Cumberlite 2019 Winter

Winter 2019 

THE CUMBERLITE 

What We Love About GCA

Staff Stability 

When you think back on your high school years, it can lead to nostalgia as you think of classes attended, special friends, and 

participation in music programs or sporting events. Since 1965, Georgia-Cumberland Academy has been at the heart of hundreds 

of students’ educational endeavors. One of the unique and special qualities that gives GCA a special place in the hearts of many 

is something that other schools cannot claim. How many of you are part of a multigenerational GCA family – perhaps a second 

or third generation alumnus? How many generations of your family were fortunate enough to experience Wally and Mary Ellen 

Fox imparting their knowledge to students over the past 43 years? In this article of The Cumberlite, we wanted to focus on one 

of the primary reasons that GCA is loved by many. We hope that you will learn something new and be inspired by some of our 

current staff sharing their GCA story. 

Janet Naus 

In a world filled with instability, it is comforting to know that the staff entrusted 

with student care in the dorms has been a constant beacon of stability. Dean Janet 

Naus (lovingly referred to as DJ by her GCA family) has dedicated the past 26 

years of her life in service as Girls’ Head Dean. Raised in Kansas, DJ graduated 

from Enterprise Academy, and later was Girls’ Dean there. Following her service at 

Enterprise Academy, she next went to serve as Girls’ Dean at Campion Academy 

in Colorado. Her ties to friends living in the area led to her decision to accept the 

dean position at GCA. She married her husband, Randy, in 1994 and they have 

two children. 

DJ loves GCA’s rich history and the fact that Mrs. Ellen White gave guidance 

to our school’s founders when they contemplated starting a school on the grounds. 

GCA’s history demonstrates that the school has always had a mission-minded focus 

and a desire to establish an institution that trains young people for this life and 

the life to come. DJ has dedicated her life to fulfilling the mission, “To know, to 

love, to serve.” She prays that GCA students and alumni will see Jesus while on 

the GCA campus. She also looks forward to a great big GCA family reunion in 

Heaven. When asked to share her most important life lesson, she wants students 

and alumni to remember, “Disappointments don’t have to lead to hopelessness. 

God uses disappointments and disasters and can turn them into something good.” 

Tom Sterndale 

Over the past 25 years, GCA has undergone several changes to update campus facilities 

and its fleet of vehicles. Tom Sterndale, GCA Maintenance Director, has been a part of all of 

those changes. He has overseen renovation of the boys’ and girls’ dorms, the center campus 

development, bathroom renovations, and bus campaigns. A Delaware native, Tom attended Blue 

Mountain Academy. After graduating from Walla Walla College with a B.S. in Secondary 

Teaching, he taught for several years before making the transition over to working as a 

maintenance director at several academies. Tom and his wife Joan have been married for 46 

years and have three children. He has enjoyed his time at GCA, stating that “When people 

are good to you, you don’t want to leave!” One of the most important lessons he has learned 

throughout his life is that you should always strive to remember that the other person in the 

room is the important one. He works hard to serve GCA with that goal in mind. His greatest 

hope for GCA students and alumni is that he can walk with them on the streets of gold 

someday, where nothing will ever need to be repaired or renovated again! 

2 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2019

Doug and Candace Nesmith 

Doug Nesmith happily arrived on the campus of GCA as 

a student task force worker from Union College 25 years ago. 

He enjoyed working as the Assistant Boys’ Dean. One year after 

he and his wife Candace were married, they received a call for a 

Boys’ Dean and music teacher at GCA. They excitedly accepted 

the call and have found that GCA has been a wonderful place 

to work and raise their five children over the past 23 years. The 

Nesmiths love the students, the people they work with, the 

buildings, and the location of the school. They desire to share 

with students that choosing God is the most important choice 

that you can make. Doug says, “I don’t care how successful you 

are with relationships, finding the perfect job, financial stability, 

health, family, anything – I just want you to choose God and 

spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I want to point you in that 

direction. I want to lead students to God.” Candace adds, “When 

you give God ALL the glory, and take nothing for yourself, He 

blesses. Remember the miracles and talk about them.” 

