my time in the dorm was how much we
all learned to care about each other. During my
freshman year there was a group of senior ladies
who took me in and looked after me like their
little sister. They were there if I ever needed to
talk about anything or help me get around the
school. Since then I have been inspired to do the
same thing for younger girls. This year I looked
after a lot of the younger girls in the dorm and
was always willing to talk if they needed to.
The thing that stood out the most about my
dorm life were the friendships I made. Starting
off freshman year I only knew a few people. In
the dorm I only knew one girl, which was Lauren
Brackbill. Lauren became my roommate our first
year and we’ve been roommates for all four years.
By the end of the first week of school I knew
who my friends were going to be. These four
girls have been with me through thick and thin.
Now they are not only my best friends, but they
are my sisters.
Of course you can’t have a family without
having a mother to watch over the kids. DJ*, or
Momma Bear, as we call her, has impacted our
lives tremendously. Even though we sometimes
complained about long chapels in the dorm,
without DJ I would not have the relationship I
have with God today and I thank her for that. I
know she deeply cares about all of us and I’m
going to miss her so much next year. DJ was
like my second mother and I wouldn’t be where
I am today if it wasn’t for her.
8 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Carine . . .
again. I look back on the last four years and I
cry and laugh. I’m so thankful! Memories and
friendships are not staying behind. I learned
so much here. I grew up here and there are
things I’m never going to forget and will carry
with me as I leave GCA. I’m leaving with a
purpose: To know, to love and to serve God
for the rest of my life.
Daisy . . .
These past four years in the dorm have been
the best four years of my life. All the memories I
have made like bonfires, water fights, and senior
pranks will always be with me.
I believe there is a purpose for every person.
I believe that God puts individuals in our lives
for a reason. I know that GCA was put in my
life for a reason and it will always have a special
place in my life. I am proud to say that GCA has
helped me become the person I am today and I
will always love this place. I am so glad I was
able to spend the best four years of my life here
at GCA and call it my home.
I will be taking all the memories and all the
things I’ve learned here with me as I start this
new stage of my life.
My name is Daisy Munoz and this was my
GCA experience. Thank you.
*DJ is short for Dean Janet, our head girls’
dean.
Fast Facts about the Class of 2014
Of the 60 members of the class of 2014:
51 graduated with college prep diplomas
9 graduated with standard diplomas
31 graduated with high honors (GPA of 3.5
or above)
35 were 4-year seniors
4 were second generation students
3 were National Merit Commended Scholars
56 of the 60 members will be in college next year
Class of 2014 Officers
President – Lucchiana Casas
Vice-President – Luke Foll
Secretary – Courtney Day
Treasurer – Yousette Nunez
Pastor – Samuel Cardona
Parliamentarian – Erin Jones
Motto: Independent from the world, dependent on God.
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 9

GCA/ADRA Mission Trip
to Tanzania
“ The image of their smiles and the sound of
their laughter will never leave us.” These
sentiments, spoken by Jannai Arellano
(class of 2015), are shared by all who recently
participated in GCA’s fourth partnership trip
with ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief
Agency).
Our group of 23 students, alumni and staff
traveled to Arusha, Tanzania in late May to assist
the local ADRA personnel with building a rain
water storage tank for a medical clinic currently
being built in an area outside of the city. The
medical clinic will soon serve approximately
5,000 people in the area that currently have no
immediate access to medical help. The rain water
storage tank will help the medical clinic have
access to clean water since the local water source
is currently a polluted river not suitable for a
medical clinic.
A secondary goal that was perhaps more
memorable for the
students, was to visit and
bring donations to several
schools and orphanages in
the area, some of which
had albino children. We
delivered clothes, hats,
sunglasses, umbrellas,
sunscreen and many other
items to these children.
The trips to visit
the children made a
huge impression on
the participants. Joshua
Robinson, class of 2014,
shared his experience
with the children. “There
are many cases of
Nearing completion, the water
storage tank built by the GCA
group in partnership with
ADRA, will hold 30,000 liters of
water.
discrimination against the Albino community in
Tanzania. Due to their skin color and unique
condition they are often denied education, jobs
and justice, and many are victims of harsh crimes.
