Cumberlite 2018 Summer

Summer 2018 

THE CUMBERLITE

Grateful for 

Graduation is normally charged 

with Graduation high-emotions. is normally This a highlycharged 

graduation emotional was no exception. event. This Feelings year’s 

year’s 

graduation were heightened was no and exception. mixed Feelings because 

were this was heightened an historic because event this – the was first an 

historic graduation event (actually – the the first first graduation event of 

(actually any kind) the in first the long-dreamed-of event of any kind) new in 

the gymnasium. long-dreamed-of Four groups new of gymnasium. people who 

Four attended groups or participated of people who in graduation attended 

or had participated their own unique in graduation perspectives had of 

their this extraordinary own unique occasion. perspectives of this 

extraordinary Graduates occasion. were filled with 

excitement about finishing high 

school. Graduates Many began 

were 

the school 

filled with 

year 

excitement 

with “senioritis.” 

about 

For 

finishing 

the past weeks 

high 

school. 

and months 

Many 

true 

began 

self-discipline 

the school year 

was 

with 

required 

“senioritis.” 

to be able 

For 

to 

the 

finish 

past 

well. 

weeks 

Of 

the 

and 

67 

months 

graduates 

true 

that 

self-discipline 

stood before 

was 

us, 

31 

required 

graduated 

to be 

with 

able 

high 

to finish 

honors, 

well. 

and 

Of 

13 

the 

with 

67 seniors 

honors 

that 

– 

stood 

they finished 

before us, 

very 

31 

well, 

graduated 

and 97% 

with 

of 

high 

the 

honors, 

seniors 

and 

plan 

13 

to 

attend 

with honors 

universities, 

– they 

colleges 

finished 

or 

very 

technical 

well, 

colleges. 

and 97% 

While 

of the 

the 

class 

class 

plan 

of 2018 

to 

had 

attend 

all 

of 

universities, 

the normal emotions 

colleges 

that 

or 

come 

technical 

with 

graduating, 

colleges. While 

the look 

the 

on 

class 

their 

of 

faces 

2018 

made 

had 

it 

all 

clear 

of the 

they 

normal 

realized 

emotions 

it was their 

that 

privilege 

come 

to 

with 

be the 

graduating, 

very first to 

the 

march 

look 

up 

on 

the 

their 

aisle 

and 

faces 

sit 

made 

on the 

it 

stage 

clear 

of 

they 

the 

realized 

beautiful 

it 

new 

was 

gym. 

their privilege to be the very first to 

march 

Parents 

up the 

were 

aisle 

filled 

and sit 

with 

on 

pride, 

the stage 

joy, 

and 

of the 

sentimentality 

beautiful new 

as 

gym. 

memories from 

the past Parents 18 years of their were child’s filled life came with 

to pride, mind. joy, Some and parents sentimentality watched their as 

last memories child graduate from from the past GCA 18 – having years 

multiple of their children child’s life that came spanned to mind. much 

longer Some parents than just watched the four their years last of child one 

high graduate school from student. GCA – For having these multiple parents 

this children was a whose bittersweet time one at GCA final spanned journey 

to much GCA, longer one last than program just the to attend, four years one 

last of one move high out school of the dormitory. student. For these 

parents Staff this looked was a on bittersweet proudly moment at their 

students, reminded of how each senior 

has grown and matured over the years 

they have been under the staff’s care and 

tutelage. -- one final At the journey same to time, GCA, the one faculty last 

breathed program a to sigh attend, of relief, one anxious last move for out the 

change of the dormitory. of pace and the renewal that 

summer allows. 

This Staff year GCA 

looked 

bids 

on 

farewell 

proudly 

to nine 

at 

of 

their 

its 

students, 

staff, and 

reminded 

for them there 

of how 

was 

each 

also 

sadness 

senior has 

mixed 

grown 

with 

and 

excitement 

matured over 

about 

the 

the 

years 

next 

they 

phase 

have 

of 

been 

their 

under 

lives. Wally 

the staff’s 

Fox 

was 

care 

not 

and 

unlike 

tutelage. 

