Cumberlite - 2013 Spring

SPRING 2013
THE CUMBERLITE
Alumni Weekend 2013
Live Your Legacy
It was a full weekend of fun and faithaffirming
experiences. From active
events, such as the golf
tournament, motorcycle
ride and team sports, to
worship services and an
outreach seminar, alumni
and guests enjoyed a rich
time of reconnection during
Georgia-Cumberland
Academy’s recent Alumni
Weekend.
Alumni Golf
Tournament. The April
5-7 weekend began
with the 18 th annual
golf tournament, which
hosted 104 golfers and
raised nearly $28,000 for GCA. Although
the weather was cool, the sun shone
and everyone enjoyed a great day of
golf at Barnsley Gardens Resort. We are
grateful to our generous sponsors who
showed their support for GCA through this
event! You can read more about the golf
tournament on page 8.
Worship Services. There is always
a great deal of thought and prayer that
go into the planning of Alumni Weekend.
The selection of the theme, as well as
each aspect of the worship services are
bathed in prayer. God answered our
prayers this year and we were blessed
by great speakers, great music and
inspiring testimonies.
The theme, Live Your Legacy, was
inspired by the book, Daniel’s Blog,
which was sent to all alumni, attendees
and former staff earlier this year. Daniel
Harper, class of ’04, left a legacy in the
form of his online blog which chronicled his faith journey during
his battle with brain cancer. We hoped by selecting this theme,
to encourage all to take a long, hard look at the
legacy they are living each day of their lives.
Chris Klinvex, former GCA teacher and
businessman, began
challenging our thinking with
his talk at the Friday night
vespers program. His focus
was on how we live our legacy
through the way we handle
ourselves in the work place and
other areas of responsibility.
Sabbath morning featured
honored alumnus, David Kim,
’88, as the speaker for Sabbath
School. Dr. Kim shared his
testimony of how God has
motivated and moved him to reach out to non-Christians. His
legacy is his passion for the lost and his ministry efforts on
their behalf.
The church service began with the traditional roll call,
followed by the presentation of awards. David Kim, class of
1988, received the Alumnus of the Year award and the new Life
Legacy Awards were presented to Jan Haluska and LeClare and
Shelly Litchfield for their powerful influence on GCA students.
Read more about these awards on pages 6 and 7.
Josh Woods, class of ’03, was the speaker for the church
service and delivered a dynamic and inspiring sermon entitled,
“From This Point Forward.” He challenged us to live our lives
with purpose, with intentionality. He challenged us to live for
Christ. To view Josh’s message, along with other programming
from Alumni Weekend, visit this link: http://vimeo.com/
channels/alumni.
The church service ended this year with “cardboard
testimonies.” For those who have not witnessed these brief but
graphic testimonies, you missed a powerful reminder of how
God can forgive, heal and change lives. The church service
ended with prayer as friends gathered around each of the 14
participants to show their love and support.
Chris Klinvex, former
staff, and Josh Woods,
‘03, challenged us to
live our legacies in every aspect of our lives.

Live Your Legacy continued
Friends gathered for prayer with those who participated in the
cardboard testimonies.
Truby Christman Bowen, class of ’73, was
moved by the cardboard testimonies. In a recent
email regarding Alumni Weekend she wrote, “I
wanted to comment on the folks coming out with
the cardboard testimonies during the close of
the church service! That was powerful! It took a
lot of courage for them, but it was also a great
moment for those who went up to support, love
and encourage them and realize that we are all
the same —forgiven.”
Guests were blessed and touched by the
services this year. Rhondda Robinson Thomas,
class of ’78, expressed her gratitude about the
weekend. “I appreciate the efforts you all are
making to incorporate a strong spiritual, even
redemptive component to the alumni gatherings.”
Charles Young, former staff, commented on the
messages heard during Alumni Weekend. “The
speakers were timely and just what some needed
to remind them that Jesus still loves them.”
Honor Class Activities. Following the church
service honor class photos were taken. See pages
3-5 to view these photos. As
each group gathered, it was fun
to watch the smiles, laughter and
hugs as old friends were reunited.
A delicious lunch was served
in the gymnasium for all guests,
after which the honor classes
began an afternoon of looking
at yearbooks, reminiscing,
watching slideshows and videos
and enjoying the pleasure of
the company of friends. Some
of the groups continued their
gatherings into the evening, as
well as the next morning.
For some, this was their first time back
at GCA since graduating. The class of 1978
had the largest showing of the honor classes
and had several class members who had
never been back for an Alumni Weekend.
For others, the weekend provided a time
to heal old wounds. Rhondda Robinson
Thomas, class of ‘78 noted, “This was my
first really meaningful alumni weekend.
It was a time of healing for me…My class
showered me with love this weekend in
ways I’ve never experienced.”
Alumni Sports Night. Saturday night
was filled with athletic events that pitted alumni against
our current varsity players. The softball game was
dominated by the alumni who led for most of the game
until GCA came from behind to win 15 to 14.
The GCA Lady Jaguars took on the alumni women in
the first basketball game of the evening. It was a close
game, with the lead going from the alumni early in the
game to the Lady Jaguars, who finally defeated the alumni
40-35.
The men’s game featured the GCA Jaguars against
alumni, most of whom were varsity players during their
GCA years. It was also a close game with the final score
37 to 34 in favor of the alumni.
Ride for GCA. Alumni Weekend officially ended with
the motorcycle event on Sunday morning. The conditions
were nearly perfect for the ride through N orth Georgia
and Alabama that took the group to DeSoto Falls. To
read more about the Ride for GCA see page 10.
Thank you to all who attended Alumni Weekend this
year. We loved having you back on campus for a visit
and hope that your time here was meaningful and fun.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Higher Calling, an acoustic blue grass/gospel group, blessed us with their
music at the Friday night vespers program.
2 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

