Cumberlite 2018 Spring

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Wally & Mary Ellen Fox: Lives Well-lived and Well-loved By Laura Dancek Wally and Mary Ellen Fox with their daughter, Jennifer, ’91, and grandchildren, Gage, ’18 and Gracie Hufstetler. Mark Twain wrote “No man is a failure who has friends.” At GCA, no one has proved that statement more true than Wally and Mary Ellen Fox. After 43 years of teaching at GCA they have touched countless lives and created lifelong friendships. All good things must come to an end-in March the Foxes announced they will retire this summer. “Making the decision to retire is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. We will greatly miss GCA,” stated Wally, adding that they plan to stay in Calhoun. During the alumni weekend church service, the Foxes were presented with a beautiful crystal award to commemorate their 77 combined years of service at GCA. During these years they taught two generations of students, including their own daughter, Jennifer, who was two years old when they moved to Calhoun, and their grandson Gage, who is currently a senior. Over 3,000 students attended GCA during the Foxes’ years at this school. While tributes were directed at Wally and Mary Ellen, their daughter Jennifer shares the credit for their success. To work at an academy is often a “family affair”, with spouses and children either directly involved, or sacrificing their time with the staff member. Jennifer lived her entire childhood under these circumstances, and she is appreciated. Many of those former students attended a special retirement celebration to honor the Foxes later that afternoon. Some came long distances to pay their respects. Each one had their own connection, stories and memories with Wally and/ or Mary Ellen. During the program, presentations were made by former students and current staff. Eight of our staff who are also former students presented each of the Foxes with personalized stadium seats – gifts to encourage the Foxes to visit campus often. Melanie DiBiase, science instructor, promised, “We will continue your legacy.” 12 CUMBERLITE SPRING <strong>2018</strong> “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green
Clint Higginbotham, ’99, a GCA Coach, led current athletes in presenting Coach Fox with a large banner with Wally’s name and the GCA seal. The banner will be hung from the rafters of the new gymnasium. Camerata and soloist Cassie Freeman, ’17, performed a medley of songs. As they ended with “Thank You” current students made their way to the stage to hug each of the Foxes. The lyrics “thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed” brought tears to many eyes. Afterward, Wally unexpectedly and emotionally addressed the audience to share his gratitude, saying “God gets the praise – it’s all Him.” Georgia-Cumberland Conference President, and chairman of the GCA board, Ed Wright paid his tribute to the Foxes, noting their unprecedented length of employment. Amongst all the praise, honor and gifts presented to the Foxes perhaps the most noteworthy and enduring came when Dr. Greg Gerard, GCA principal, had the privilege of announcing that the new gymnasium and cafeteria complex will be named the “Wally Fox Wellness Center.” The gymnasium will be completed before graduation in May. The cafeteria will be ready for next school year. The newly remodeled library is part of construction that will be done, adding a new student center and additional classrooms. When this is completed in 2019 the library will be named “The Mary Ellen Fox Library and Resource Center.” After the program, dozens of peoples flocked the stage to convey their personal gratitude. Each of the Foxes were surrounded by admirers, including a group of collegiate young men gathered before Coach Fox repeating “We are here because of you.” Nearly an hour later a line of people remained waiting to get their turn to speak to the soon-to-be retirees. The Foxes came to GCA in 1975, following seven years at Maplewood Academy. After 50 years of dedicating themselves to young people, their retirement is well-deserved. They will be missed, but their legacy will remain. We wish them God’s very best in the years ahead. Mary Ellen taught home economics, until it was discontinued in 2003. In 1984 she also was the school librarian, a position she will continue in until retirement. Mary Ellen loves reading, and has enjoyed sharing her love for books with students over the years. She states, “My husband and I have been truly blessed to cross paths with so many wonderful students and staff.” We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for making our retirement celebration so special. The generosity and kindness expressed to us will never be forgotten. -Wally & Mary Ellen Coach Fox is only the second athletic director at GCA. He was responsible for all sports activities – varsity and intermural. Traveling with the teams, as well as being a sponsor in other areas of GCA, he has literally spent months of his life on a GCA bus. Wally also teaches the health classes. Perhaps the most nerve-wracking job in high school, Wally taught driver’s education until it was recently discontinued. Wally’s parting advice: “Put others first. Remember who gave you your talents and glorify Him. Put Christ as your first priority and success will follow.” pastures. He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3 CUMBERLITE SPRING <strong>2018</strong> 13
Page 1 and 2: SPRING 2018 THE CUMBERLITE Alumni W
Page 3 and 4: Peace - perfect peace - is a longin
Page 5 and 6: Sabbath Worship Service Worship in
Page 7 and 8: 2018 petition, with thanksgiving, p
Page 9 and 10: THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Title Spo
Page 11: Year Awards Danny Song, M.D., '88 D
Page 15 and 16: Class of ’78 Memorial Garden By N
Page 17 and 18: Class of 1978 Front Row: Marcia Hal
Page 19 and 20: Class of 1998 HONOR CLASSES Front R
Page 21 and 22: FORMER STAFF Front row: Janet Wood,
Page 23 and 24: five-week trip to Australia. They h

Cumberlite 2018 Spring

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