It was beautiful to hear the students sing a song
that says, ‘God loves everyone, both black and
white.’ I wept as I boarded the bus back to our
residence. The love that they contain and emit, despite
the surrounding societal hate, is beyond priceless. We
were there to share God’s love with them, but I was
elated to also receive His love from them.”
Erin Jones, class of 2014, was also overjoyed to be
able to spend time with the children. She described
Work by the GCA group on the water storage tank in
Tanzania begins.
visiting a large school
with many students
who have disabilities
or live with albinism.
She and Aspen Scott,
GCA senior, taught
a group of young
girls clapping games
and ring-around-
A highlight of the trip for many of the
participants was interacting with the children at
nearby schools and orphanages.
10 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

the-rosey, then
in return were
taught some of
the local games
by the girls.
“Knowing the
struggle these
children have
with challenging
disabilities and
social obstacles
helped me to
appreciate their
joy even more.
Our time together
was short, but I
will never forget
their smiling
GCA mission trip participants posed for a group photo with their new friends in Tanzania. faces. Those
memories I will
carry with me forever.”
While at the ADRA job site, the village
children were ever-present observers. Jannai
Arellano described the day some of the group
took a break and went into the nearby field
to see what games they could play with the
children. “With only a trash bag rolled into
a ball and tied up with string to use for a
soccer ball and a giant language barrier, there
were a very limited amount of options.” But
somehow they made it work. “It didn’t take
long to get attached after seeing them every
day for a week and seeing how in need they
were, but after we finished our project we
had to say goodbye without being able to
tell them that we wouldn’t see them again.”
Joshua Robinson, class of 2014, says that interacting with and
coming to understand the plight of the albino children in
Although we worked hard and
Tanzania impacted his life in a powerful way.
accomplished our goals with ADRA, we also
took time to enjoy the local sites. We enjoyed three
days on safari to Terengire, Lake Manyara and the
Ngorogoro Crater. On the way home we completed
the trip by spending three days touring Istanbul,
Turkey.
Reflecting on the trip and especially the visits to
the schools and orphanages, Jannai summed it up this
way: “We won’t ever forget what it felt like to be
somebody’s best friend after the first introduction, just
because they needed it. Being a friend to someone
has never been as fulfilling as it was on this trip.”
Lorenzo Lacson, class of 2015, really enjoyed playing
with the Tanzanian children at the orphanages they
visited.
By Serge Gariepy
GCA vice-principal
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 11

Pastor Don Keele:
A Legacy of Leadership
The Georgia-Cumberland Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Family exists to capture the hearts
and minds of young people and
develop them into fully devoted
disciples of Jesus Christ.
Don Keele, pastor of the
GCA church for the past
15 years, has accepted an
administrative position with
the Georgia-Cumberland
Conference.
Fifteen years ago Don
Keele accepted the
challenge of coming
to shepherd the GCA
Church family
following a
period of
upheaval.
Now he moves
on to broaden
his influence.
But the legacy of
his leadership will
continue.
The mission of
the church, as stated
above, is strongly
embedded into the DNA of the GCA Church
and the lay leadership stands united in their
commitment to this mission. Thanks to the strong
leadership of Keele, the church became a great
example of how an academy campus church can
truly mentor young people by involving them in
every aspect of church life.
In 1999 Don Keele arrived in Calhoun with
his wife, Sandy, and their two children, Andrea
and Donnie. Prior to coming here, they served
in Washington, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas and
Colorado. Keele served as an academy teacher/
chaplain, as well as a campus church pastor prior
to his arrival. The transition was good for GCA,
as well as the Keele family. “It turned out to be
a very good move for our family,” Keele recalls.
He was not intending to accept a call, but both
he and his wife felt strongly that this is where
God wanted them to be.
One of the high points of Pastor Don’s tenure
at GCA was the construction of the new worship
facility on the campus. On November 5, 2005
what seemed like an improbable dream became
a reality when the new church facility opened.
In the face of what seemed like insurmountable
financial odds, God faithfully provided.
Keele describes another high point as,
“watching the church grow into its potential to
mentor and provide spiritual guidance for young
people.” Dennis Steele, co-head elder of the GCA
church, agrees. “The GCA church leadership team
under Pastor Don has been very intentional in its
choice to work within God’s plan and let God’s
will take over and His power made manifest. The
goal was to see that the youth learned how to study
the scriptures, how to worship God, how to find
their place inside the church, to reach out to their
community and learn to have fun in a Christian
setting.” Steele believes we have reached many of
those goals with Pastor Keele at the helm.