HONOR CLASSES
Class of 1968:
Front row: Janet Wood (former staff), Andrea McGaha
Erwin, Brenda Murray Morris
2 nd row: Sandy Joiner Coppage, Barbara Cummings Willis,
Jean Harrold LaClair
3 rd row: Bruce Bowen, George Whitman, Allan Chastain,
Russell Friberg, Bill Wood (former staff)
Class of 1973:
Front row: Cindy Jones, Candace Elkins Foreman,
Theresa Klein Doran, Sarah Alford Pollom, Joy
Woodell Cliett, Charles Lokas
2 nd row: Jeannie Newgard Cunningham, Susan
Summerour DeFoor, Tebbie Meissner Kochenower,
Byron DeFoor, Andy McDonald
3 rd row: Truby Christman Bowen, Alan Ashcraft,
Farrell Preston, Melody Everts Hopson, Patty
McGhee Coffman, Harold Cunningham
Class of 1978
Front row: Onecia Lee George, Angela Addison
Lorenz, Gwendolyn Thomson, Terri Turlington
Thoresen, Robbie Morsette, Judy Ringer Twigg
2 nd row: Rhondda Robinson Thomas, Brenda
Greenman, Sherry Crauswell Gann, Diana
Wallace Gunter, Cindy Filler Vann, Denise
Mitchell Hevener
3 rd row: Karen Regal, Janice Regal Straub,
Todd Silver, Chere Bresee Atherton, Lori Abston
Quick, Susan Shanko Bonds, Gail Wilson-
Giarratano
4 th row: Michael Jones, John Davis, Wesley
Haynor, Mark Farrar, Barry Tryon, Marvin
Wilson, Greg Owens
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 3

HONOR CLASSES
Class of 1983
Front row: Karen Artress Orquia, Donalyn Parker
Stephenson, Debbie Qualls Sallee
2 nd row: Tricia Anderson Davis, Jamie Bishop, Troy
Patton, Georgia Butterfi eld O’Brien
Class of 1988
Front row: Joahnna Evans Budge, Gillian
Tamatave, Rachel Burger, Kim Davis
Stallworth, Diane Artress Connelly, Laura
Mann McKeon, Georgie Seckler Smith
2 nd row: Mike Mendez, Lora Darbo
Pietszak, Sonyja Ford Minor, Joy Perry
Jaqua, Tami Wiseman Tishaw, Elizabeth
Theus Glass, Karen Williams, Lance
Hendley
3 rd row: Joel Peel, David Kim, Alan
Connelly, Bruce Brunner, Jonathan Strock,
Trent Epperson, Kent Wallace
Class of 1993
Front row: Laurel Newlon Sapp,
Joni Self Yamamoto, Rebecca
Sturtevant Sitz
2 nd row: Joy Dunn, Eve Parker,
David Shin, David Steele, Jewel
Follett Taft, Michelle Porter
3 rd row: Mark Devlin, Sandria
Mosley, Synnova Hill Goodge,
James Crosby
4 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