Greg and Nancy Gerard 

Born in Washington D.C., Greg 

Gerard moved to rural southwestern 

Michigan at the age of six. While 

living there, he developed a love for 

horses, and they became a big part 

of his life for many years. He owned 

three horses throughout his teenage 

years, caring for them and riding them 

when he was not at school. Schooling 

has always had an important place in 

his life. He discovered that he enjoys 

the pursuit of higher learning. No 

stranger to academia, he has earned 

two baccalaureate degrees, two Master’s 

degrees, and a Doctor of Education 

degree over the course of his career. 

The Gerards have been married 

for 41 years and have always leaned on 

God to guide them through every step 

of their marriage. Seventeen years ago, 

Greg felt God opening doors for he 

and his wife Nancy to come work at GCA. Greg accepted the position of Principal, and Nancy accepted the position of 

Director of Alumni and Development. Reflecting back on his time as principal at GCA, he says, “I don’t think I could find 

a better place to work and live. I love working with the faculty and staff we have been able to attract to GCA. I also love 

working with the students who have come to GCA. In addition, the local church and the larger Georgia-Cumberland 

Conference are very supportive. Together, these people make this a wonderful place to live and work.” He prays that 

current and former GCA students will come to know Jesus as their savior and friend. When Greg and Nancy do take 

personal time, they enjoy spending it with their two children and three grandchildren. 

CUMBERLITE WINTER 2019 3

GCA BY THE NUMBERS 

9 

18:1 

67% 

AVERAGE 

YEARS STAFF 

STAY AT GCA 

STUDENT 

TEACHER RATIO 

OF INSTRUCTORS 

WITH MASTER'S 

OR DOCTORATE 

DEGREES 

97% 

OF GRADUATES 

ATTEND COLLEGE 

306 

CREDIT HOURS COMPLETED 

BY STUDENTS IN DUAL ENROLLMENT 

COURSES THROUGH SAU IN THE LAST 

TWO YEARS 

2,742 

GCA GRADUATES SINCE 1965 

5,472 

HOURS OF 

COMMUNITY SERVICE 

SERVED BY STUDENTS 

DURING THE 2017-2018 

SCHOOL YEAR 

$5.4+ 

MILLION 

17% 

IN SCHOLARSHIPS 

FROM COLLEGES 

SINCE 2014 

OF CURRENT 

STAFF ARE ALUMNI 

“As a teacher, I love challenging my students through topics and activities that 

teaching science offers. Whether it is leading my students through the dissection and 

study of one of God’s amazing creatures, or studying intricacies and mechanisms inside a 

cell, it is fun to watch them learn. My prayer is always that my students will learn to love 

and appreciate God more because of our studies….nothing is more exciting to me than 

when one of my students tells me that they have discovered God’s plan for their lives.” 

~ Melanie DiBiase, Science Instructor, 12 years at GCA 

“I am here because I love my God. This is what He has called me to do. He 

saved me from the depths of sin and in return I have dedicated myself to follow Him. 

Wherever He wants, whatever He wants. He has called me to be part of His support 

system for His children…to be an example to them of His grace, love, and faithfulness.” 

~ Mark Torsney, Instrumental/Worship Music Director, 11 years at GCA 


Spiritual Growth 

Community Service 

Spiritual Growth Through Baptism 

On Sabbath, October 20, 2018, two GCA students dedicated their lives to Christ 

through baptism. Lauren Gerath and Megan Olfert, sophomores, first met during 

the summer of 2018 and became instant friends. Both friends shared a common 

thread of being raised in SDA homes and realized that they had a renewed desire to 

follow Jesus through their lives. Wanting to make their commitment to Christ one 

that family and friends could witness, they asked Chaplain Josh Woods to officiate at 

the baptismal ceremony during Parents’ Weekend. Praise God for these two young 

ladies who made the choice to live for Christ! 

Megan Olfert and Lauren Gerath 

Mr. Herr and students sharing their talents at the Cedartown, GA Church 

Community Outreach Sabbath 

On Sabbath, November 3, 2018, GCA 

students and staff went to 14 churches across 

the Georgia-Cumberland Conference to lead 

worship services. Students shared music through 

vocal and instrumental selections, read Bible 

passages, prayed, and preached the sermon. 

Constituents throughout the conference were 

blessed by the sharing of talents. 