Moses 

At the 

in that 

same 

he 

time, 

was 

given 

the faculty 

a vision 

breathed 

of the 

a 

future 

sigh 

for 

of relief, 

those 

he 

anxious 

has served 

for the 

and 

change 

loved 

of 

as he 

pace 

and 

and 

Mary 

the 

Ellen 

renewal 

led 

that 

the 

summer 

procession 

allows. 

down the aisle 

of the 

This 

brand 

year 

new 

GCA 

facility 

bids 

named 

farewell 

after 

to 

him 

eight 

– 

of 

The 

its 

Wally 

staff 

Fox 

who 

Wellness 

experienced 

Center. 

Wally’s 

sadness 

experience 

mixed with 

at this 

excitement 

graduation 

about 

was 

uniquely 

their next 

his. 

phase of life. Watching Wally 

and 

Those 

Mary Ellen 

involved 

Fox 

in 

was 

making 

especially 

the 

new 

touching 

building 

thinking 

a reality 

of all 

were 

their 

profoundly 

years of 

gratified. 

service, all 

The 

the 

entire 

relationships 

complex 

forged, 

is jawdroppingly 

all 

of their hard 

impressive 

work. The 

and is 

Foxes 

the result 

were 

of 

able 

hundreds 

to be the 

of people’s 

first to proceed 

time, skills 

down 

and 

talents; 

the aisle 

thousands 

of the 

of 

gym 

hours 

named 

of planning, 

after 

discussions, 

Wally. Like 

and 

Moses, 

labor; 

Wally 

and millions 

got to see 

of 

dollars 

it, but 

donated 

he won’t 

by 

be 

generous 

there 

individuals 

to live it. 

with 

Their 

a 

experience 

vision for the 

that 

future 

night was 

of GCA, 

very 

who 

different 

believe 

than 

in 

anyone 

its mission 

else’s. 

for future 

generations Those of involved young people, in making and the are 

committed new building to a reality excellent were profoundly Adventist 

education. gratified. The entire complex is jawdroppingly 

During impressive. the summer It is months, the result the 

of finishing hundreds touches of people’s are being time, completed skills and 

talents; and the thousands complex of will hours be of ready planning, for 

discussions, its ribbon-cutting and labor; and millions dedication of 

dollars ceremony donated taking by place those on who August believe 17 in 

the (see GCA back mission cover). However, for future the generations campus 

of is young not yet people finished. and Energy are committed has been to 

excellent refocused Adventist to the new education. student center 

and During additional the classrooms. summer months, Following the 

finishing the completion touches of are the being student completed center, 

and construction the complex workers will will be move ready to the for 

other side of the building to create the 

new administrative wing. Support of 

By Laura Dancek 

the Continuing the Mission initiative is 

its 

still needed, 

ribbon-cutting 

as we are $3.7 

and 

million 

dedication 

away 

from 

ceremony 

our goal 

taking 

of $15.5 

place 

million. 

on August 17 

(see 

We 

back 

cannot 

cover). 

forget 

However, 

the 

the 

One 

campus 

who 

is 

was 

not 

present 

yet finished. 

on that special 

Energy 

day. 

has 

It 

been 

was 

refocused 

God’s blessings 

to the 

on 

new 

the 

student 

donors, 

center 

the 

and 

administration, 

additional 

the 

classrooms. 

architects, 

Following 

and the 

the 

construction 

completion 

workers 

of the 

that 

student 

truly 

center, 

made 

construction 

this weekend 

workers 

a reality. 

will 

It 

move 

was 

to 

God’s 

the 

other 

blessings 

side 

on 

of 

the 

the 

staff, 

building 

and Him 

to create 

working 

the 

new 

through 

administrative 

them, that taught 

wing. Support 

and guided 

of 

the 

our 

Continuing 

students. It was 

the 

God’s 

Mission 

blessings 

initiative 

on 

is 

the 

still 

parents, 

needed, 

that 

as 

provided 

we are $3.7 

them 

million 

with 

away 

financial 

from 

means 

our goal 

or 

of 

financial 

$15.5 million. 

