Cumberlite 2021 Winter

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
You know the story. Jesus was
teaching thousands of people on a
hillside near the Sea of Galilee and
the people were getting hungrier and
hungrier. The only possible solution was
the loaves and fish lunch offered by one
little boy. There was a massive gap, but
in the hands of Jesus, this gift from one
person filled it. Because one person said
“yes” to sharing what he had, thousands
were fed.
You may not know this, but the
Continuing the Mission initiative was
launched by a “loaves and fish” donation,
made by one donor couple.
One December day in 2012, I came
back after lunch to find a check on my
desk. It was of significant size. A local
couple, Pete and Karen Weber, sold some
land and wanted to share this blessing
with Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
When I saw the check I thought, “Maybe
it’s time for us to hire an architect and get
some plans on the table for the facilities
we have talked about for so long.”
That’s how the Continuing the Mission
story began. One donor couple. One
check. It was one donation, but it was
the one donation that gave inspiration,
hope and confidence for us to move
ahead with a vision for change.
There is power in one! One donor
couple and their one gift inspired
one leader at one school to make a
bold decision. Eight years later, that
one gift has transformed this campus
and inspired a new level of excellence at
Georgia-Cumberland Academy!
The Continuing the Mission story ends
on December 31, 2020. God has been
in this effort from the first chapter to
the last as He has moved on hearts to
generously give to fulfill the vision. As
we sprint toward the finish line, God will
help us finish strong. We are confident
that the power of one will bring in the
GREGORY A. GERARD, ED.D. PRINCIPAL
last gifts we need to close the $1 million
gap on our facilities goal.
In the hands of Jesus, one small lunch
from one small boy nourished a crowd
of 5,000 people. In the hands of Jesus,
your gifts, large and small, are helping us
nourish the bodies, minds and spirits of
Georgia-Cumberland Academy students
now and for years to come. Thank you
for allowing God to use you!
FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
Eight months ago, I sat in my office
writing a letter to parents about the
upcoming financial challenges we faced.
We returned from Spring Break to an
empty campus and an uncertain path
in front of us. As the parent of a Class
of 2020 senior, I was devastated at how
the crisis was unfolding. As Business
Manager, I was desperately concerned
about our students and their families,
along with the finances of GCA. You
don’t need me to tell you that the past
eight months have been challenging,
unsettling, and unprecedented. So,
what I will tell you is this. Praise be to
God, Georgia-Cumberland Academy
remains strong! I will tell you that our
enrollment is up and our students are
here on campus (yes, in masks, but here).
Our programming continues. Spiritual
connections and friendships are still
being made. Creativity is thriving in
response to new challenges. I won’t
tell you that these challenges and the
ever-present uncertainty aren’t at times
exhausting, but our commitment to our
mission and our students is unwavering.
The fiscal year ending 6/30/2020
verified the solid financial foundation
of Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
Despite absorbing a loss from the
temporary closure of our dorms, we
continue to operate with adequate
funds and no debt. With cautious but
optimistic planning, we have re-opened
with all of our bills paid and our faculty
(including a new full-time nurse) and
programming intact. Our expanded
facilities have allowed us to return to
in-person learning with the needed
spacing for operating in a pandemic.
We have been able to purchase the
necessary health, safety, and disinfecting
supplies in the quantities needed to
mitigate the coronavirus. And thanks to
the substantial support of the Georgia-
Cumberland Conference and the Bainum
Family Foundation, we are about to
complete a much-needed overhaul of
our sewer system. Most importantly,
generous donors stepped up to provide
worthy student assistance that allowed
SUSAN JENKINS, BUSINESS MANAGER
us to provide a lifeline to our families
facing the daunting prospect of
paying for their child’s education in
financial distress.
I feel honored to be a part of the
vast GCA family! As Business Manager,
I want to thank you for partnering with
us in our mission. In all the ways you
have supported GCA this past year,
financial or otherwise, you have made
a difference. We could not, would not,
be successful without each one of you.
Thank you for every act of provision and
care you have shown for our students.
Your support is immeasurable and
changes lives every day.
2 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021

GARY RUSTAD, PRESIDENT, GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND CONFERENCE
FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN
Over fall break, our family spent a day at
Dollywood, one of our favorite places. As we
were entering the park, Heath (my son) said,
“I want to go on the Fire Chaser Express!” I
was rather taken aback that he wanted to try
this ride out. You see, the last time we were
at Dollywood, we “strongly encouraged” him
to try the ride out. Then we took him on the
ride against his will. Needless to say, it didn’t
end with him declaring it was his favorite ride.
When he said that he now wanted to ride
it, I asked him why. I found out that he had
been talking with his sister, Elayna. Evidently
during this discussion, she encouraged him
by saying, “Heath, you can do Fire Chaser
Express. You are a big boy now.” With that
statement, Heath decided that he was going
to ride it, so the whole family stood in line
and had a great time. The power of one
encouraging statement changed the way a
boy looked at the ride.
You and I have the opportunity to be
the one that empowers a young person to
attend GCA. Through your continued financial
support, encouraging word, or intentional
recruitment of a young person, you not only
positively influence them, but also influence
their family, their churches, and the future of
the Adventist church as a whole. It is all about
the power of one. Elayna empowered Heath!