This past April, Don Keele accepted a position
as associate youth and young adult director
with the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. This
new position will utilize many of the skills and
experience Keele has developed over the years
and will channel his passion for keeping kids
engaged in the Adventist church into a wider
circle of influence. “It pains me greatly to see
our church hemorrhaging in this segment of our
population,” he says, referring to the statistics that
show young adults leaving the church. “My passion
is that our church become a place that sees its
role as one that will not allow, nor even tolerate
any attitude that keeps kids from seeing Jesus and
prevents them from engaging in a meaningful role
in the church.” His new responsibilities will be
focused on helping churches become places of
engagement for youth and young adults. He will
also be helping churches work effectively with
young people as they go through life transitions
that can typically derail their connections to the
church.
Although the church family is sad to see Pastor
Keele leave, we are grateful for the youth-friendly
culture he has helped develop at the GCA church
and we are determined to stay true to our mission.
12 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

The Short Story
(It Wasn’t Long Enough)
In 1998 Donald Short arrived at GCA, a single
man. He had no idea he would leave sixteen
years later with a beautiful wife, three precious
daughters, and many wonderful memories. Don
and Laura (Lee) Short have distinguished themselves
over time with their significant contributions to
Adventist education and we are grateful for the way
they have impacted our lives.
Initially, Don was invited to join the faculty at GCA
as a history and English teacher, but soon moved into
part-time administration.
Reflecting on the high
points of his sixteen
years here, “There
are too many to list,”
he notes, “but let me
try to summarize a
few: 1) Worshipping
in churches that GCA
students have built
across Latin America
and the Caribbean, 2)
the annual bus trips to
New England, 3) the
thousands of hours
in the classroom with
students, 4) working
with such a fine
group of teachers and
administrators, deans
and staff, and 5) the GCA team earning and keeping
regional accreditation during my time.”
Greg Gerard, principal, will miss Don’s
contributions to the GCA team. “Don’s calm and
steady administrative presence, his outstanding
work in the classroom, and his organizational skills
as demonstrated in yearly educational and mission
trips, as well as accreditation studies have been a
tremendous blessing to the school. His mentorship
of students has already resulted in inspiring the next
generation of teachers, pastors and missionaries.”
Laura joined the staff in 2001 as a full time
English/ESL teacher, her freshly signed diploma from
Don and Laura Short will be greatly missed as they leave
GCA after many years of committed service to the work
of shaping young lives. Here they are shown with their
daughters (left to right) Ella, Emma and Anna.
Southern Adventist University in tow. Although
hired to teach, Laura believes she came for another
reason. “Personally, I believe God brought me to
GCA to meet my wonderful husband!”
The two single teachers’ friendship developed
over time and they were challenged with trying to
manage a personal relationship in a very public
place. In 2004 Don and Laura were married and
soon after, Laura left GCA to pursue her photography
passion. Studio Laura was opened in downtown
Calhoun and very quickly became the place to go
for portrait and wedding photography. As their
family grew, Laura says, “My interest quickly turned
from growing a business to
raising little girls. Shortly
after closing Studio Laura,
Dr. Gerard used his talent
of persuasion to get me
back into the classroom.
I taught photography and
ESL part-time for the past
six years. I feel so blessed
and grateful to have been
able to teach at GCA.”
Reflecting recently
on Laura’s contributions
in the classroom, Greg
Gerard noted, “Laura has
the unique ability to set
high standards, yet is very
affirming and able to bring
out the best in students.
These qualities made her a
much-loved teacher and many of our alumni can
trace their appreciation of literature and writing skills
to time spent in her classes.”
As for the immediate future, the Shorts plan
to travel and spend time with their parents and
daughters. However, Adventist education is in
their blood. As products of the system, as well as
investing so many years of their professional lives in
Adventist education, we are hopeful that these two
will find another opportunity in a subsequent season
of life to continue their outstanding contributions
to this ministry. In the meantime, we wish them
all the best and will miss them very much!
(If you would like to follow the Shorts in this
new stage of their life journey, read about their
adventures at www.weeshorts.com.)