Christmas Banquet Toy Drive 

For the fifth year in a row, Georgia-Cumberland Academy held a toy drive in 

conjunction with their annual Christmas Banquet. Students were asked to bring 

in a five to ten-dollar toy when they signed up for banquet. Once collected, the 

toys were sent to the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in Calhoun. The VAC is a 

multipurpose donation center that helps families in need by providing food, rent 

and bill assistance, as well as Christmas gifts for needy children. In addition, the VAC 

also has a thrift store and community kitchen. GCA students collected almost 200 

toys during the toy drive, cheerfully doing their part to help out in the community. 

Toys collected for the 5th Annual GCA Toy Drive 

Students participating in Florida hurricane 

clean-up efforts 

Serving the Local and Global Community 

In addition to serving the surrounding community, GCA also encourages 

students to serve those in need on an international scale. Working in 

coordination with relief service organizations such as ADRA, Maranatha, 

African Mission Services, and the People of Peru Project, sponsor Serge 

Gariepy has organized trips in Panama, Tanzania, Columbia, India, Kenya, Peru, 

and Ecuador. Students have rebuilt homes as part of relief efforts after natural 

disasters, built schools, assisted at orphanages, helped with water projects for a 

clinic and school, and built a church. What a blessing it is for GCA students 

to serve their community locally and globally! 


Enhanced Learning 

Opportunities 

Several years ago, GCA class of 1980 

alumni, Yung and Carmen Lau proposed 

the idea of an educational program that 

would provide support and enrichment 

to academically excelling students. 

2018-2019 GCA Scholars 

Their proposal led to the creation of 

GCA Scholars. Juniors and seniors with 

a GPA of 3.7 or higher are invited to 

participate. Students in the program 

are provided with information on the 

importance of standardized testing along 

with test preparation opportunities. 

Enrichment activities take place through 

field trips, as well as job shadowing and 

seminars from professionals in fields 

of interest. This year, students have 

connected with professionals for job 

shadowing opportunities and listened 

to presentations from a marine biologist 

and former CIA operative/lawyer. They 

have attended field trips to the High 

Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical 

Gardens, and “A Midsummer Night’s 

Dream”. Aleyra Gonzalez, a senior in the 

second year of the program, believes that 

GCA Scholars “provides students with 

experiences that put them ahead of others 

in college,” and is extremely appreciative 

of the enhanced academic opportunities 

and high academic expectations that sets 

GCA apart from other 

schools. 

Another way that 

GCA strives to provide 

enhanced educational 

opportunities is through 

international study tours. 

Initiated in 2004, the 

program allows students 

a first-hand chance to 

experience the world 

around them. The trip 

2018 European Study Tour Participants in the Netherlands 

exposes students to learning more about 

the culture and religion of each area, 

while providing them the opportunity to 

visit major historic landmarks, museums, 

and areas of natural beauty. Past tours 

have gone to England, Spain, Italy, 

Greece, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, 

Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, and 

the Netherlands. The 2019 tour will 

visit England, Scotland, and Wales. As 

the sponsor of the tours, principal Greg 

Gerard notes that “When each tour is 

finished, students have broadened their 

understanding of culture and language 

and have an appreciation for the 

differences that make the world such a 

culturally rich place to live.” 


Sports 

Basketball 

Jaguars preparing for the winning shot 

GCA offers both interscholastic sports and 

intramurals. The interscholastic sports program includes 

girls’ volleyball in the fall, girls’ and boys’ basketball in the 

winter, and girls’ and boys’ soccer in the spring. This year, 

GCA’s soccer teams are a part of the Georgia Independent 

Christian Athletic Association (GICAA). For girls’ and 

boys’ basketball, GCA plays other SDA schools in the 

Atlanta and Chattanooga area as 

well as local Christian private 

Soccer 

schools. The school intramural program runs throughout the year and 

includes flag football, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, basketball and 

softball. All students are invited to participate in intramurals, along with 

GCA staff. Intramurals are scheduled most evenings during recreation. 

The focus of GCA’s sports program is sportsmanship. Our desire is for 

students to not only grow spiritually and mentally, but also physically. 

~Coach Robbie Peterson, Contributor 

Gymnastics 

2018-2019 GCA Boys’ Soccer Team 

Being a part of GCA’s gymnastics team, Acroflyers, not only takes 

physical endurance, it also takes trust and mental strength. At the 

beginning of each year, an arduous four days of tryouts takes place. 