Who will you empower? Together we will
make a difference for a whole generation of
young people.
TO OUR GCA BOARD MEMBERS FOR
THEIR CONTINUED, ENTHUSIASTIC
SUPPORT OF GCA!
Kurt Allen – Vice President for Finance/Treasurer, Georgia-
Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Merlyn Balboa – Community Member
Brent Baldwin – Principal and Head of School, Collegedale
Academy
Chester Clark – Vice President for Administration/Secretariat,
Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Wayne Darville – Alumni Parent
Toni Einhellig – Current GCA Parent
Gregory Gerard – Principal, GCA
Kirk Haley – Principal, Atlanta Adventist Academy
Keith Hallam – Education Department, Southern Union
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Jaclynn Huse – Alumni Parent
Jeni Ingersoll – AdventHealth Gordon
Susan Jenkins – Business Manager, GCA
Don Keele – Young Adult Ministries, Georgia-Cumberland
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Kevin Kossick – Senior Vice President for Education,
Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Gerald Kovalski – Retired Vice President for Education, North
American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
Jonathan Montes – Youth Ministries, Georgia-Cumberland
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Larry Payne – Alumni Parent
Cheryl Rogers – Alumni President
Gary Rustad – President, Georgia-Cumberland Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists; GCA Board Chairman
David Smith – Senior Pastor, GCA Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Dennis Starkey – Alumni Parent
Marsharee Wilkens – Alumni Parent
Jeff and Shawna Wood – Co-chairs, Parents in Support of GCA
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
3

CAUCASIAN
HISPANIC/LATINO
BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN
MULTIRACIAL
ASIAN AMERICAN
OTHER

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
2015
The comprehensive Continuing
the Mission campaign has raised
the level of excellence at Georgia-
Cumberland Academy in many
ways. Construction of new
facilities, renovation of existing
facilities, as well as improvements
to our infrastructure, have
transformed the campus and
physical plant. Scholarships and
endowments will help maintain
a strong enrollment as we now
have additional ways to help
families afford Adventist education.
Curricular and extracurricular
programs have been enhanced
through the generosity of donors,
as well.
Georgia-Cumberland Academy is
now in a position that will provide
stability and sustainability for years
to come. Prospective families and
students have an outstanding
option for Adventist education
at a new level of excellence and
are eager to be a part of the GCA
experience.
SUMMARY OF GOALS AND
AMOUNTS RAISED
• FACILITIES
Goal: $14 million
Amount Raised: $12,830,000
• STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
AND ENDOWMENTS
Goal: $2 million
Amount Raised: $6,983,653
• PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS
Goal: $500,000
Amount Raised: $538,777
CONCLUSION
As we come to the close of this
campaign we are astounded at the
generosity of people who want to
see Adventist education at Georgia-
Cumberland Academy succeed.
We are encouraged and inspired
by those who have invested in the
future of this wonderful school!
Now at $20,342,430 toward our
goal of $16.5 million, we are
astounded at what God has done
through you! Please join us as we
praise God for what He is doing
on behalf of His school - Georgia-
Cumberland Academy!
2020

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
We are grateful to those who invest directly in
students at Georgia-Cumberland Academy! The following
list of scholarships represents $379,920 given
in the 2019-2020 fiscal year to help students have the
GCA experience. One life transformed by attending
GCA has immeasurable impact on individuals,
families, the church, and the world!
Bowman Hills SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Cartersville SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Chase Farms Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Coble Elementary Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Cohutta SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Collegedale Community SDA Worthy Student
Scholarship Fund
Cookeville SDA Student Scholarship Fund
Crisis Relief Scholarship Fund
Dalton-Area Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Don and Doris Starkey Scholarship Fund
Griffin SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Joey Rocha Scholarship Fund
Jonesboro SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Josephine Edwards Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Lane Van Arsdell Memorial Scholarship Fund
The LeClare Litchfield Scholarship Fund
Love Leadership Scholarship Fund
The Lydian Scholarships
The Mark and Barbara McKinney Scholarship Fund
New Hope SDA Scholarship Fund
Ohio Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Peter Hwang Scholarship
Pioneer Memorial Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Ringgold SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
Rome SDA Worthy Student Scholarship Fund
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Thank you to those who love the mission of GCA
and are making a lasting difference in the lives of
young people and in the future of Georgia-Cumberland
Academy! By establishing endowment funds,
these individuals are making sure their support will
continue into the future and keep GCA strong.
During the past fiscal year $219,905 in endowment
earnings were awarded to students.
The Clough-Hieb Endowed Scholarship Fund
Georgia-Cumberland Conference Endowed
Scholarship Fund
The Help and Hope Adventist Education Endowed
Scholarship
Leadership Recognition Endowment Fund
Ray Cornforth Memorial Endowment Fund
The Wilber and Pattie Bishop Memorial Endowed
Scholarship Fund
Winford and Virginia Tate Memorial Endowment
MEMORIAL FUNDS
Thank you to those who remember Georgia-
Cumberland Academy when establishing memorial
funds for their loved ones. Friends and family
members give in honor of the deceased and these
funds are used to help students or enhance other
areas of the program at GCA. Three current
memorial funds are listed below.