HONOR CLASSES
Class of 1998
Front row: Corina Falkenhagen Rawson,
Mindi Rahn, Crystal Stevenson Bunch
2 nd row: Brooke Naus Tatum, Tabby Gipson
Bratcher, Sandy Lee, Jolene Harrell Sharp
3 rd row: Cleve Philossaint, David Huey,
Richard Shinn, Ben Martin, Timothy
Amos, Jonathan Sharp
Class of 2003
Front row: Melissa Watson, Laura
Perry Byrd, Amanda Brady, Trista
Peterson, Nicole Antone Lasley,
Rachel Wellborn Crabtree
2 nd row: Jennifer Stout Smith,
Teresa Worthen, Courtney Bucher,
Ashley Stanley Galloway, Michelle
Thomas, Stephanie Robertson ,
Jenny Knox Tello, Morgan
Kurzynske Bailey
3 rd row: Donnie Keele, Josh
Woods, Zack McKay, Andrew
Lopez, Steven Wilson, Keith
Bowman, Terry Skaggs
Class of 2008
Front row: Meaghan Czachor, Jessica Hunt,
Albert Hernandez, Nicole Humphrey, Aracely
Elizondo
2 nd row: Heather Thames Leeper, Mimi
Monarrez, Allyson Bridges Humphrey, Shaina
Clough
3 rd row: Kaleb Leeper, Brandon Morrison, Paul
Gaiter, Carson Britt, Kyle Humphrey
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 5

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD
David Kim, M.D.
David Kim, class of 1988, has been selected
for Alumnus of the Year because of his
passion for ministry.
His vocation to serve
others in Jesus’ name extends
far beyond his job as a medical
doctor; the focus of his life, as
a whole, is ministry.
David’s love of ministry
goes back to his early days.
While a student at Southern
Adventist College, he would
drive to Atlanta on Friday
afternoons where he served
as youth pastor for the Atlanta
area Korean Adventist Church.
While a medical student at
Loma Linda University, David
continued his lay ministry in
the local Korean church. After
completing his Family Medicine residency, David
moved back to his home city of Atlanta, Georgia,
where he now resides and sees patients at his
Smyrna Family Medicine practice. Between his
medical practice and his volunteer work, which
includes medical mission trips and lay ministry,
David is a busy man!
Currently he is involved in
growing a church plant, called
New Life which has been meeting
now for several years. The model
for growth used by David and his
collaborators is to train leaders to
disciple others, then launch them
into leadership of their own small
groups.
David and a friend developed
a way to train lay leaders to tell
stories incorporating biblical
truths – “storying” the Bible, as
he puts it. David is now putting
together training materials and
is being called upon to present
these methods at various church
leadership and ministry venues.
While David has always had a heart for ministry,
his focus began to shift after attending a seminar
at Willow Creek Church near
Chicago, Illinois. David was
convicted when the presenter
said that Christians are not
being obedient to the gospel
commission if they do not have
friends outside of the church. At
that time, David’s circle of friends
and those he ministered to were
almost all inside the church; he
determined that would change.
David came home from the
Willow Creek seminar praying
about how he could reach out to
non-Christians around him. The
Lord led him to five individuals
who were interested in a Friday
night dinner and discussion group
format. Over the course of about a year, David had the
joy of eventually baptizing each of these individuals
which included a Muslim and at least one agnostic.
David provides an incredible example for all
Christian professionals: Leverage your profession
and position in life to help others become followers
of Jesus.
Greg Gerard, principal, along with alumni president, Judy McGhee
Fehlenberg, ’77, presented the Alumnus of the Year Award to David Kim,
Class of 1988.
6 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