assistance 

so their 

We cannot 

children 

forget 

could 

the 

benefit 

One 

from 

who 

was 

Adventist 

present 

schooling, 

on that 

and 

special 

provided 

day. It 

them 

was 

God’s 

with wisdom 

blessings 

to 

on 

parent. 

the 

It 

donors, 

was God’s 

the 

blessings 

administration, 

on the 

the 

students 

architects, 

that protected 

and the 

them 

construction 

and lead 

workers 

in their lives 

that 

that 

truly 

brought 

made 

them 

this weekend 

to that very 

a 

moment. 

reality. It was God’s 

blessings 

“Now 

on 

may 

the staff, 

He 

and Him 

who 

working 

supplies 

seed 

through 

to 

them, 

the sower, 

that taught 

and 

and 

bread 

guided 

for 

food, 

our students. 

supply 

It 

and 

was 

multiply 

God’s blessings 

the seed 

on 

you 

the parents, 

have sown 

that provided 

and increase 

them with 

the 

fruits 

financial 

of 

means 

your 

or 

righteousness, 

financial assistance 

while 

you 

so their 

are 

children 

enriched 

could 

in 

benefit 

everything 

from 

for 

Adventist 

all 

schooling, 

liberality, 

and 

which 

provided 

causes 

them 

thanksgiving 

with wisdom 

through 

to parent. 

us 

It 

to 

was 

God. 

God’s 

For 

the 

blessings 

administration 

on the students 

of this 

that 

service 

protected 

not 

only 

them 

supplies 

and led in 

the 

their 

needs 

lives 

of 

that 

the 

brought 

saints, 

but 

them 

also 

to that 

is abounding 

very moment. 

through many 

thanksgivings 

“For God 

to 

is 

God, 

the one 

while, 

who provides 

through 

seed 

the 

proof 

for the 

of 

farmer 

this 

and 

ministry, 

then bread 

they 

to 

glorify 

eat... 

God 

As a 

result 

for the 

of your 

obedience 

ministry, 

of 

they 

your 

will 

confession 

give glory 

to 

to 

God. 

the gospel 

For your 

of 

generosity 

Christ, 

to 

and 

them 

for 

and 

your 

to 

all 

liberal 

believers 

sharing 

will 

with 

prove that 

them 

you 

and 

are 

all 

obedient 

men, 

to 

and 

the 

by 

Good 

their 

News 

prayer 

of 

for 

Christ. 

you, 

Thank 

who long 

God 

for 

for you 

this 

because 

gift too 

of 

wonderful 

the exceeding 

for words!” 

grace 

2 

of 

Corinthians 

God in you. 

9:10, 

Thanks 

13, 15 

be 

(NLT) 

to God for 

His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 

9:10-15 May God continue to bless GCA! 

May God continue to bless GCA! 

2 CUMBERLITE SPRING 2018

1 

2 

3 4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

1, 3, 4) Mike Fisher, Isabella 

Dempsey, and Andrew Boyd 

march in to graduate. 

2) Wally and Mary Ellen Fox led 

the Commencement procession 

5) The view of the new gymnasium 

from the stage. 

6) Shelby Huse receives the 

Caring Heart Award. 

7, 8, 9) Joshua Holland, Evan Diaz, 

and Hannah Johnson receive their 

diplomas from Dr. Gerard. 

10) Briana Castro and Desiree Clemons 

were part of a special music team. 

11) Robby Herr inspired the graduates 

with his Commencement address. 

12) Class President, Lismary Rosales, 

addressed her classmates. 

9 10 11 12 

CUMBERLITE SPRING 2018 3

Introducing GCA’s Newest Alumni: 

The Class of 2018 

Javiera Paz Alquinta 

Gabriela Alvarez Genesis Arteta Andrew Boyd Juliet Nichole Bromme 

Pedro Augusto Campbell Alexandra Candamil Savannah Beth Cantrell Alexis Marie Castro Briana Michele Castro 


Mei Yan Chin 

Desiree Rene Clemons 

Kiera Bronwyn Coker 

Harrison Wyatt Cross 

Filippe Lima Da Silva 

Jordan Matthew Davis 

Isabella Ann Dempsey 

Evan Alexzandriah Diaz 

Karen Dominguez 

Zoe Annami Nerissa Dorsett 

Juan Pablo Duarte 

Megan Mae Epperson Michael Aaron Fisher Geoffrey Martin Fowler Karon Gabriella Cristine 