Michal Bramblett Memorial Scholarship
Cyril G. Connelly Memorial Fund
Earl and Katie McGhee Memorial Fund
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
7

GEORGIA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
As the costs of a quality, Christian education have increased throughout
the years, GCA has been dedicated to helping students find financial
solutions that make the costs of a GCA education affordable. Since 2008,
the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of state income tax
liability to a qualified Student Scholarship Program (SSO), for the purpose of
need-based financial aid. GCA participates with Georgia Tuition Assistance
Program, a qualified SSO. If you earn income in Georgia, donating through
an SSO is a win-win opportunity. If you are interested in having some of
your Georgia income tax donated to GCA, at no cost to
you, please contact Nancy Gerard at
ngerard@gcasda.org
for more information.
TO THOSE WHO DONATED TO
THE GEORGIA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP ORGANIZATION (SS0) ON BEHALF OF
GCA DURING THE 2019-2020 FISCAL YEAR! SSO CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALED $140,034!
DANIEL & SUSAN AHN
TONY & DONNA BAUMANN
BARRY & SANDY BENTON
RYAN & MICHELLE BRADSHAW
DAVID & CHERYL BRANNON
VIVIAN CARLSON
BRAD & JUSTINA CARRICK
DONALD & MICHELLE CHASE
BRYAN & BECKY CHEEVER
RANDY & LYNN COBLE
GARY & JANICE EDGMON
STEVE & JUDY FEHLENBERG
JEFF & ANNEMARIE FREEMAN
BRENT & SYNNOVA GOODGE
KEITH & KANDYCE HALLAM
BILL & JULI HAMILTON
RAY & JEANNE HARTWELL
LYLE & KARLA HELM
TIMOTHY & SUE HULLQUIST
JENI INGERSOLL
LARRY & VALERIE JACKSON
MONTY & SUSAN JENKINS
LAVERNE & LISCHIA KEIZER
JAMES & JENNY KLEMM
DARLA MORGAN
MICHAEL B. MORGAN
DOUG & CANDACE NESMITH
CHUCK AND CHICHI ONYEIJE
LARRY & CARYN PAYNE
ROBBIE & DARLENE PETERSON
DAVID & TAMI RICHARDSON
KEN AND CHERYL ROGERS
DENNIS & TAMI STARKEY
EDDIE & GAIL TURNER
PETE & KAREN WEBER
CHARLES & JOYCE YOUNG
8 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021

YOUR SUPPORT IMPACTS OUR STUDENTS FOR ETERNITY!
This list recognizes gifts received
between 7/1/19 and 6/30/20.
GCA Visionaries
$25,000 and Higher
AdventHealth
Arete Scholars
Bill and Toni Einhellig
Georgia Tuition Assistance Program
Georgia-Cumberland Conference
David and Kathy Gooch
Clyde and Rena Holland
Don and Ruthanne Leeper
Terry and Paula Shaw
Dennis and Tami Starkey
The Community Foundation for Greater
Atlanta
Deborah Theus
Daryl and Stacey Tol
GCA Leaders
$10,000 - $24,999
Calhoun Adventist Boomer Class
Eldon and Sharlene Carman
Don and Peggy Day, Better Label &
Products, Inc.
Judy McGhee Fehlenberg
Georgia-Cumberland Academy Adventist
Church
Jerry and Sheila Hawthorne
Gary and Alexandra Hullquist
Jeni Ingersoll
Richard and Sandra Johnson
Jack and Susan McClarty
Mark and Barbara McKinney
Emanuel and Jeanice Mitchell
Northwest Transportation Services, Inc.
Johnny and Georgia O’Brien
Larry and Caryn Payne
Standifer Gap Adventist Church
Don and Doris Starkey
The Sir Philip Sidney Foundation
Dawn and Dana Wales
Pete and Karen Weber
Al and Melissa West
GCA Partners
$2,000 - $9,999
Pay It Forward Scholarships
ACES Dental, PLLC
Daniel Ahn and Susan Kim
Albany Community Adventist Church
Anonymous
Bukaris and Arpa Anugerah
Atlanta North Adventist Church
Auburn Adventist Church
Glenna Bartels
Matt and Loretta Beasley
Barry and Sandy Benton
Bowman Hill Adventist Church
David and Cheryl Brannon
Hazen and Barbara Briggs
Dewey Campbell
Brad and Justina Carrick
Centerville Adventist Church
Donald and Michelle Chase
Glen Lee and Ellen Chase
Chase Farms, Inc.
Chatsworth Adventist Church
Chattanooga First Adventist Church
“Without scholarships, I would not be able to attend GCA. This
place has brought so many blessings to my life. It is not only
an Adventist education, but the life experiences, friendships,
encounters, trips, dorm-life, worship thoughts in every class,
prayers, and testimonies that shape my character as I grow
older. That is one of the greatest blessings of attending GCA.”
Eliana Barzola, ’23
John and Linda Chung
Clearwater Adventist Church
Randy and Lynn Coble
Cohutta Adventist Church
Collegedale Community Adventist
Church
Alan and Diane Connelly
Dalton Hispanic Adventist Church
John and Carolyn Dalton
Marc and Carol Dyke
Gary and Janice Edgmon
Lynn and Paula Elkins
Everts Construction, Inc.