LIFE LEGACY AWARDS 2013
At the recommendation of a group of GCA
alumni, the school inaugurated a new award
this year, honoring staff members who have had
a significant impact on the lives of students.
Criteria for the Life Legacy Award:
1) The GCA staff member must have worked at
GCA at least two years.
2) The staff member must have exhibited Christlike
characteristics and shown professionalism
and responsibility in their relationships with
students.
3) The staff member should be recognized as
demonstrating outstanding expertise in his or
her area of work at GCA.
4) The staff member should be recognized by a
majority of students from their era as a person
who positively influenced GCA students.
The recipients of the first Life Legacy Awards
were Jan Haluska, nominated by the class of 1978
and LeClare and Shelly Litchfield, nominated by the
class of 1988. The awards and tributes were made
during the preliminary portion of the Alumni Weekend
church service. The honorees received a handmade
glass sculpture in the shape of the courtyard fountain
at Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
To read tributes written by alumni, visit the GCA
website: http://www.gcasda.org/article/320/alumni/
life-legacy-award. To contribute to the collection of
tributes, email your sentiments to nagerard@gcasda.org.
Jan Haluska – Inspiring Teacher, Faithful
Witness
Jan Haluska
served at Georgia-
Cumberland
Academy from
1974 to 1981, when
he left to pursue
doctoral studies at
the University of
Tennessee. In 1983
Southern Adventist
University offered
him a position
in the English
department. Dr.
Haluska finished his PhD in 1987 and continued his
work at Southern where he taught various literature
courses, as well as creative writing, and “about 3,000
freshmen writing students.”
In 2007 Dr. Haluska became chair of the English
department at SAU. Four times during his years
at Southern he has been the recipient of various
excellence in teaching awards.
“At age 71,” Haluska recently reflected, “I am
eligible to retire, but the life of a teacher is just too
much fun. God willing I will continue in the classroom
for at least four more years, and perhaps more.”
Dr. Haluska and his wife, Marcia, have two grown
sons.
LeClare and Shelly Litchfield – Revealing
Jesus
The Litchfields served
at Georgia-Cumberland
Academy from 1982
until 1989. Pastor Litch
was chaplain and taught
Bible. Shelly taught Art,
Drama, and Freshman
Bible. The years at GCA
were also very special
because their family grew
by four! They met Jody
Ballard (class of 1988)
through the Big Brother/
Big Sister program and
she became their foster
daughter. Jody’s sister Brenda (class of 1989)
came to live with the Litchfields a year later. Shelly
and Litch say that it was these two teenagers who
convinced them to start a homemade family, and sons
Ryan and Adam were born during these GCA years.
After GCA, they moved to Knoxville, TN where
Litch pastored the Knoxville SDA Church for several
years. From Knoxville, Litch and Shelly moved
to Collegedale, TN, where they both worked at
Collegedale Academy. Litch served as chaplain,
while Shelly taught English and Bible.
Litch and Shelly retired in 2010 after serving 17
years at C.A. Their retirement has provided more
time to minister to people in a variety of ways, both
locally and around the world.
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 7

18 th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament
Raises Funds for GCA
Although the weather forecast looked questionable
for the GCA golf tournament this year, God
blessed us with sunshine and 104 dedicated
golfers who came out to support Georgia-Cumberland
Academy.
Barnsley Gardens Golf Resort in Adairsville,
Georgia was the location for the tournament for the
3 rd year. This beautiful golf course is a draw for
golfers and provides a great setting for this event.
The proceeds from the Golf Tournament
will benefit students in need, as well as capital
improvements at GCA. This year approximately
$28,000 came in from sponsorships, product
donations, miscellaneous donations and golf fees.
We are especially grateful to our sponsors, who
are listed on page nine.
Prizes were awarded to first, second and third
places within three flights. In addition, prizes
were given for longest drive on two holes, as well
as closest to the pin on four holes.
The Alumni Cup, which is a prize awarded to
a team from the same GCA class, was wrestled
away from the Class of 1975 team, which has won
the cup seven of the past nine years. It was a very
close competition this year between the classes
of 1975, 1988 and 2009 teams, with the 2009 team
coming out on top.
Thanks to all who participated in the golf
tournament this year, as well as our volunteers
—Sharlene Carman, Rick Cusick and Judy
Fehlenberg.
First Flight Winners
1 st Place: Derin Scott, Todd Hunt, Steve Bell,
and Derek Oakey
2 nd Place: Lincoln Duff, Matt Chancey, Steven
Chancey, Daniel Little
3 rd Place: Ben Richardson, Todd Gerrez, Jason
Bittaker, Andrew Miller
Second Flight Winners
1 st Place: Lee Evins, Richard Evins, Murrill
Tull, John Newman
2 nd Place: Tyler Jones, Kyle White, Jeff
Ramsay, Greg Chase
3 rd Place: Denis McDonald, Kevin
Pennington, David Lacey, Martin Young
Third Flight Winners
1 st Place: Gene Harrison, Tim Harrison, Tim
Harrison Jr., Tom Harrison
2 nd Place: David Bishop, Wilber Bishop,
Frank Schrader, James Bowden
3 rd Place: Rob Lang, Gary Rustad, Don Keele,
Kevin Kossick
Closest to the Pin Winners: Tim Harrison Jr.,
Rob Lang, Daniel Little, David Norrington
Longest Drive: Gene Crowson, Andrew Miller
Derek Oakley, Steve Bell, Derin Scott and Todd Hunt
received top honors as the first flight, first place winners.
The class of 1975 team, Danny Harris, Brian
Martin, Roger Elliston and David Richardson,
shared a great day of camaraderie and golf.
8 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