Many students who attend are inexperienced, so the first several days 

consist of teaching and practicing skills in preparation for the final 

testing day. Every candidate demonstrates their skills in areas such as 

two-highs, elevators, strength, and flexibility. After the tryouts, the 

coaches sit down and discuss who would fit best on the team based 

on their effort and performance. Once the team of roughly 30 is 

picked, gymnastics continues throughout the entire school year. 

GCA Acroflyers 

Acroflyers typically perform for five to six elementary schools, 

both locally and in the Atlanta or Chattanooga area. Several performances also take place at GCA during Parents’ Weekend, 

Alumni Weekend, and Academy Days. The biggest performance of the year is the national Acrofest. This year it was 

hosted by Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. The team spent Thursday and Friday learning new skills, 

bonding as a team, and meeting other gymnasts and teams from around the United States and Puerto Rico. The grand 

finale of the week was Saturday night. All teams performed their showcase routines and cheered each other on. Although 

Acrofest is the biggest performance, Acroflyer’s most important show is the Home Show at GCA. All of the practices 

and shows performed lead up to the Home Show, which features all the routines and skills learned throughout the year. 

~ Sarah Fisher, ’19, Contributor 

“My focus was about basketball, but as my final year of high school came around I realized something…GCA 

provided much more than basketball not being played on Sabbath. GCA taught me how to be a leader, face my 

fears, and that life is so much more than just basketball.” ~ Jeff Simmons, ’13 Contributor 


Music 

By Mark Torsney, Instrumental/Worship Music Director, Georgia-Cumberland Academy 

2018 Camerata 

One of the first things that a 

newcomer will notice on a Sabbath 

morning after entering the Georgia- 

Cumberland Academy Church is 

the student involvement during 

the worship service. Students lead 

out in all aspects of the service, 

including the music. GCA offers 

diverse opportunities for students to 

share their musical talents. They can 

choose to participate in vocal groups, 

such as Camerata or Chorale, led by 

Candace Nesmith, or by participating 

in Sinfonietta, Concert Band, or Praise 

Band, led by Mark Torsney. Taking 

the time to worship God has always 

been a primary focus of GCA’s music 

programs. It is of utmost importance 


2018 Concert Band 

that we teach our students who God is, 

and what it means to spend our time 

and talents worshipping Him. 

The Instrumental/Worship Program 

consists of a variety of programs aimed 

at helping students learn more about 

Christ and His character through 

music. Sinfonietta, our string orchestra, 

consists of 21 students this year. We 

have a chamber music program that 

breaks the students into subgroups 

of duets, trios, and quartets who play 

for concerts, church, and tours. They 

learn a variety of musical genres, 

from classical to sacred to pop. They 

also play with the worship program 

for praise time. In addition, we offer 

professional instruction from a local 

symphony member and teacher who 

attends rehearsals, works with the 

small groups and teaches many of the 

members of the group. 

Magnify Worship, GCA’s worship 

program, currently has 60 students 

and seven worship teams. All teams are 

led by pairs of student leaders. Classes 

consist of Biblical, musical, and lyrical 

study, as well as church history. The goal 

of this program is to teach the students 

how to become future church leaders 

and disciples of Christ through leading 

in worship. All bands tour to churches 

and schools throughout the year. Each 

band sponsors a small group concert 

and Bible study. The study, called Soul 

Café, consists of students picking a 

topic, studying and preparing songs 

related to that topic, and performing 

a concert and small group Bible study 

for the students. 

Concert Band currently consists 

of 44 students. We have been blessed 

to have a wonderful mix of talented 

students. We have chamber groups 

within the Concert Band that play 

for concerts and church. We play a 

large variety of music with themed 

spring concerts that change from year 

to year. Students also have the option 

of private lessons which helps their 

overall performance. 

It is through these programs that 

we are inspiring our students to grow 

their skills in music and leadership, so 

they might share the love of Christ 

and serve the world. 


GCA Memories 

I have many fond memories of my time spent at 

GCA. However, the day I was baptized stands out the 

most. Pastor Ron Cook was my chaplain and he gave me 

weekly Bible studies. At the end of the year, I decided to 

publicly acknowledge God as my personal Savior during 

our annual outdoor Sabbath. 