Fayette Adventist Church
Scott Flemmer
James and Carolyn Garber
Greg and Nancy Gerard
Joselyn Ghulam
Brent and Synnova Goodge
Hamilton Community Adventist Church
John and Blainette Hanson
Bill and Mary Hawthorne
Marcy Heim, The Artful Asker
Ronnie and Ashley Hold
Andetta Hunsaker
Larry and Jaclynn Huse
Larry and Valerie Jackson
Jonesboro South Hispanic Adventist
Church
Natali Kaufman
Laverne and Lishcia Keizer
Chris and Becky Lau
Yung and Carmen Lau
Don and Barbara Livesay
Marietta Adventist Church
Kurt and Gail McKinley
Lionel and Kathryn Meadows,
Meadows Surgical Arts, Inc.
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
9

Midport Adventist Church
Charles and Phyllis Mitchell
Donald and Renee Moore
Marialice Morales
Sean and Angela Morris
Murfeesboro Adventist Church
Doug and Candace Nesmith
Eric Nichols
Chuck and Chichi Onyeije
Ooltewah Adventist Church
Brian and Tina Paradis
Rodney and Brenda Rau
Joey Rocha
Robert and Ruth Self
Danny and Jennifer Song
South Atlantic Conference
“I specifically asked God to make
a way to pay for Gabby’s school
without knowing that He was
already on a mission to do so. It
felt like God opened Heaven’s door
and poured on me His blessings.
May God continuously bless these
wonderful donors!”
Yvrose Dieujuste, current parent
Southern Union Conference
Anthony and Karina Stahl
Darrel and Connie Starkey
Stillhouse Emergency Physicians
Vivian Stover
Surgical Hope Foundation
Franklin and Shari Taglavore
Eddie and Bonnie Towles
Mike and Linda Trivett, Trivett’s Nursery
Barbara Twombley
Unum Group
Kent and Joan Van Arsdell
Bill and Nanci Westcott
Roger Williams
Winder First Hispanic Adventist Church
David Woodcock
Josh and Brittany Woods
Ed and Marilyn Wright
Chris and Joni Yamamoto
Charles and Joyce Young
The Academy Club
$1,000 - $1,999
AdventHealth Gordon
Adventist Christian School of Maryville
Kurt Allen
Alpharetta Adventist Church
Anonymous
At Home Personal Care, Inc.
Bryan and Shelby Bankhead
Doug and Beth Barrow
Jeremy and Jodi Beckworth
David Bowers
Marty Briggs
Stephanie Brogden
Floyd and Evelyn Brown
Centerville Adventist Church
Richard and Betty Chase
Sara Chase
Wayne and Patricia Darville
Larry and Charlotte Doffee
Larry and Theresa Doran
David and Ann Fogg
Serge and LeAnn Gariepy
John and Karen Garner
Danny and Jackie Harris
Bobby and Darline Head
Robby and Kelly Herr
Keith and Linda Hieb
Soroya Hines
Hispanic Community Adventist Church
Todd and Brooke Hold
Rick and Nancy Howell
James and Valerie Hunt
Dan and Patricia Inouye
Brian and Joan Jones
Jeff and Alicia King
“I would not have been capable of doing the
many things I am doing now without the help of
funding gifted by different individuals. To attend
GCA is a blessing. I am so glad to be here at this
Christian school! I have grown in so many different
ways. My relationship with Christ has developed
wonderfully because of my time spent at GCA.”
Cameron Morrison, ’21
Gerald and Edith King
Kevin and Gwen Kossick
Gerald and Sandra Kovalski
Brenda LaBar
Jonathan and Bree Lowery
Randall and Jeanie Meyer
Minneapolis Hispanic Adventist Church
Kenneth and Barbara Mittleider
Dennis and Jennifer Negron
Roger and Bette Nelson
Ken and Sonna Peck
Menorca Peguero
Shirley Peters
Lemmy and Nicole Recinos
Rodney and Patricia Reese
David and Tami Richardson
Ringgold Adventist Church
Ken and Cheryl Rogers
Edward and Olga Rojas
Gary and Denise Rustad
Ed and Jan Seltmann
Dominic and Georgie Smith
Clarence and Wanda Stover
Jim and Marsha Teel
Dale and Connie Twomley
U.S. Foods
Jason and Jessica Warren
Wendy Dixon Realty, Inc.
Loralee West
Todd and Marsharee Wilkens
Don and Elizabeth Wilson
Marvin and Carrie Wilson
Scott Wood
Martin and Cindi Young
Bill and Shari Ziesmer
Ken Zill
10 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021

The Cumberlite Club
$500 - $999
Anonymous
Jennifer Antoine
Mark and Lynette Block
Kevin and Leah Bond
Mark Bramblett
Cheri Britton
Dawn Burch
Willis and Lynda Byrd
Calhoun Adventist Church
Richard and Elina Campbell
Jim and Barbara Campbell
Quinton Cancel
Donald and Sandra Cantrell
Jan Chesney
Vernon and Angela Chin
Donald and Maryanne Clark
Cocoa Adventist Church
Daughter of Zion Adventist Church
Florida Conference
Yvonne Fulbright
Daniel and Rebecca Gerath
Charles and Janice Hackett
Richard and Nancy Hackett
Ronald and Mary Hagen
Keith and Kandyce Hallam
Albert and Allison Handal
Charles Hanson
Philip Helms
Patrice Holman
Jeff and Jeri Holweger
Richard Howard
Timothy and Sue Hullquist
Cherelia James
Jeff Ellis Management, LLC
Monty and Susan Jenkins
Bob and Julie Jimenez
Michael and Tami Joiner
Donnie and Rachel Keele
Randy and Kalie Kelch
Richard and Barbara Leonard
Lifelong Health, Inc.