Eldon Carman, ’72, (second from left) hosted a team of
friends and colleagues at the golf tournament.
The class of 1988 team, Lance Hendley, Joel
Peel, Alan Connelly and Greg Harper (former
staff) were strong contenders for the Alumni
Cup this year.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Title Sponsors
Byron and Susan (Summerour) DeFoor, Class of 1973
Platinum Sponsors
Johnny & Georgia (Butterfi eld)
O’Brien
West Atlanta Endodontics
George Whitman, Class of
1968
Gold Sponsors
Class of 1988
Dr. Roger Elliston, DMD, FAGD
Georgia-Cumberland
Conference
Gordon Hospital
Eddie, ‘74 & Debbie Klein
Family Capital Investment
Group
Mark & Brenda Richardson,
’74 & ‘76
David & Tami Richardson, ’75
& ‘76
West Georgia Endodontics,
Dennis Starkey, D.D.S.
Silver Sponsors
David Bishop Construction
Georgia Emergency Care
Danny Harris, Class of 1975
Southern Adventist University
Southern Union Education
Department
Sysco Atlanta
The Wurl Family
Hole Sponsors
Calhoun Anesthesia
Calhoun Medical Group
Chase Farms
Dalton Plastic Surgery –
Dr. Reggie Sherrill &
Dr. Mary Beth Cole
Steven R. Fehlenberg & Co.
GCA Church
Genesis Women’s Center
Greater Community Bank of
Calhoun
Erica King, Class of 2012
Learning Labs, Inc.
Brian Martin, Class of 1975
North Georgia Eye Care –
Dr. Daniel Ahn
SouthernCare Family Medicine
Loren King, MD &
Cathy Becker, NP
TAG Manufacturing
The Sample Barn
Lunch Sponsor
Sysco Atlanta
The class of 2009 team (Kyle White, Jeff Ramsay,
Greg Chase, Tyler Jones) were the surprise
winners of the Alumni Cup Challenge this year,
snatching away the title from the class of 1975,
who have dominated this competition for the
last several years.
Mark Richardson, ’74, tees off during
this year’s tournament.
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 9

“RIDE FOR GCA”
BIKERS RAISE MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE
For the seventh year straight, motorcycle enthusiasts
gathered for the last event of Alumni Weekend on
April 7, 2013. Twenty-two bikes were registered
this year and additional riders came along, bringing
the total number of participants to 30.
Ride planners, David Bishop, ’79, and Mark Brown,
’80, chose a route that wound through the North Georgia
mountains and small towns, ending up at DeSoto Falls in
Alabama. The beautiful day, along with nearly perfect
temperatures, made for a spectacular ride.
Participants came from Florida, Georgia and Tennessee
this year. Our youngest motorcyclist was 19 and our
oldest rider was, well maybe we’ll just leave that part out.
We had big road bikes, choppers, and “crotch rockets.”
We saw a lot of smiles, too, except for a couple of bikers
who had to drop out with mechanical problems.
Support for this event raised nearly $1,200. The
donations will be used to help support the Worthy Student
Fund. Thanks to each one who participated in the ride
and for your support of GCA.
A special thank you goes to Randy Naus from
American Imaging and Designs for his donation of
t-shirts for the Ride for GCA this year!
Mike Trivett, ’79, and wife Linda wave as they
head out for the Ride for GCA.
Mark Brown, ’80, and David Bishop, ’79, planned the route
and led the ride.
Lonnie Leech, ’81, and Tammy McGhee, ’82,
enjoyed the beautiful ride through Northwest
Georgia and Alabama.
10 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

Tami Wiseman Tishaw, ’88, and
Georgia Butterfield O’Brien, ’83,
enjoyed reconnecting at the
Welcome Home Breakfast.
Andy McDonald and Melody Everts
Hopson (both class of ’73) shared a
hilarious moment.
Lady Jaguars finally
defeated the alumni
women in a close game
on Saturday night.
Class of ’08 members gathered for their first
honor class reunion.
A few members of the class of 1988 gathered for a
photo “op.”
Joy Woodell Cliett, ’73, shared a
little piece of her story during the
cardboard testimonies.
Kaleb Leeper, ’08,
goes up for a basket,
out-jumping a couple
of GCA players. It was
a close contest, but
the alumni men won
the game.
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 11