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 13

GCA Friends Reconnect
at Record-Breaking Alumni Event
Charles, Sarah, Kevin and Joyce Young
enjoyed the food and fellowship of the 2014
Campmeeting event held in Collegedale, Tn.
on May 24.
Brad and Paola (Cornejo)
Thames attended the GCA
alumni event and enjoyed
connecting with friends and
faculty.
Class of 1968 member,
Andrea (McGaha)
Erwin attended the
alumni supper along
with her husband, Jim.
Kim Thayer, class of 1976, and
his wife, Tammy were first-time
attendees at the alumni event
and were glad to reconnect with
GCA friends.
Greg King, class of 1977 and George
Graves, class of 1976 enjoyed chatting
with their former P.E. teacher, Wally Fox.
Susan (Addison) Pennington,
class of 1979, and Kimberly
(Wygal) Miller, class of 1977,
paused to chat with Nancy
Gerard, GCA alumni and
development director.
Terry Trecartin, class of
1995, was happy to see
his friend and former
teacher, Wally Fox (GCA
physical education
teacher).
Nicole (Antone) Lasley, class
of 2003, brought her husband,
Brandon, and their little boy,
Brock, to meet friends and faculty
at the GCA alumni event.
Laura Short and
Jennifer (Stout) Smith,
class of 2003, were
pretty excited to
reconnect!
Cody Page, class
of 2011, was one of
many young alumni
who attended the
campmeeting event.
View more of Grant Tuttle’s photos of this event on the GCA website: www.gcasda.org under the Alumni tab.
14 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Camerata Performs
with Michael Card
Georgia-Cumberland Academy’s (GCA)
select choir, Camerata, had the privilege of
performing in concert with Michael Card
April 17. Card is a musician who has sold more
than four million albums and written around 19
number one hits including “El Shaddai,” “Love
Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel.” Card was
the main attraction for the Dalton Ga. Church’s
75-year celebration and is the co-author of more
than 24 books. He also hosts a radio program
and has written for a wide span of magazines.
Card was surprised that Camerata was a
high school choir because they “sound like
professionals.” Card was the main attraction
for the Dalton (Ga.) Adventist Church’s 75-year
celebration and is the co-author of more than 24
books. He also hosts a radio program and has
written for a wide span of magazines.
Candace Nesmith, Camerata director, says
that although accepting this request added to the
group’s work load it was worth the extra effort.
“I thought, ‘This can be done.’ The students’
individual musical skills, individual abilities
combine as they work together as a team and it
is amazing to see and hear what they are able
to do when we work together to praise God.”
The experience of working with Mr. Card left
a big impression on the students, according to
Nesmith. “Here was this professional musician,
yet one who was so Christ-like in the way he
treated the student musicians. Through him the
students were able to see that God uses humble
humans to share in His ministry.”
Steve McKnight, GCA alumnus and dad of
tenor, Preston McKnight, was very excited when
he heard about this opportunity. “Michael Card
is a music master, both vocally and in lyrical
and melodic composition. As vocal musicians,
Camerata could not have had a better opportunity.
The spiritual blessing and musical achievement
should be considered a landmark in their lifelong
pursuit to follow their musical goals wherever
God should lead. I am sure this will have a
lifelong impact on the singers, as it did for the
proud parents and all who were blessed that
night.”
Several of the choir members were surprised
that their talent was good enough for this type of
event. Kevyn Salazar, GCA student and Camerata
performer, said she “didn’t know our talents
could be used for something so important.”
Greg Gerard, GCA principal, said, “The evening’s
performance was offered at an outstanding
professional level and our students helped make
that happen.”
By Jim Lewellen
Director of Enrollment Services
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 15

GCA Tour to Israel/Istanbul
flew to Istanbul for a very
full week-end of visiting
historic and cultural sites,
as well enjoying the great
shopping this beautiful
city offers.
Although our group
was diverse in age and the
places we call home, we
all shared a connection
to GCA in one way or
another. The group
quickly bonded and
enjoyed sharing meals,
photo opportunities,
shopping discoveries, and
spiritual insights.