Michael and Mary Lou Lopez
Barbara Martin
Scot and Krista Martin,
Martin Leasing, LLC
Doug and Julie Mittleider
New Hope Adventist Church of Georgia
New Hope Adventist Church of Texas
“My life has been a lot brighter now that I am at GCA
and I appreciate all that donors have done to allow
me to be here. This school has built me into more of
a leader and shaped me to be more like Jesus.”
Sam Fox, ’23
Orchard Park Adventist Church
Louesa Peters
Robbie and Darlene Peterson
Petland Knoxville
Jeffrey and Dian Rahming
Rome Adventist Church
David and Dawn Self
Abe and Elizabeth Sendros
SFFC Foundation, Inc.
Whitford and Gloris Shaw
Reginald Sherrill
Donna Slater
Lindy Smith
Lois Somerville
Southern Adventist University
StayIn Tn., A Division of HPF, LLC
David and Sharon Stubbs
Stubbs Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc.
Terry and Barbara Swearingen
Bradley and Ardith Tait
Mark and Deanna Walker
Michael and June Whalley
Rick and Debi Williams
Roger and Mary Wilmoth
Norman Wilson
Nancy Witt
Ben and Reika Wygal
The Fountain Club
$100 - $499
AdventHealth Ophthalmology
Jessica Ahn
Nereah Aluoch
Isaac and Carmen Alvarez
Pablo and Ivelisse Alvarez
H.C. and J.M. Andersen
Miriam Aneses
Raymond and Elizabeth Aneses
Anonymous
Victor Arreaga
John Arroyo
Frances Augustine
Carroll and Ruth Baker
Brent Baldwin
Tim and Cheryl Baucom
James and Barbara Bearden
Faye Beckner
Eddie Benedict
BHALL Bags, LLC
Brad and Nancy Billington
Lynne Blackman
Nancy Blackman
John and Sandra Blount
Bruce and Dori Boggess
David and Celia Bond
Andrea Boyd
Hazel Branch
Glenn Bridges
Dillon Britt
Terri Britt
Jeff and Nichole Bromme
Henry and Suzanne Brown
Todd Brown
Charles and Jemece Burke
Adriana Bustos
Jaime and Lydia Carbuccia
Phillip and Arnet Carey
John and Tenera Carey
Mark and Kimberly Carr
David and Shemay Castro
Omin Chandler
Harlan and Doris Chapman
Bryan and Becky Cheever
Bruce and Becky Chestnut
Christian & Jake’s Bistro, Inc.
Donna Church
Rick Claus and Delma Rigsbee
Jim and Ellen Clizbe
Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty
Elaine Coleman
Comley Heavy Hauling, LLC
David and Stephanie Conrad
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
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Marcus and Kelly Conrad
Patti Coppedge
Robert and Carrie Crudup
Harold and DixieJean Cunningham
Rick and Judy Cusick
Dave Danielson
Thomas and Pauline Davis
Warren and Merrie Davis
Woody and Donna Davis
Jeff and Tammy DeMercy
Scott and Jennifer Dempsey
Richard Denney
David and Celia Denton
Judson and Glacie DeSouza
Richard and Melanie DiBiase
Susan Dickson
Rodney and Rachel Doll
Ovan and Toni Drummond
Vernell Durand
Mark and Mary Easter
Saud and Yolanda Elias
Roger and Helen Ellis
Lee and Barbara Evins
Thomas and Carol Fabian
Paul and Melanie Fanelli
Fertility Center, LLC
Norman and Frances Fickling
Rosie Finch
First Adventist Hispanic Church
Wally and Mary Ellen Fox
Jerry and Laurie Foxworthy
Jeff and Annemarie Freeman
Jesus and Ines Garcia
Greg and Jacquie Garner
Georgia-Cumberland Adventist Book
Center
Stanley and Martha Getlinger
Glenn E. Mitchell & Co., Inc.
Jan Golden
Louise Golden
Golden State Pistachio Management, LLC
Norma Gomez-Ortiz
Grant and Riley Graves
Joel and Kenyon Greve
Judy Griswold
Ruth Guenterberg
Doug and Marilyn Guthrie
David Hagerman
Roger Hall
Bill and Juli Hamilton
Richard Hansen
Julie Hanson
“I’m blessed to work at a school with such
amazing donors. While many schools are
struggling to fund basic programs, thanks to
you, GCA has the ability to strive for new levels
of excellence. I went to a boarding school that
had a wide variety of programs, so I’m thrilled
to be teaching at GCA where your incredible
support allows us to continue to offer the
variety of activities that make Adventist
education truly exceptional.”