Class of 1968 members, Sandy Joiner Coppage, Brenda
Murray Morris, and Barbara Cummings Willis gathered at
the class registration table.
Donnie Keele, ’03, along with other family
members and friends, led us in praise and
worship during the church service.
Cheryl McGhee Rogers, ’71, enjoyed a
light hearted moment with Harold and
Jeannie (Newgard) Cunningham, ’73.
Norman Fickling, ’69, and George
Whitman, ’68, did some catching up
at lunch.
God’s power to restore lives
was on display during the
cardboard testimonies.
Rhondda Robinson Thomas, ’78,
shared her testimony of healing
during the cardboard testimonies.
Members of the class of 2012 had an impromptu reunion on center campus.
12 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

GCA ALUMS AND STAFF RECONNECT
IN S. CALIFORNIA
GCA Alumni and friends came together in Loma Linda,
California on February 2 for lunch and a time to
share memories. A group of nearly 40 met at Loma
Linda Academy to share their common bond and enjoy
catching up with academy friends.
The group included former staff members, Jim
and Ellen Clizbe, Cyril and Lyn Connelly, Bill Arnold
and Melvin and Jeni Woodruff. Alumni, with spouses
and kids in tow represented classes from the 70’s
through the 2000’s.
After a tasty lunch, attendees shared special
memories from their days at GCA and listened as
Greg Gerard, GCA principal, shared current news and
information from the school.
Thank you to all who attended the S. California
event this year! We are also grateful to Cyril and Lyn
Connelly for helping with food and preparations for
this event.
The Woodruffs (former staff) , Mindy Sterndale Jerkins,
’98, with husband Jimmy, enjoyed reconnecting with
GCA friends.
Laura Marshall, ’07, Jessica Johnston Harrington, ’03
and husband, Wes, along with Laura Bowen Knutson,
’03 and her husband, Michael, enjoyed the GCA
alumni gathering.
Nick and Mechele (Schmidt) Clough, ’06, Brittany
Graves Saunders, ’05, Billy Saunders, and Brittany
Gimbel, ’07, paused from visiting to smile for the
camera.
Alumni, former staff, and family members gathered for a S. California/GCA reunion on February 2, 2013.
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 13