Trying to absorb so
The tour group enjoyed visiting the historically significant sites in Israel, such as the much information so fast
ruins of Nimrod’s Fortress in the foothills of Mt. Hermon.
felt a bit like trying to
A
group of 14 world travelers left the drink water from a fire hydrant but we did the
U.S. on June 4 and met up in Tel Aviv, best we could and came home with the desire to
Israel for the start of a 12 day adventure learn more. Julie Mittleider of Adairsville, Ga.
which included traveling by bus through Israel, put it this way: “The trip added fact to my faith.
visiting ancient archaeological sites, learning I want to go to Israel again—there is so much
about culture and history, and enjoying seeing more to learn.”
places we had only previously read about in Highlights of the trip included a delightful
the Bible. Following a week in Israel the group boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, being on
the hillside where it is thought that
Jesus gave His famous Sermon on
the Mount, bobbing in the incredible
Dead Sea, and shopping in the Grand
Bazaar in Istanbul.
This was not your typical vacation.
As Caleb McKinney summed it up, “It
was a trip about Him, not about me;
a refreshing change.” We came home
with more than the usual souvenirs.
We came home from this trip with
strong friendships and a stronger
faith.
Joshua (class of 2010) and Caleb (class
of 2014) McKinney were not lost in the
desert...just having some fun on a camel
16 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Planting Seeds for Success continued
This award-winning photo by Caressa Rogers and others like it explain how
this recent GCA graduate has risen to the top of the wedding and lifestyle
photography business so quickly.
Caressa, like many of our graduates, has put
her skills to good use. Her college preparation
was towards a career in elementary education,
but when God answered her prayer for direction
and opened the door to a photography business
she walked through. She, along with many other
classmates, has found her professional sweet spot
and is enjoying work she loves.
View some of Caressa’s
beautiful work at www.
caressarogers.com.
Our graduates inspire us!
Like the young alumni
featured above, many of our
recent graduates are finishing
college or graduate school and
launching careers, making their
mark in healthcare, business, the
arts, civil service, education and
ministry. The seeds of success
are sown early in life. But we
believe the rich experience
offered at GCA provides the
perfect environment for those
seeds to take root.
As you look at the beautiful
faces of our most recent graduates in the pages of
this publication we hope you see each of them in
light of the unlimited possibilities that lie ahead.
With Paul, we affirm that “…He who began a
good work in you will be faithful to complete
it…” (Philippians 1:6) and will be watching to
see how they blossom and grow.
How GCA Plants Seeds for Success
An environment of excellence challenges students to reach their potential…
• A strong academic program develops thinking and problem solving skills.
• Students learn leadership skills and are given many opportunities to practice them
• Self-regulating skills such as time management, setting priorities and a strong work ethic are learned.
A strong sense of community fosters relationships with God and people…
• We provide an environment that supports the development of a vibrant personal relationship with God.
• Dorm living prepares students for the relational aspects of family and career success.
• Students are encouraged to serve the greater community through service days, mission trips and other outreach
activities.
• Our close, welcoming community of students and staff creates a safe environment for social and emotional
development, as well as mentoring relationships between adults and teens.
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 17

A l u m n i
U p d a t e s
Greg Isaak, Former Staff, teaches high school in Pahrump,
Nevada and raises emus.
Andrea McGaha Erwin, Class of 1968, and husband, Jim,
celebrated their 45 th wedding anniversary this past May.
Andi has been caring for Jim since he was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s 10 years ago, at the age of 57. Jim and Andi
live in Collegedale, Tn.
Wyatt Bruce, Class of 1973, passed away on May 22 after
battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for 1 ½ years. Wyatt
lived for many years in Dalton, GA and is survived by his
wife of 25 years, Kathy, his three daughters and their
husbands, grandchildren, a brother (Greg), his mother, and
other family members. Family, friends and GCA classmates
honored his life at a memorial service on May 31 st .
Kim Thayer, Class of 1976, is working full time with his
wife and partner, Tammy Thayer, in the real estate and
property management business. Their company, Realty
Specialists, is located in Ooltewah, Tn. Kim and Tammy
have a daughter, Brittany, who is an Emergency Room
nurse and a son, Romann, who is a Fireman.
Marvin Wilson, Class of 1978, was married to Carrie Harris
on April 12 in a roof top terrace wedding at The Strand
Theatre in Marietta, Georgia. Carrie is an Assistant District
Attorney for Cobb County and Marvin is the Assistant Director
of Facilities Services for the Cobb County School District.
Connie Tankersley Arrowood, Class of 1983 (attended),
passed to her rest in Old Fort, NC on April 26, 2014.