Fowler 

Jakob Nelson Furness 

Dakota Sky Futcher Edgar Jesus Garcia Carlos Daniel Gonzalez Annabelle Celeste Harper 


Joshua William Hendrix Lance Joseph Hoffman Joshua Lee Holland Elijah Woodrow Hooker Brandon Alexander Hudson 

Gage Allen Hufstetler Aimee Heather Hunt Shelby Lynn Huse Narumi Imayuki Jordan Elizabeth Jablonski 

Jun-hyuk Jeon 

Seung Won Jeong Hannah Taylor Johnson Amber Jane Pauline Maddox Caroline Joanna Markoff 

Anthony Arnoldo Melgar 

Alexander Douglas 

DeForest Nesmith 

Camila Gisell Oleaurre Nnamdi Chiemela Onyeije Isaac Baker Patterson 


Justin Myles Patterson 

Steven William Roman 

Lismary Raquel Rosales 

Jonathan Samaniego 

Laken Everest Makai Scott 

Cameron James Shatus 

Jared Alexander Skiwski 

Hope Destiney Smith 

Adriann M Stahl 

Anabella Kaitlyn Stevens 

Jonathan Tyler Stover 

Caleb Riley Tol 

Serena Elizabeth 

Van Fossen 

Victoria de Paula Waegele 

Joshua Charles Walker 

Congratulations 

Class of 2018 

Jiayi Wei 

Makaya Aiyana Williams 


Continuing 


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

the Mission 

Because of your support the new gymnasium and cafeteria are complete! This impressive 

facility is named the “Wally Fox Wellness Center.” The 58,118 square foot complex includes 

the gymnasium, fitness facilities, classroom, cafeteria, private dining room, and gathering 

spaces. 

Our first commencement ceremony in the new gymnasium took place on May 19, making the 

Class of 2018 a unique part of GCA history. The ribbon-cutting and dedication of the center 

will take place on Friday, August 17, at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. 

Your ongoing support is needed as we are Continuing the Mission and in the midst of 

Phase II: building the student commons with kitchen, snack bar, study spaces, staff offices, 

and three new classrooms. Completion date for this phase is January 2019. Funds for student 

scholarships and program enhancements are also part of the Continuing the Mission initiative. 

THANK YOU for ensuring that GCA will continue the mission to impact students for eternity! 


My 

Experience 

Lance Hoffman 

I am originally from Michigan and moved to Tennessee when I was twelve. 

While growing up, I had to deal with a lot coming from my father and it was 

not a healthy environment. Fortunately, the Lord led my mom to a woman 

by the name of Brenda Walsh and she completely changed our lives. She got 

us away from the grip of my father and convinced us to move to Collegedale, 

Tenn. for my mom to work as her personal assistant and for the education. The 

summer after my eighth-grade year I went to camp and met another camper 

there by the name of Andrew Korp. I instantly felt a connection to him. He 

told me about GCA. I began to look up information and learn about GCA, 

and prayed tirelessly for the Lord to provide a way for me to attend this school. 

But when I brought it up to my mom she shot it down instantly because 

it was just too expensive. I 

remember the day my mom 

and Brenda sat me down and 

in tears told me they found a sponsor to give me a full ride to GCA, which of 

course led me to tears and praising God. 

Throughout the past four years, I've had my fair share of heartaches, losing 

friends, and drama. Before I came to GCA I was always depressed, suicidal, and 

living in self-induced agony. By the grace of God I can say that I no longer 

have those things in my life. Before GCA I wanted nothing to do with God 

other than to use God as a crutch when I needed him. GCA has taught me 

that God is my friend. God came into my life and overwhelmed me with His 

power and His messages. GCA is a place where the Lord overflows. 

I would like to thank my sponsors. People I have never met before were 

willing to pay all four years of my high school education. Their money was not 

wasted. The relationships I've developed I will maintain for the rest of my life, 

not to mention they gave me a relationship with God again. 