The entire school was there, including my parents, 

who drove up from Atlanta. Pastor Cook and I walked 

out to the middle of the lake where we sang some songs 

and he gave a short message and prayer. We must have 

been standing out there for a good bit. I knew it would be 

a quick immersion, having watched many baptisms at our 

local church growing up. However, it seemed like I was 

under water for quite some time and felt my body tensing 

up. Finally, I was brought up and luckily so, because I was 

really holding onto my last breath. Walking out of the 

lake, Pastor Cook put his arm around my shoulder and Peter Hwang and Family 

told me what happened. 

He said while we were standing out there, both his feet sank deep into the mud. As he was lowering my body into 

the water, he tried to lift one of his legs for leverage to support my weight, but it was stuck so he was having a hard time 

trying to pull me up. We both laughed out loud! As I reflect back on that experience, I am reminded of how we must 

live our lives completely trusting ourselves to God, just the way I put my trust in Pastor Cook on the day of my baptism. 

~ Peter Hwang, ’93 

Everything about the ’65-’66 school year was momentous for Fred 

and me. Our relationship was just budding in 1965 after an encounter at 

Camp Meeting, and then hanging out together at summer camp, where 

we were both working. Dating really began our senior year with the 

traditional first Saturday night progressive walk all the way to Highway 

53, which seemed like ten miles! Fred wore his new wingtips, to be welldressed, 

which was ill-advised, considering the hike! I walked with every 

boy on the campus, which was the whole point of the mixer, but still 

only had eyes for Fred at the end of the evening. Apparently he felt that 

way about me, because we became an enduring couple, and in August 

will celebrate our 50th anniversary! 

Also, very special, was that it was our student body that designed the 

seal, chose the names of the yearbook and school paper and set many 

traditions that are still around today. Being the pacesetters is probably the 

coolest memory for us from that year! ~ Jane Travis Tolhurst, ’66 

Fred and Jane Tolhurst 


Four years of boarding school with limited 

supervision from a young faculty made things 

interesting during our time of physical, mental, 

emotional, and social change. Friendships 

were important for our personal growth and 

survival in that environment. We did a number 

of crazy stunts together; however, some of the 

most enjoyable were the late night visits to the 

cafeteria for donuts and cinnamon rolls. We 

would outwit the dean on occasion, although 

he suspected us and could not prove anything. 

There were rumors among the boys’ dorm that 

Paul Rouse (Dean) had police training and 

knew special tactics to get a confession. If my 

memory is correct, he may have given me a 

pass or two along the way. Thank you, Mr. Rouse. 

Front row left to right, Todd Silver, ’78, Doug Gray, ’78; back row left to right, 

Richard Harris, ’78, Greg Owens, ’78, and Ken Slate, ’77, friend Chuck Blomaert 

As for my high school brothers, we are still lifelong friends and do a camping trip every other year. The campfire discussions 

almost always include memories of GCA. What is discussed at the campground, stays at the campground! ~ Richard Harris, ’78 

Each time I think about my years at GCA, many fond memories come to mind— 

from creatively-themed banquets to Spirit-filled vespers and afterglow services. It is hard 

to choose just one favorite memory; one that does stand out, however, was my very first 

mission trip to Kentucky. It was during the Appalachian Mission Trip that my eyes were 

opened to the needs within our own country, and a deeper desire to serve my neighbors 

was instilled within me. Many of my experiences at GCA helped to shape my character 

during the most formative years of my life. I am so thankful that GCA continues to 

provide many opportunities for students to serve others. ~ Jenessa King, ’07 

Jenessa King 

"Togetherness" with best friends during 

our most formative years surrounds happy 

memories at GCA. 

Class together. Studying together. Laughing 

together. Crying together. Praying together. 

Rooming together. Worshipping together. 

Working together. Eating together. Music 

together. Recreation together. Banquets 

together. Witnessing together. Dating together. 

Graduating together. ~Pastor Harold, ’73 and 

Jeannie (Newgard) Cunningham, ’73 

Pastor Harold and Jeannie Cunningham and Family 


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 would like to 

share. Email Beth Zeiss at 

bzeiss@gcasda.org. 