A L U M N I
U P D A T E S
Melvin Woodruff, Former Staff, is currently living in Desert
Hot Springs, California with his wife Gini. They are full-time
RV’ers.
Sonia (Thompson) Gott, Class of 1972, is currently teaching
the lower grades in the Adventist school in Maryville, TN. In
her spare time she enjoys the outdoors with her dog, Buddy,
studying for professional development in education and dental
hygiene and recruiting musically talented kids for 3ABN’S
program Kid’s time Praise.
Sarah (Alford)Pollum, Class of 1973, is living in Burleson,
Texas, but she will soon be moving to Robbinsville, New Jersey
where her husband will pastor. She currently works as a Hospice
nurse. Sarah and her husband have four grown children.
Joy (Woodell) Cliett, Class of 1973, lives in Harrison,
Tennessee and works as a Math Coach in Hamilton County
Schools.
Tami Baker Richardson, Class of 1976, along with partners
Julie Mittleider and Gwen Hollingsworth, has recently opened
a home and gift boutique in Calhoun, Georgia called 365 on
Piedmont.
Donalyn (Parker) Stephenson, Class of 1983, is living
is Boston, Massachusetts where she is the cofounder and
president of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Project Inc. This is a non-profit organization building capacity
for MIT’s Community Fablab Program.
Scott Begley, Class of 1984, is the new pastor of the
Shreveport South Adventist Church in Shreveport, LA. His
duties will also include partnering with the youth department
of the conference to provide special programming for the youth
across the conference. Scott and his family have been serving
most recently in the Tri-Cities area of northeast Tennessee.
Lora (Darbo) Pietszak, Class of 1988, is currently working at
Simi Valley Hospital in Simi Valley, California.
Kim (Davis ) Stallworth, Class of 1988, lives in Altamonte
Springs, Florida. She works as an RN in Orlando and just
became a grandmother.
Tamara (Wiseman) Tishaw, Class of 1988, lives in Madison,
Tennessee with her husband, Bobby, and her two kids, Cody
and Abby. She works part time as a nurse.
Laurel (Newlon) Sapp, Class of 1993, lives in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. She is working as a social work counselor and with
Highschool Exchange Students.
Joni (Self) Yamamoto, Class of 1993, is living in Armuchee,
Georgia with her husband and three children, Rylan, Brayden,
and Ara. She also works part-time in family medicine at
Calhoun Medical Group.
David Steele, Class of 1993, will be married to Jodi Herod on
May 12, 2013 in Collegedale, TN.
Rebecca (Sturtevant) Sitz, Class of 1993, is living in
Whitewell, Tennessee. She works at the health department as
Nutrition Educator and is also working part time at Chattanooga
State as a business instructor.
Jamie (Ring) Coffey, Class of 2000, lives in Oceanside,
California with her husband, Jason. She works full time as a
nurse for elderly dementia patients and is working towards her
MSN to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.
Jeanette Illidge, Class of 2000, recently starred in a lead
female role in the Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s production of the
musical, “Ragtime.” To view photos of the play, visit the Atlanta
Lyric Theatre’s Facebook page.
Chris Thomas and Tracy (Sumner) Thomas, Class of 2002,
gave birth to Colton Bennett Thomas who was born on March
23, weighing 7lbs, 10 oz.
Steven Eric Wilson, Class of 2003, is a missionary pilot in
Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
Kelly Klein, Class of 2004, graduated from Southern Adventist
University with an M.S.Ed. in Literacy Education in May, 2013.
Justin Sharp, Class of 2004, launched a new magazine for
Nintendo players called Pure Nintendo, in August 2012. Justin
is editor-in-chief, his wife, Katie Stearns Sharp, Class of 2007,
does layout and design work for the publication and other GCA
alumni, including James Higginbotham and Kevin Klein, both
Class of 2005 and Brian Stitzer, Class of 2004 are involved
in the production of the magazine. For more information go to
purenintendo.com/magazine.
Jillian Courey, Class of 2005, has been accepted to the doctoral
program in political science at Arizona State University. The
fully funded position includes undergraduate teaching, along
with coursework.
Brittany Diane Gimbel, Class of 2005, is currently living in
Loma Linda, CA where she is studying to be a CRNA.
Logan Ehlert Harper, Class of 2005, was married to Chris
Roche on April 27 in a Maui, HI wedding.
Kevin Klein and Rachel Stearns, Class of 2005, were married
on April 28 in a Chattanooga wedding. The couple will be
living and working in the Chattanooga, TN area.
Christopher Shadix, Class of 2005 (Att.), graduated Magna
Cum Laude with an A.S. degree in Allied Health (Pre-Physical
Therapy) from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Joshua Small, Class of 2005, is an account manager at
Xpanxion, LLC, a software engineering company located in the
Atlanta area.
Darren and Jenny (Small) Fowler, Class of 2006, were married
on February 23, 2013. The wedding took place in Rosabelle
Manor in Adairsville, GA. Darren is currently the director of
Technology at Calhoun Medical Group and Jenny is in school.
Joselyn Ghulam, Class of 2006, graduated Southern Adventist
University in May 2013 with an M.S.N degree as a Family Nurse
Practitioner.
14 The Cumberlite Spring 2013