"GCA HAS TAUGHT ME THAT GOD IS MY FRIEND." 


Cami Oleaurre 

I have never had a life of stability. My parents separated when I was ten years 

old and I’ve never stayed at a school for more than two years. I never knew what 

it felt like to actually enjoy going to school every day because I was never able to 

make long-term friendships. My mom always told me to pray for my friends, and 

I did. I know she did, as well. 

My first two years of high school were extremely rough. I had grief and hurt 

that I was never able to deal with. On top of that, I was tired of going back and 

forth from my mom’s to my dad’s house. It was exhausting. The friends I had were 

not very good ones. Instead of talking to people about my problems I decided to 

deal with them on my own, in a very unhealthy way by using and drinking. 

I got so bad that my parents had to pull me out of school in March of my 

sophomore year. After a lot of therapy and talks with God I remember my dad sitting me down and saying, “Here is a list of 

Adventist schools. Pick one.” The idea of going to a boarding school terrified me because I didn’t think I would fit in and I 

thought boarding schools were for weird people. 

GCA was on my list and since it was much closer to my house than the rest of 

the academies we decided it was a win. I knew no one here and to make things 

worse, I didn’t even have a roommate. So I was very lost and insecure. 

One day I came out on my hall and saw two people playing cards. One 

of them was Caroline Markoff. We instantly became inseparable and seemed to 

laugh at everything together. Dorm life very quickly became amazing because 

instead of going from house to house, I stayed in one place all the time and my 

best friend became my roommate. I felt so secure – a feeling I hadn’t felt in a very 

long time. 

Since I’ve been at GCA I have built stronger relationships in two years than 

I ever had in my whole life, and I have gotten to know Jesus Christ as my Savior 

and best friend. 

GCA saved my life. The pain and struggles I went through were worth the phenomenal outcome God had in mind for me 

and I was able to graduate from an amazing school. 

Makaya Williams 

I am a three-year senior at GCA. I didn’t go to GCA for the friends, even 

though I love them very much. I went to GCA because of the faculty. My GCA 

experience skyrocketed with positive results in my character. I’ve been to a lot of 

different schools in the past ten years but none where the faculty cared so much 

about me like they do at GCA. I’ve never been to a school where if something was 

wrong or if I needed anything I could just text or call almost any one of them. 

Mrs. Scott was my boss this year. 

I did secretarial work and was also her 

assistant drama director. Quite early 

in the year, there was a time that I 

couldn’t go to work because I couldn’t 

stop crying. So right before my 4th 

period class I stopped by to see Mrs. Scott and there waiting for me was a hug and 

food from Taco House! I don’t think I’ve ever been so comfortable with someone 

seeing me cry. She just hugged me, and although not everything got better some 

things actually did with just her being there. 

The relationships here between students and teachers, or bosses to employees, 

is what makes GCA GCA! Without the faculty this would be any average school. 

But with them, you’ll never feel alone. 


High school 

HEARTs 

Our Winter 2018 issue featured GCA couples who married each other. While there are many couples fitting that description, 

we featured only those who replied to an email request. Unfortunately, the following two couples did reply but were unintentionally 

omitted from the article. We apologize for this oversight and are happy to feature them here. 

If you and your spouse have a GCA love story that you would like us to share in the future, please contact Nancy Gerard at 

ngerard@gcasda.org. 

Sweet 

The 

Boettchers 

Husband: Andrew Boettcher, ‘91 

Wife: Sherry (McNiel) Boettcher, ‘90 

Wedding Date: December 12, 1992 

Their Love Story: 

Sherry and Andrew attended GCA from fall of 1987 to 1990. They dated 3 years, 100 days and 

7.5 hours! They know this thanks to the pastor who married them, Ron Cook, who was the 

chaplain at GCA when Sherry graduated. Andrew says he fell in love with Sherry when he first 

heard her speaking Spanish with her mom. He was very shy and quiet so they didn't start talking 

until Sherry’s senior year. They both looked very young for their age and Sherry thought 

Andrew was way too young for her, but as it turned out he is actually six months older than her! 