Bruce Boggess, history and government teacher,
gymnastics coach, and current parent
Troy and Kelly Harden
Richard and Lizanna Harris
Tom Harrison
Timothy Hart
Ray and Jeanne Hartwell
Lyle and Karla Helm
Greg and Rosemary Henderson
Richard and Darlene Hickam
James and Desiree Hissong
Scott and Christina Hoffman
Ronni Hoke
Thomas and Kimberly Holback
Todd and Lue Holback
Darren and Lurechel Holbrook
Jaren Humphreys
Todd and Kim Hunt
Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia
Hispana
David and Elaine Irvin
Kenta Ito
Ingrid Jacobs
Kirk and Jennifer Jarrett
Ken and Beth Jeffers
Marilyn Johnson
Stephen and Jennifer Johnson
Walter Johnson
Nestor and Gail Karnoupakis
Don and Sandy Keele
Marian Kelch
Daniel and Tomoko Kim
Loren and Rita King
Bryan Kirkland
Eddie and Debbie Klein
Justin Kobylka
Bruce and Irene Kuist
Scott and Judy Lampert
Todd and Lucinda Lang
Jack and Eleanor Langford
Sandy Lee
Soeurette Lenzer
Chris Lindsey
Little Creek Sanitarium
Live Well Natural Health
Robert and Kathleen Locke
Adina Lopez
Michael and Heather Lopez
Dean and Angela Lorenz
Barry and Sharryn Mahorney
Brian Martin
George Martinez
Marcello Martinez
Marylan Martinez
Richard and Shelly Maskelony
Paul and Mauri Mateychak
Dennis and Gail McCurry
Sean and Toni McElroy
Arlene McFarland
John and Twyla McKinney
Carl and Luceta McRoy
Ira and Cindy Mills
12 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021

Carla Monday
George and Alice Motley
Mountain Pallets, Inc.
Patricia Muriel
Bonnie Myers
James and Juanita Naylor
DeForest and Dorothy Nesmith
Network For Good
George and Britni News
Nestor and Heather Nissen
NTC Pile, Inc.
Daryl and Mary Jo Oft
Melody O’Rawe
David and Wendy Ottati
Patten and Patten, Inc.
Nick and Holly Payne
Leif and Shaloy Penrose
Zach and Katie Penrose
Rosanyer Perez
Susan Perkin
Jorge and Ingrid Pubillones
Larry and Vicki Rahn
Charles and Barbara Randall
Stephen and Esther Reese
Cory and Amanda Reeves
Resa Medical Consultants, PLLC
William Robertson
Charles and Leora Robinson
Sandy and Marjorie Robinson
Jonathan Rowe
Patricia Salazar
Anthony Salonga
Jose Sanchez
Rachel Sanchez
Ruhamah Sanchez
Charles and Kate Sanders
Savannah Adventist Church
Alice Scarbrough
Derin and Shannon Scott
Sharon Searson
David and Lynda Seidel
David and Dorothy Self
Tony and Bonnie Shadix
Steve Shelburne
Ted and Christy Showalter
Silverdale Cumberland
Presbyterian Church
Marie and Jason Skiwski
David and Cheryl Smith
Pierre Smith
Park and Shereen Smith
Rick Spencer
Charles and Catherine Spern
Natalie Stark
Starr-Mathews Agency, Inc.
John and Robyn Stearns
Daniel Steiner
Richard and Michelle Stern
Ric and Bea Stitzer
Gary and Jeannette Studebaker
Linda Swart
Bradley and Meagan Szutz
Taco House
Charles and Regina Taylor
The Community Foundation of
Northwest Georgia
William and Rhondda Thomas
Judi Tompkins
Mark and Kaitlyn Torsney
Daniel and Melissa Tryon
Dennis and Janice Upton
“I just want to say thank you for your generosity! GCA
has changed my life for the better. I feel like I have
gotten closer to God more than ever in my life. GCA
has a special place in my heart. I love the staff and my
class. They have made me feel a part of something
special. It’s like a little piece of heaven here.”
Judah Hernandez, ’22
Dorsey and Mary Ellen Van Horn
Keith Wahlbon and Tonya Flanary
Chris Walton
Mary Jo Watters
Timothy and Linda Weber
George and Bonita Weeks
Elizabeth Wells
Jim and Carolyn West
Jody Whisenant
White Family Foundation, Inc.
Winborn and Kelly Willingham
Leland and Helen Wilson
Bill and Janet Wood
Jeff and Shawna Wood
Cheri Woodcock
Robert and Michelle Young
Charles and Jeri Zacharias
Norman Zapien
Michael and Beth Zeiss
“I am enjoying the beautiful biology lab and all of the space it
allows me to utilize. It has been so well-designed for storage and
so well-equipped for the purpose it serves. I am also blessed with
our STEM lab. Just a short reading of the daily news headlines,
gives one a glimpse that future careers will require solid science
and technology skills. Our STEM lab has so many resources that
allow us to better prepare students for careers in those areas.
We have students just one year into using our STEM facilities
that are already extremely advanced in their understanding of
engineering design, coding, 3D modeling, and printing. Thank
you to all of our donors for providing our students with so many
opportunities at GCA!”