Bill Coffman, ’73 and Patty (McGhee) 

Coffman, ’73, recently celebrated their 

25th wedding anniversary. Patty recently 

retired from her work at Kaiser Health 

Network as a family medicine physician. 

Charles Lokas, ’73, retired from the 

Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs 

Medical Center after a 25-year career. 

He and his wife Deborah recently moved 

from Augusta, GA to Cornelia, GA, and 

attend the Habersham SDA Church. 

John and Pam (Aalborg) McVay, 

’76, and Mark Weir, ’79, along with 

wife, Judy Weir, recently celebrated 

the marriage of their children. On 

December 16, 2018, Macy McVay 

married to Bryson Weir, uniting two 

GCA families. Congratulations all! 

David Steele, ’93, was recently featured 

in The Architects Newspaper and ASTM 

Standardization News for his historic 

architectural work on Carter Hall 

at Covenant College on Lookout 

Mountain. David, who has worked 

for Lord Aeck Sargent in their historic 

preservation group since 2007, was 

recently promoted to senior associate. 

Charlsey Adkins-Wills, ’99, and 

Monnie Wills married in September 

2016 after moving to Montgomery, 

Alabama from Los Angeles. Once 

in Alabama, they became residential 

realtors, bought their first home, and 

had their first child, Charles Henry 

Monroe on November 14, 2017. 

Emily (Flottmann) Whitney, ’99, 

and her husband, Nathaniel Whitney, 

welcomed a beautiful baby girl by 

adoption (made legal on January 18, 

2019). Evelyn Noelle Whitney was 

born on November 8, 2018 at 6 lbs. 

8 oz. and is incredibly loved by her 

big brother, Matthew. 

Michael Rabuka, ’00, is the director 

of the Senior Division for Kettering 

Network. He and his wife Samantha 

(Evans) Rabuka, ’97, welcomed a 

baby girl, Sophia, to their family 

in July. In addition to Sophia, the 

Rabuka family includes Aaron (7) 

and Lexi (5). Samantha teaches math 

at Spring Valley Academy. 

Jessica (Johnston) Harrington, ’03, 

along with husband Wes and two 

siblings, welcomed Leah Madeline 

into their family October 19 at 2:18 

a.m. Weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. at birth, the 

Harringtons are incredibly grateful 

for their precious bundle of joy and 

excited to figure out life as a family 

of five! 

Nate Dubs, ’04, and wife Kristina 

celebrated the birth of their second 

child, Avonlea Kate Dubs, on October 

10, 2018. First-born Ella is enjoying 

being the big sister and helping with 

the new baby. Nate is youth pastor at 

the Collegedale Community Church 

in Collegedale, TN. 

Nick Clough, ’06 and Mechele 

(Schmidt) Clough, welcomed baby 

boy Elend Cades to their family on 

October 21, 2018. Elend weighed 8 

lbs. 2 oz. and is delighting his parents 

and extended family. 

Allison (Gerard) Handal, ’07, and 

husband, Albert Handal, welcomed 

Rosa Catherine Handal into their 

family on December 21, 2018. Rosa 

weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and joins 

her brother, Edward, in keeping the 

Handals delighted and busy. Allison 

and Albert live in College Place, 

WA where Albert serves as campus 

chaplain for Walla Walla University. 

Christopher Walton, ’07, is an 

assistant attorney general in the Office 

of the Attorney General (OAG) 

for the State of Texas. Christopher 

works in the Financial Litigation and 

Charitable Trusts division as part of 

the contracts team, which handles 

contractual disputes for all state 

agencies and serves as legal counsel 

to the OAG and other select agencies 

on issues of procurement, contract 

negotiation, and contract drafting. 

Noemi (Monarrez) Daniel, ’08, 

married Wes Daniel on October 

24, 2018 in Chattanooga, TN. The 

couple recently purchased a home 

and are living and working in the 

Chattanooga area. 

Greg Chase, ’09 married Beth 

(Gettys) Chase on October 20, 2018. 

Melissa (Starkey) Tryon, ’09, 

married Daniel Tryon on October 

14, 2018 in Orlando, FL. They then 

celebrated with local friends and 

family at a reception in GCA’s 

new Wally Fox Wellness Center on 

November 11, 2018. Daniel is the 

son of Barry, ’78, and Lilly (Boles) 

Tryon, ’80. 