At GCA, they walked around and around faculty circle. Sherry thought he would never ask her 

to date him, but he finally did by giving her his teddy bear and asking her to adopt it. 

The Boettchers on their Wedding Day 

Where They Are Now: 

Last December 12 was their 25th anniversary. Over the years, they have both struggled with 

severe health issues. Due to their health challenges they do not have children, but have been able Andrew and Sherry 

to experience God's faithfulness. Sherry is an artist and loves to paint faces. Andrew makes and 

teaches pottery. They have a website (paintmud.com) and hope to open an art school to share with others resources God placed in 

their path to help them through their struggles and knit them together in His love. Their life has not been easy but they are extremely 

grateful for all God has done for them. 

Husband: Jacob Arellano, ‘08 

Wife: Nicole (Humphrey) Arellano, ‘08 

Wedding Date: September 6, 2015 

The 

Arellanos 

Their Love Story: 

The Arellanos’ love story begins when they started working together in the cafeteria as freshmen. 

Nicole was first attracted to Jacob by his stories. To pass the time he would tell funny and imaginative 

tales and she knew that she wanted to learn more about him. During their sophomore year, after 

The Arellanos on their Wedding Day several banquets together and countless Pony Express letters Jacob asked Nicole to be his girlfriend, 

but she declined. After graduation Jacob lived with Nicole’s family while he went to college. Her 

brother was his best friend and roommate at GCA. During that time they were just good friends, but after they graduated from college things 

started to change. In March of 2014, Jacob invited Nicole and her brothers to a hockey game in Nashville and after that everything changed. 

They started seeing each other more and fell in love. 

Where they are now: 

Nicole stays home to care for Peyton, their beautiful daughter born on November 28, 2016. They live in Chattanooga, Tenn. When he isn’t 

at work designing software, Jacob still tells Nicole those stories that he first started sharing back in 2004. 


ALUMNI NEWS 

GCA Alumni Campmeeting Supper 

“Having just moved to the area, I was realizing anew how important connections are.” Thus began Arlene West 

McFarland’s (class of ’66) email following the recent GCA Alumni Supper at campmeeting in Collegedale, Tenn. 

Arlene is right. Human connections are important for mental, physical and spiritual health! And what better 

way to develop and maintain connections than through the GCA family? 

Others were looking for connection and reconnection on June 2, as well. More than 70 alumni, former staff, 

current staff, and GCA friends joined us for this annual event in conjunction with the Georgia-Cumberland 

Conference Campmeeting, held at Southern Adventist University. Alumni guests ranged from the oldest graduating 

class (1966) to the newest (2018). 

The atmosphere in the White Oak Room, where we met for this event, was magical! Former staff visited with 

their students and former colleagues. First time attendees got a taste (both literally and figuratively) of what a GCA 

alumni event is like. Old friends reconnected and new friendships were formed. Meeting over good food, lives 

intertwined through our connections to GCA, we all left the better for it. 

Arlene McFarland concluded her sentiments with this: “For me, the event was a highlight because it gave the 

opportunity to share affirmations with each other and reveal how God has provided valuable human connections as 

members of the extended GCA family, and has been instrumental in our lives through the years.” 

Thanks to all who joined us for a delightful evening of food and fellowship! If you missed it this year, please plan 

on being there next June when we will meet again for the annual GCA Alumni Supper at Campmeeting. 

ALUMNI NEWS 


ALUMNI UPDATES 


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 email Nancy Gerard at 

ngerard@gcasda.org. 

Bill and Juli Chunestudy, former 

staff, retired to Caldwell, Idaho. They 

served in Adventist education for 

many years, and retired from Pacific 

Union College, where Bill was the 

Associate Academic Dean for Distance 

and Adult Learning. 

Curtis Housley, ’71, passed away on 

May 13, 2018 at home after a lengthy 

illness. Curtis was a well-respected 

dairy farmer in Georgetown, Tenn. 

for many years. He was a member of 

Cedar Ridge Seventh-day Adventist 

Church in Georgetown. 