Shannon Scott, science and STEM lab teacher, current and alumni parent
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
13

ALUMNI DONORS
Class of 1966
Barbara (Spivey) Campbell
Arlene (West) McFarland
Class of 1967
Dana (Fender) Blackstock
Nancy (Blow) Howell
Rick Howell
Terry Phillips
Class of 1968
Mary (Martin) Hagen
Carolyn (Roach) West
Barbara (Cummings) Willis
Nancy (Sweat) Witt
Class of 1969
Norman Fickling
John Garner III
Jan (Pethel) Golden
Caryn (Carman) Payne
Roger Satterfield
Don Wilson
Class of 1970
James Bacon
Ruth (Wilson) Baker
Evelyn (Howe) Bishop
Jerry Foxworthy
Kathy (Preston) Gooch
Ronni Hoke
Judy (Morris) Lampert
David Littell
Larry Rahn
Vicki (Byrd) Rahn
Donna (Richardson) Slater
Lois Somerville
Sharon (McCrary) Stubbs
Nanci (Padgett) Westcott
Class of 1971
Chris Lindsey
Marialice Morales
Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers
Bill Westcott III
Class of 1972
Eldon Carman
Class of 1973
DixieJean (Newgard)
Cunningham
Harold Cunningham
Theresa (Klein) Doran
Lynne (Britt) Higdon
Nathan Lindsey
Class of 1974
Gale (Blackburn) Blount
Jeff Holweger
Eddie Klein
Dennis Upton
Class of 1975
Nancy (Graves) Billington
Danny Harris
Brian Martin
David Richardson
Kathy (McGhee) Schleier
Cindi (Whitehead) Young
Class of 1976
Carolyn (Harris) Dalton
John Dalton
Tammy (Price) DeMercy
Jeff King
Aubrey Liles
Jeanie (Penner) Meyer
Tami (Baker) Richardson
Jody Whisenant
Class of 1977
Lynette (Leech) Block
Randy Coble
Judy (McGhee) Fehlenberg
Class of 1978
Mary (Netherland) Hall
Richard Harris
Monty Jenkins
Angela (Addison) Lorenz
Tony Shadix
Rhondda (Robinson) Thomas
Janice (Ashcraft) Upton
Marvin Wilson
Class of 1979
Beth (Bishop) Barrow
Melanie (Wurl) DiBiase
Mike Trivett
Class of 1980
Brenda LaBar
Carmen (Wilson) Lau
Yung Lau
Bonnie (Shelton) Shadix
Connie (Coble) Starkey
Class of 1981
Barbara (Weigle) Briggs
Class of 1982
Tammy McGhee
Class of 1983
David Denton
Georgia (Butterfield) O’Brien
Class of 1984
Dewey Campbell
Class of 1985
Todd Hunt
Steve Johnson
David Woodcock
Class of 1986
Krista (Kent) Martin
Scot Martin
Class of 1987
Todd Hold
Class of 1988
Alan Connelly
Diane Connelly
14 CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021

Thank you to our alumni who are remembering their alma mater as we
continue to impact students for eternity!
Georgie (Seckler) Smith
Danny Song
Class of 1989
Anonymous
Class of 1990
Jeff Brought
Tan Moore
Keith Wahlbon
Class of 1991
Kelly (Nachreiner) Harden
Greg Hudson
Jenny (Talbott) Klemm
Class of 1992
Mike Whalley
Class of 1993
Danna Byers
Synnova (Hill) Goodge
David Steele
Joni (Self) Yamamoto
Class of 1994
David Bartholomew
Class of 1995
Darlene (Steele) Peterson
Class of 1996
Holly (Witt) Payne
David Self
Class of 1997
Shawnessey Cargile
Stephanie (Livesay) Larsen
Steve Shelburne
Class of 1998
Ryan Bradshaw
Sandy Lee
Class of 2000
Nick Payne
Zach Penrose
Class of 2001
Sara Chase
Grant Graves
Andrea Keele
Class of 2002
Katie (Rigsbee) Schnell
Jessica (Tunnell) Warren
Class of 2003
Donnie Keele
Josh Woods
Class of 2004
Kelly (Klein) Herr
Britni (Brannon) News
Class of 2006
Joselyn Ghulam
Lemmy Recinos
Jonathan Rowe
Meagan (Johnson) Szutz
Class of 2007
Allison (Gerard) Handal
Becky (Riggs) Lau
Chris Lau
Chris Walton
Class of 2008
Allyson (Bridges) Humphrey
Ruhamah Sanchez
Class of 2009
Bryan Bankhead
Shelby (Wildman) Bankhead
Carissa Lau
Melissa (Starkey) Tryon
Class of 2011
Joel Greve
Kenyon (Findley) Greve
Class of 2012
Nereah Aluoch
Dillon Britt
Jaren Humphreys
Shelly (Payne) Maskelony
Tess Morgan
Class of 2013
Bence Ho
Bree (Paradis) Lowery
Class of 2014
Jessica Ahn
Victor Arreaga
Heather Markham
Mallory Morgan
Obi Onyeije
Kevin Patel
Joey Rocha
Class of 2015
Brandon Dobrowsky
Kenta Ito
Melody (Dale) O’Rawe
Class of 2016
Niraj Patel
Cole Williams
HIGHEST ALUMNI
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Class of 1970
LARGEST DOLLAR AMOUNT
OF GIFTS RAISED FROM AN
ALUMNI CLASS
1st Place | Class of 1970
2nd Place | Class of 1980
3rd Place | Class of 1988
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
15

GCA NEWS
Nya Lucas, ’21
The Georgia Art Education
Association recently
selected two pieces
of Nya Lucas’s artwork
for virtual exhibition
through the High Museum
of Art. The pieces,
entitled, “The Revelation of
Genesis” and “Cineronetus” were
among a select group of artwork chosen from
students across the state of Georgia. Nya says
that music inspires her process when she is
actively working on a piece. She also tries
to incorporate different styles and fashions,
although she does not have a specific niche
or genre that she prefers. She likes to let her
imagination
and creativity
have
options. To
view the entire
exhibit,
including
Nya’s pieces,
visit www.
high.org/
students/
georgia-arteducationassociationvirtualexhibition.