Connie’s courageous battle with cancer was an inspiration
to her family and friends. Before her health declined,
Connie was a dedicated nurse at Mission Hospital. Connie
is survived by her husband, Boyd Arrowood, two children,
two brothers and a multitude of extended family. She was
preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Tankersley.
Joel Henderson, Class of 1989, was recently appointed
by the Public Relations Society of America as the 2014
president for the Lookout chapter, serving Southeast
Tennessee and North Georgia. Joel and his wife, Teri, will
be celebrating their 20 th wedding anniversary this year.
The Hendersons have a 10-year-old daughter, Emma Grace.
Sherry McNeil Boettcher, Class of 1990 and Andrew
Boettcher, Class of 1991, are relocating to Smithville, Tn.
where Andrew will be attending TTU and pursuing additional
training in pottery. Sherry continues to paint and just finished
her work entitled “Meeting New Friends in Eden,” which
portrays Adam and Eve with Jesus, surrounded by animals.
Both Sherry’s and Andrew’s artwork is available for sale.
Scott Pritchett, Class of 1990, graduated from Georgia
Southwestern State University with a Master of Science in
Computer Science in May, 2014.
Eve Parker Knight, Class of 1993, was married to Sam
Knight on June 13, 2014 in an Orlando (Fl.) wedding.
Sam is studying automotive technology and business
administration at Southern Adventist University and Eve is
an administrative assistant to the senior vice president for
academic administration at SAU.
David Shinn, Class of 1993, is now Senior Finance Manager
at NCR (formerly National Cash Register). NCR is a US-based
computer hardware, software and electronics company that
provides products and services that enable businesses to
connect, interact and transact with their customers. Its main
products are self-service kiosks, point-of-sale terminals,
automated teller machines, check processing systems,
barcode scanners, and business consumables.
Keith Bowman, Class of 2003, recently accepted a position
as chaplain and religion teacher at Livingstone Adventist
Academy, a K-12 school in Salem, Oregon.
Jessica Johnston Harrington, Class of 2003, and husband,
Wes Harrington, welcomed a baby boy to their family on
June 2, 2014. William Michael Harrington entered the world
weighing 7 lbs. and was 20 inches long. “Will” was born in
Fontana, California and is Jessica and Wes’s first child.
Nick Clough, Class of 2006, graduated from Loma Linda
School of Medicine May, 2014 and is now in a Family
Medicine Residency in Concord, North Carolina. Nick’s wife,
Mechele Schmidt Clough, Class of 2006, is working in the
area as a physical therapist.
Lauren Dickerson Barnett, Class of 2007, and her husband,
Andrew, have relocated to Aurora, Colorado. Lauren is
employed at Swedish Medical Center on the Medical GYN
Surgical unit as a nurse and Andrew is working as Corporate
Desktop Support for SYKES Home.
Matthew Chung, Class of 2007, is living in Knoxville, Tn.
where he attends the University of Tennessee, pursuing
a B.S. in Retail and Consumer Sciences with a minor in
Business Administration. Matthew recently completed an
internship with the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company where he
gained valuable retailing experiences.
Travis Moore, Class of 2007, graduated from Loma Linda
University with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree on
June 15, 2014. The next weekend on June 22, Travis married
Samantha Willis in a Mammoth, Ca. wedding surrounded
by family and friends. The couple will be living in Grand
Terrace, Ca. where Samantha will continue her work as a
physical therapist and Travis will be studying for boards.
Christopher Walton, Class of 2007, graduated from the
University of Texas Law School on May 17, 2014. He will sit
for his Texas Bar this summer.
18 The Cumberlite Summer 2014

Adam Young, Class of 2007, graduated from Walla Walla
University this past June with a B.S. in Engineering (B.S.E.)
and a concentration in mechanical engineering.
Christy Lam, Class of 2008, graduated from Rutgers (The
State University of New Brunswick) with her undergraduate
degree in January of 2013 and an MAT in Chinese this past
spring. Christy plans to continue her education with a
master’s program in East Asian Language and Culture and
hopes to complete it by May 2015.
Shaina Clough Rodriguez, Class of 2008, recently graduated
from Dalton State College with a degree in nursing. Shaina
is working as an acute dialysis nurse for Harbin Clinic at
three hospitals in Rome, Ga.