Courtney (Brackbill) Wampler, ’10, 

graduated from SAU in December 

2018 with an M.S.N. in Primary 

Care-Family Nurse Practitioner. 


Adam Johnson, ’10, graduated with a 

Master’s in Public Health (M.P.H.) from 

Georgia State University in December, 

2018. Adam currently works at The 

Taskforce for Global Health, Inc. 

Kelsey Wilkens, ’11, graduated from 

SAU in December 2018 with a B.S. 

in Nursing. 

Nereah Aluoch, ’12 was selected 

as a How I Built This Fellow. On 

October 16, she joined dozens of 

other first-time fellows at the first 

National Public Radio’s How I Built 

This Summit in San Francisco. Nereah 

was able to spend the day learning 

from NPR’s Guy Raz and network 

with other inspiring enterpreneurs. 

Corina Durante, ’12, graduated from 

SAU in December 2018 with an A.S. 

in Nursing. 

Jaron Hobdy, ’12, married on 

December 2, 2018 

Yong Bin Kim, ’13, served in the 

U.S. Army before attending SAU. He 

is currently studying to become a 

physical therapist. 

Katherine Melgar, ’13, graduated 

from SAU in December 2018 with a 

B.A. in Liberal Arts Education. 


Lucy Casas, ’14, graduated from 

SAU in December 2018 with an A.S. 

in Nursing. 

Jillian Cheever, ’14, graduated Cum 

Laude from SAU in December 2018 

with a B.S. in Health Science. 

Aubrey Fautheree, ’14, plays for 

the men’s golf team at Walla Walla 

University. The team placed third in 

the Cascade Collegiate Conference 

Championship held in Bend, Oregon 

last spring. 

Molly Keizer, ’14, now lives in 

Orlando, FL where she is a Registered 

Nurse in Cardiovascular ICU at 

Florida Hospital. 

Tatiana Lopez, ’14, graduated Magna 

Cum Laude from SAU in December 

2018 with a B.S. in Nursing. 

Caleb McKinney, ’14, graduated 

Summa Cum Laude from SAU in 

December 2018 with a B.B.A. in 

Finance. 

Carine Moura, ’14, is working for 

AdventHealth as a strategy resident. 

She has been splitting her time 

between Texas Health Huguley 

Hospital (Fort Worth) and Florida 

Hospital (Orlando). 

Kincaid Wurl, ’14, graduated Cum 

Laude from SAU in December 2018 

with a B.A. in Global Policy & Service 

Studies. 

Brandon Dobrowsky, ’15, graduated 

Magna Cum Laude from SAU in 

December 2018 with a B.S. in 

Biomedical Biology. 

Brian Horvath, ’15, graduated from 

SAU in December 2018 with a B.S. 

in Long-Term Care Administration. 

Melody (Dale) O’Rawe, ’15, currently 

attends SAU. In the summer of 2018, 

she married and is currently applying 

to M.D. and D.O. schools. 

Ximena Ramirez-Guarnirzo, ’15, 


2018 with an A.S. in Nursing. 

Bryce Voegele, ’15, graduated Magna 

Cum Laude from SAU in December 

2018 with an A.S. in Nursing. 

Noah Humphrey, ’16, is currently 

working on a Health Science degree 

at SAU and works in the Human 

Performance Lab. 

Ashley Hollenbeck, attended, 


2018 with a B.S. in Nursing. 


Congratulations to alumna Carmen Lau, ’80, on her election as chair 

of the Adventist Forum Board. After graduating from GCA, she studied 

advanced nursing, obtained her B.S. from Southern Adventist University 

and her M.S. from Loma Linda University. She is currently enrolled in the 

University of Alabama, working towards graduating in 2019 with an M.A. 

in Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights. Lau first joined the Adventist 

Forum Board in 2011, and stood out as being one of the head planners of 

conferences in Chattanooga and Silver Spring. She was elected as the board’s 

chair on November 20, 2018. Lau and her husband, Yung Lau, are members 

of the Birmingham First Seventh-day Adventist Church where she shares 

her talents as a Sabbath School teacher. They have three children who are 

also Alumni of GCA. 


GCA Alumni 

Pizza Party at SAU 

GCA alumni spent the evening of November 15, 2018 enjoying fellowship and food in the Presidential Ballroom at SAU. 