Sonia (Thompson) Ball, ’72, was wed 

on June 1, 2018 in 

Oak Glen, Calif. 

to Dr. Jay Michael 

Ball, a cardiologist 

currently practicing 

in Redlands. Pastor 

and friend, Gary 

Strunk officiated their wedding. The 

couple currently lives in Forest Falls, 

Calif. where they enjoy hiking and 

mountain biking. 

Cindy Lou Jones, ’73, passed away 

on May 17, 2018. Cindy's brother, 

Stephen Jones, ’70, shares: "She had 

battled a long illness, and fought with 

great determination and courage. She 

was attended by family as she passed." 

Ron Dortch, ’77, retired from the 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department 

on May 9, 2018. Ron has been living in 

Southern Calif. for 37 years. Ron, his 

family, and their 11 cats have relocated 

to Cave Spring, Ga. and they are glad 

to be home. 

Tangellia (Cooper) Moore, ’90, lives 

in the Atlanta area with Charles, her 

husband of 23 years. They have three 

children and three grandchildren. 

Tangellia has a bachelor’s degree 

in criminal justice from Georgia 

Southern University and worked in 

juvenile justice for ten years. She 

earned an M.B.A. from Webster 

University and works for Walmart’s 

corporate office. 

Steve Shelburne, ’90, owns 

Shelburne Rv, a family-operated 

business in Cleveland, Tenn. He has 

two children and two step-children. 

Amanda Chase, ’06, graduated with a 

Psy.D. in rural mental health treatment 

from California Southern University. 

Nathan DeWild, ’06, is the new 

production/equipment and facilities 

manager at the School of Visual Art 

and Design at Southern Adventist 

University (SAU). His previous 

experience includes work on “The 

Adventists 2” and “The Blueprint, The 

Story of Adventist Education.” Nathan 

will help coordinate the department’s 

lighting lab and equipment as well as 

assisting other departments with video, 

animation, and graphic design needs. 

Tristan Williams, ’06 (attended), died 

on March 30, 2018. Tristan served in 

the United States Air Force prior to 

changing professions into the Bakken 

Oil Field. Tristan moved to North 

Dakota where he would meet and 

marry his "true and only love of his life". 

He is survived by his beloved wife Misti 

and two sons, Tyson and Tegan. 

Isaac Nwadike, ’11, is entering 

his final year of graduate school at 

Andrews University (AU) and has 

been busy traveling across the country 

preaching at various youth camp 

meetings and churches. 

Marina Avendano, ’13, graduated with 

a B.A. in international communications 

from Walla Walla University. 

Laura Chase, ’13, graduated summa 

cum laude with a B.S. in nursing 

from SAU. 

Nicole Davis, ’13, graduated with an 

A.S. in nursing from SAU. 

Matthew Melton, ’13, graduated 

with a B.A. in biology from SAU. 

Steven Metott, ’13, graduated with a 

B.S. in psychology (clinical) from SAU. 

Ramey Miller, ’13, graduated with a 

B.S. in business administration from 

SAU. 

Kailey Wales, ’13, graduated with a 

B.S. in health science from SAU. 

Jessica Ahn, ’14, graduated summa 

cum laude with a B.S. in biology 

from SAU. 

Karla Aponte, ’14, graduated with 

a B.A. in liberal arts education (nonlicensure) 

from SAU. 

Andrew Caban, ’14, graduated with a 

B.A. in theology (seminary) from SAU. 

Chelsea Dancek, ’14, graduated cum 

laude with a B.S. in biology (biomedical) 

from SAU. Chelsea plans to serve 

as a student missionary at the Palau 

Adventist Wellness Center in Koror, 

Palau during the upcoming school year 

before beginning dental school. 


Rodney Hairston, II, ’14, graduated 

with a B.S. in psychology (clinical) 

from SAU. 

Vanessa (Hernandez) Hairston, 

’14, graduated summa cum laude 

with a B.A. in liberal arts education 

from SAU. 

Molly Keizer, ’14, graduated cum 

laude with a B.S. in nursing from SAU. 

Rashid Logan, ’14, graduated with a 

B.S. in biology (biomedical) from SAU. 

Jonathan Mancao, ’14, graduated 

with a B.S. in chemistry (biochemistry) 

from SAU. 