Joseph Thomas, Class of 2008, just completed his second
year of medical school at Ross University School of Medicine
in Miami, Florida.
Olivia Hamilton, Class of 2009, is currently a member of
two professional dance companies: FUSE Modern Dance of
Orange County and Aletheia Contemporary Dance Theatre
(ACDT) of Chino. Olivia is serving as artistic director of ACDT
and ACDT-II—a junior training company for high school
students. She was also recently appointed to Assistant
Director at To The pointe Dance Productions, a Christian
dance studio in Chino, California.
Jonathan Harper, Class of 2009, just finished his first year
of medical school at Loma Linda University and spent part
of the summer as a medical volunteer at Scheer Memorial
Hospital near Katmandu, Nepal.
Johnny Ahn, Class of 2010, served as a volunteer medical
assistant in Chad, Africa from January to July of this year.
Johnny most recently worked at the Centre Chirurgicale
Adventiste de Moundou. He also worked for a month at the
Adventist hospital in Bere, Chad where Jordan Arellano,
Class of 2009, volunteered last year. Johnny will be
completing his undergraduate work at Andrews University
this coming year.
Matthew Aitken, Class of 2010, graduated in June 2014
from Walla Walla University with a Bachelor of Science in
Engineering with a concentration in mechanical engineering.
Matthew has been accepted into the Master’s program in
Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado.
Taylor Mittleider, Class of 2010, and Molly Theus, Class
of 2011, were recently featured in an article called “Feed
My Sheep. Literally” which appeared in the Spring 2014
issue of Southern Adventist University’s Southern Columns.
The article covered Student Missions with a unique
purpose: their service with the AMOR Projects in Southern
Peru was to care for people’s animals. Theus was quoted
as saying, “When someone’s animal is ill, the owners are
more open than usual to receiving help. The witnessing
that I do while working with animals might not be overt,
but I believe that by my attitude and actions I can help
demonstrate the love of Christ.”
Georgia Tax Credit Program
Provides Great Opportunities
The State of Georgia is continuing a very attractive tax credit program that benefits tax-payers, as well
as Georgia private schools. The Georgia Education Expense Credit has been providing Georgia taxpayers
with the opportunity to contribute to qualified Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs) and receive a
dollar-for-dollar credit against their Georgia income tax liabilities.*
Prior to 2013 only individuals and businesses organized as C-Corporations could participate in this
program but now the State of Georgia has leveled the playing field by allowing S-Corporations, LLCs and
Partnerships to offset some of the taxable income earned by contributing to an SSO. Effective January 1,
2013, owners of LLCs, Partnerships and S Corporations can contribute up to $10,000 to an SSO. In cases
where both husband and wife earn income from flow-through entities, BOTH can contribute up to the
$10,000 limit, less any amount already contributed.
This year the state’s $53 million cap was reached within three weeks of the January 1 start date. It is
possible that the cap will be reached even sooner this year. If you are a Georgia income tax payer and
are interested in participating in this program contact us soon to find out the steps you will need to take
to participate in this win-win program that benefits you, as well as GCA!
Contact Nancy Gerard at 706.625.7166 or nagerard@gcasda.org if you have questions. Forms may be
downloaded from the GCA website, as well.
(*In addition to the dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the State of Georgia you will also receive a tax
deduction for your charitable contribution when you file your federal taxes.)
Summer 2014 The Cumberlite 19

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:
Nancy Gerard
LAYOUT & DESIGN:
Frank Strack College Press LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Serge Gariepy, Greg Gerard, Nancy Gerard,
Ron Mandelbaum, Caressa Rogers, Grant
Tuttle, Marvin Wilson, Bryan Young
Georgia-
Cumberland
Academy
397 Academy Drive
Calhoun, GA 30701
Phone: (706) 629-4591
Fax: (706) 629-1272
Email: nagerard@gcasda.org
www.gcasda.org
Upcoming Events
August 7, Registration 5-8 p.m.
August 17, Registration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
August 17, SA Handshake
August 18, Classes Begin
October 17-19, Parents’ Weekend
March 20-21, Academy Days
April 3-5, Alumni Weekend
Although planes do not land on
the GCA airstrip anymore, alumni
sometimes stop by for a visit. This photo
was taken by Marvin Wilson, class of
1978, during a recent motorcycle ride
that included a stop at GCA.