Over 50 students spent time reminiscing and catching up with friends and staff in attendance. Remember to “like” our Georgia- 

Cumberland Academy Alumni Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest alumni event in your area! 

Upcoming GCA Events 

GCA alumni spent the evening of November 15, 2018 enjoying fellowship and food in the Presidential Ballroom at SAU. Over 50 students 

spent time reminiscing and catching up with friends and staff in attendance. Remember to “like” our GCA Alumni Face Book page to stay 

up to date with the latest alumni event in your area! 

Winter Voice/Piano Recitals 

Academy Days 

Alumni Weekend 

Gymnastics Home Show 

February 24, 2019 

March 22-23, 2019 

April 5-7, 2019 

April 13, 2019 


“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, because 

you know that the testing of your faith produces 

perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so 

that you may be mature and complete, not lacking 

anything.” – James 1:2-4 NIV 

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 

10:00 A.M. 24 TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 

FIELDS FERRY GOLF CLUB 

7:30 P.M. VESPERS 

• FEATURING SCOTT BEGLEY, ‘84 

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 

9:30 A.M. “WELCOME HOME” BREAKFAST 

GCA CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL 

10:45 A.M. WORSHIP SERVICE 

• FEATURING LECLARE "LITCH" LITCHFIELD, FORMER STAFF MEMBER 

AFTERNOON: HONOR CLASS REUNIONS AND CAMPUS TOURS 

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 

10:00 A.M. RIDE FOR GCA, MOTORCYCLE EVENT 

Sometimes we become so focused on the end goals of 

life, we forget to find the joy in the journey. This alumni 

weekend, we hope you will learn to be joyful throughout 

life’s journey as you reconnect with old friends and 

teachers. For more details on alumni weekend visit 

our website at gcasda.org. Local hotels that offer a 

discount to GCA guests are listed on our website. 

Join our alumni Facebook page at 

facebook.com/GCASDAalumni 

To reserve a spot for the golf tournament 

or the motorcycle ride please contact: 

Beth Zeiss 

bzeiss@gcasda.org 

706-625-7169 

HONOR CLASS ORGANIZERS 

1969 CARYN (CARMAN) PAYNE (706) 625-1529 cpayne@gccsda.com 1994 ALICIA (HODGES) BECKWORTH (615) 983-0834 alicia_beckworth@yahoo.com 

1974 MIKE FLEISCHMANN (423) 385-5175 fleis7711@aol.com 1999 CLINT HIGGINBOTHAM (770) 548-3110 cmhigiii@gmail.com 

1974 JEFF HOLWEGER (423) 426-2121 jeffholweger@gmail.com 2004 PAULETTE GREEN (423) 552-4063 pegreene@33@gmail.com 

1979 WALTER CROSS (423) 608-8400 waltcross@gmail.com 2004 BRITNI (BRANNON) NEWS (770) 548-1060 britniam@gmail.com 

1984 SCOTT BEGLEY (423) 366-4849 pianoman7000@gmail.com 2009 ASHLEIGH WALTON (423) 972-5562 walton.ashleigh@gmail.com 

1984 HOLLY (HOLWEGER) FOWLER (706) 951-1074 thefowlersx4@yahoo.com 2014 LUCY CASAS (678) 656-3027 lcasas@southern.edu 

1989 JENNIFER (GIBSON) PEEL (770) 548-3318 peel.jennifer@gmail.com 2014 COURTNEY DAY (678) 637-9396 courtneyday@southern.edu 

1989 JOEL HENDERSON (423) 504-0828 joelghenderson3@gmail.com 


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: 

BETH ZEISS 

ASSISTANT EDITOR: 

NANCY GERARD 

LAYOUT & DESIGN: 

MEGAN MARQUEZ, COLLEGE PRESS 

COPY EDITING: 

SUSAN JENKINS 

PHOTOGRAPHERS: 

CLASSIC IMPRESSIONS PORTRAIT STUDIO 

NANCY GERARD 

ANDREW HANSON 

KALIE KELCH 

BETH ZEISS 

be a 

reflection 

GCA Academy Days | March 22 & 23, 2019 

All 7th-11th graders welcome! 

For more information and to register, 

call 706-625-7139 or visit gcasda.org.

Cumberlite 2019 Winter

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