Caleb McKinney, ’14, married 

Lauren (Waegele) McKinney on May 

27, 2018 in Georgetown, Tenn. 


Marriah Monette, ’14, graduated 

with a B.S. in human development 

and family studies from Oakwood 

University. 

Mallory Morgan, ’14, graduated 

magna cum laude with a B.B.A. in 

marketing from SAU. 

Carine Moura, ’14, graduated with 

a B.B.A. in management (general 

management) from SAU. 

Ben Nwadike, ’14, graduated magna 

cum laude from Kennesaw State 

University with a degree in biology. 

Ben matriculated to Morehouse 

School of Medicine on June 28. 

Emily West, ’14, graduated cum 

laude with a B.S. in health science 

from SAU. 

Brooklyn Moore, ’15, graduated 

with an A.S. in nursing from SAU. 

Jason Moore, ’15, graduated with an 

A.S. in accounting from SAU. 

Leilani Gammada, ’15, graduated 

with a B.S. in biology (biomedical) 

from SAU. 

Catherine Lau, ’15, graduated magna 

cum laude with an A.S. in nursing 

from SAU. 

David Nwadike, ’17, was accepted 

into Duke University Summer 

Biomedical Science Institute this 

summer. This is a six-week program 

for prospective medical, dental, or 

pharmacy freshmen and sophomore 

science students from various schools 

of the country. 

Alumni Mentor GCA Scholars 

By Jeanne Hartwell 

GCA Scholars is a program that began last school year for students with a 3.7 or higher GPA and/or very high 

test scores. The program came about when an alumni couple expressed concern that GCA should be doing more 

to enhance the academic experiences of our higher achieving students. With their suggestions came financial 

support to begin the program. One of the components of this is a mentoring program that matches GCA senior 

students with GCA alumni who are now attending Southern Adventist University. We wanted to give our 

students an edge that would help them to adjust to college more easily next year. Mentors were asked to go over 

specific topics with their mentee, such as time management at college, how to find a balance between academic 

and social pursuits, how to combat homesickness and other topics that would help them to start thinking now 

about how they will handle their lives in a new environment that is less structured. 


Aimee Hunt, who just graduated in May, responded when asked about the program, “I really liked my SAU 

mentor. Sadie was fantastic, and since I know her it made it a lot more relate-able to talk! I really appreciated this.” 

Other parts of the GCA Scholars program include extra testing for ACTs and PSATs, presentations from outside 

professionals, articles for parents and students on helpful topics for college preparation, ideas for scholarships, field 

trips that enhance scholastics, one-on-one time with the GCA Scholars coordinator, job shadowing, and other 

special events. 

One wistful parent remarked, “I wish my school would have offered something like this when I was student.” 


Georgia-Cumberland Academy 

Alumni & Development 

397 Academy Dr. SW 

Calhoun, GA 30701 

Phone: 706-629-4591 

Fax: 706-629-1272 

ngerard@gcasda.org 

NONPROFIT ORG. 

U.S. POSTAGE 

CHATTANOOGA, TN 

PERMIT NO. 1114 

CUMBERLITE STAFF 

EDITOR: 

LAURA DANCEK 

ASSISTANT EDITOR: 

NANCY GERARD 

LAYOUT & DESIGN: 

MEGAN KELLER, COLLEGE PRESS 

COPY EDITOR: 

SUSAN JENKINS 

PHOTOGRAPHERS: 

CLASSIC IMPRESSIONS PORTRAIT STUDIO 

LAURA DANCEK 

GRANT TUTTLE 

PICTURED ON FRONT COVER: left to right, Mei Chin, Adriann 

Stahl, Jordan Jablonski, Filippe Da Silva, Zoe Dorsett 

GRAND OPENING! 

You are invited to the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony 

celebrating the official grand opening of The Wally Fox Wellness Center 

WHEN: Friday, August 17, at 4:00 p.m. 

WHERE: The Wally Fox Wellness Center on the campus of GCA. 

PLEASE RSVP AT: ngerard@gcasda.org 

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

September 3-8 Fall Week of Prayer 

October 19-20 Parents’ Weekend 

December 14-15 Christmas Programs

Cumberlite 2018 Summer

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