Emily Young Maxie, Class of 2006, was married to Jason Maxie
on March 31 in a Cleveland, Tennessee wedding.
Kyle Leeper, Class of 2006, graduated Southern Adventist
University in May 2013 with an A.S. degree in Allied Health
(Pre-Physical Therapy.) He will be married to Eden Koliadko on
May 12.
Alanna Zackrison, Class of 2006, graduated with a B.S. degree
in Nursing from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Hannah Freier, Class of 2007, gave birth to Abigail Marie on
February 15, 2013. Abigail weighed 5 lbs. 14 oz.
Amanda Hamilton, Class of 2007, graduated Southern
Adventist University in May 2013 with a B.A. degree in
Intercultural Communication.
Eric Johnston, Class of 2007, graduated with a B.S. degree in
Biology from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Laura R. Marshall, Class of 2007, is graduating in June 2013
with a BA in Psychology from La Sierra University.
Ian Bush, Class of 2008, won the Marine Corps Foundation
2013 Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal Award for his photo “Daddy’s Little
Girl.” He received this award in a ceremony on April 20 th at the
National Museum of the Marine Crops.
Cameron Davis, Class of 2008, graduated with a B.S. in
Chemistry (Biochemistry) from Southern Adventist University
in May 2013.
Albert Hernandez, Class of 2008, graduated from SAU in
May 2013 with a B.A. in Intercultural Communications and
International Studies (Italian).
Nicole Humphrey, Class of 2008, graduated with a B.S.W. in
Social Work from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Jessica Hunt, Class of 2008, graduated Summa Cum Laude
from Southern Adventist University in May 2013 with a B.S. in
Chemistry (Biochemistry).
Allison (Warburg) Amory, Class of 2009, was married on
8-23-11 and is currently living in Savannah, GA. She works at
Massage Envy as an esthetician.
Bruce Bankhead, Class of 2009, graduated Cum Laude from
Andrews University in May 2013 with a B.S. in Architecture.
Bruce is a member of Tau Sigma Delta and will be back at
Andrews to pursue his Masters in Architecture in the fall.
Bryan Bankhead, Class of 2009, graduated Magna Cum Laude
from Andrews University in May 2013 with a B.S. in Electrical
and Computer Engineering. Following graduation, he will be
working as an engineer at the Whirlpool Refrigeration Tech
Center in St Joseph, MI.
Katie Burgan, Class of 2009, graduated Southern Adventist
University with a B.B.A. in Marketing in May 2013.
Greg Chase, Class of 2009, graduated from Andrews University
in May 2013 with a B.T. degree in Aviation Technology with a
concentration in flight.
Olivia Hamilton, Class of 2009, graduated Cum Laude from
Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi on April 27
with a degree in Dance. Olivia was the recent recipient of
the Bezalel Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement
from her department. The award recognizes achievement in
performance, composition and dance technology.
Jonathan Harper, Class of 2009, graduated Summa Cum
Laude with a B.S. in Music from Southern Adventist University
in May 2013.
Chari O’Neal, Class of 2009, is currently a senior in the
BSN program at University of Alabama in Huntsville and is
graduating December, 2013.
Cassia (Gallimore) Owen, Class of 2009, was married to
Austin Owen on March 31, 2013 in a Greenville, Tennessee
wedding.
Oswald (Ozzie) Walker Jr., Class of 2009, just wrote and
self-published the book The Student and the Advisor.
Mark Walters, Class of 2009, graduated with a B.B.A. in
Marketing from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Ashleigh Walton, Class of 2009, graduated Summa Cum
Laude from Andrews University in May 2013 with a B.S. in
Architecture. She will be spending the summer doing an
internship with an architecture firm in Florida, then returning
to A.U. for her master’s in the fall.
Kyle White, Class of 2009, graduated Summa Cum Laude with
a B.B.A. in Financial Management from Southern Adventist
University.
Shelby Wildman, Class of 2009, graduated Southern
Adventist University with a B.S. degree in Nursing.
Courtney Brackbill, Class of 2010, graduated Cum Laude
from Southern Adventist University with her A.S. in Nursing
in May 2013.
Chelsea Chamberlain, Class of 2010, graduated from
Southern Adventist University in May 2013 with her A.S. in
Nursing.
Anna Ferris, Class of 2010, graduated with an A.S. degree
in Nursing from Southern Adventist University in May 2013.
Robert Pereira, Class of 2010, is working at a Adventist
school in Brazil as a coordinator for a English teaching
program. He lives in Itaborai, Rio de Janeiro.
Rebecca Theus, Class of 2010, was the recipient of two
scholarships (The Gold Circle Scholarship and the Top Achiever
Award) presented by the History and Political Studies
Department of Southern Adventist University. This year
Rebecca also presented at the Southeast Tennessee Regional
Student History Conference at Bryan College. Her paper was
entitled: Anne Bolyn: A Righteous Reformer.
Kelsey Twombly, Class of 2010, is currently attending Calhoun
Community College and working part-time in Huntsville, AL.
What is new in your life? If you have news or information
to share please contact Nancy Gerard at nagerard@
gcasda.org or update your information through the GCA
website: www.gcasda.org/alumni.
Spring 2013 The Cumberlite 15

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
Sarah Lau, assistant
LAYOUT & DESIGN:
Frank Strack College Press LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Greg Gerard, Nancy Gerard,
Don Keele, Laura Short,
Grant Tuttle, Tim Williams
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:
May 17, 18 - GCA’s Graduation Weekend. Check out times and locations at the
GCA website – www.gcasda.org.
May 25, Collegedale Area Alumni/Former Staff Supper: If you are coming to
campmeeting or live in the Collegedale area, join us for supper and a time to visit at
5:30 p.m. in the White Oak Room of Thatcher South Hall on the campus of Southern
Adventist University. Call or email Nancy Gerard at 770.548.3233 or nagerard@
gcasda.org for more information.
August 8 and 11- Registration for the 2012-2014 School Year at GCA: Do you
know a young person who should be at GCA? Please call GCA or go online to find
application materials.
Last Call for 2013 SSO Donations!
If you are a Georgia income tax payer and are interested in maximizing your
income tax advantages for the 2013 tax year, please contact Georgia-Cumberland
Academy and learn about the Georgia Education Expense Credit. Time is running
out so call or email today! Contact Nancy Gerard at 706.625.7166 or nagerard@
gcasda.org