“The Revelation of Genesis”
Dorothy, pictured with husband David, Draysen, and Daniela
Welcome to Our Newest
Staff Member!
Dorothy Self was hired over the summer
as our full-time nurse. Born and raised in
Loma Linda, CA, Dorothy is a graduate of
Loma Linda University, Harbor-UCLA, and
Emory University. She holds a BSN, an MSN,
and is board certified as a women’s health
nurse practitioner. She has been married to
David, ’96, for 15 years, and they have two
children – Draysen (12) and Daniella (10),
as well as a rescue dog named Dedenne.
Four years ago, they moved to Calhoun to
be closer to family and love living in Calhoun.
When she has spare time, she loves
traveling and spending quiet time with her
family. We are excited that Dorothy has
chosen GCA as a place to share her care and
expertise!
Magnify Worship
Mark Torsney, instrumental music and worship
program director, along with Kalie Kelch,
assistant chaplain, created the Magnify Worship
program several years ago as they saw a need
to instruct students in the area of worship
leadership. The program curriculum consists of
music education and leadership development.
When the Tol family generously gifted funds
to GCA for a recording studio, it felt like the timing
was perfect for the program to expand into
composing and recording of original music.
“This has been a longtime goal of mine to be
releasing original music,” said Torsney. “Our
schools and churches have a wealth of musicians,
but not many songwriters. We would like
to change that.”
This fall, Magnify Worship released two
singles. The first single, “Alleluia”, was written
by Mark Torsney. It features GCA alumni Lexie
Skiwski, ’20, and current students Cole Boggess,
’21, Anderson Mills, ’21, and Andrew Hansen,
’22. The second single, “Testify”, features
Chidi Onyeije, ’21, as the lead vocalist with
the Magnify Worship leadership team singing
harmonies and backup vocals. Both singles can
be found on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and
Amazon, along with a new video series called
Song Study Sessions.
BLACKBAUD DATA BREACH: a message from Gregory A. Gerard, Principal
GCA uses software from Blackbaud
Incorporated, a cloud-based computer
software company that serves non-profits
worldwide. The software we have purchased
assists us in managing alumni and donor
records.
Between February 7, 2020 and May 20,
2020, Blackbaud was subject to a ransomware
attack. The Cyber Security team at Blackbaud
was able to prevent the cyber criminals from
blocking their system and they were able
to expel them from the system. Prior to
locking the cyber criminals out, the attackers
were able to remove a copy of a backup file
containing personal information for some of
our donors.
Please know that we do not store social
security numbers, credit card numbers or
other personal financial information in our
database. The cyber attack was not able to
gain access to any information of this nature.
The information taken is widely considered
16 public information, CUMBERLITE involving WINTER name 2021 and
home address, as well as spouse’s name and
email address.
Blackbaud chose to pay the cyber
criminal’s demand and received confirmation
that the copy of the data received has
been destroyed. Based upon the nature
of the incident, in addition to Blackbaud’s
research, third party investigation and law
enforcement review, we have no reason to
believe that any of the information taken
went beyond the cyber criminal.
Blackbaud has implemented several
changes that will make this type of intrusion
less likely in the future. The company
has always held high standards for data
security. Those standards and practices
have been strengthened. The company is
accelerating their efforts to further harden
their environment through enhancements to
access management, network segmentation
and deployment of additional endpoint and
network-based platforms.
From everything we have been able to
learn during the investigative process, impact
upon our donors should remain minimal.
The data taken could not result in identity
theft. However, it is advisable that you be
aware of the incident and watch for possible
“phishing” emails. Should you receive
any email that seeks additional sensitive
information, you should report such incidents
to law enforcement. You can also report such
attempts to us and we will notify those who
are monitoring this situation.
I again stress – the information taken
would not allow identity theft. However, it
is always a good idea to monitor your own
credit history, by reaching out to Equifax,
Experian, and Trans Union credit agencies.
If at any time you have questions, please
contact Greg Gerard at ggerard@gcasda.
org or Nancy Gerard at ngerard@gcasda.org.
Thank you for your continued support of
Georgia-Cumberland Academy.

MEET GCA’S NEW ALUMNI PRESIDENT
CHERYL (MCGHEE) ROGERS, ’71
Q: What years were you at GCA?
A: I graduated in 1971 and attended GCA all four years (Fall of
1967 - Spring 1971), which means that this will be my 50th
class reunion. How could that possibly be?
Q: What are some of your favorite GCA memories?
A: I remember hanging out in the dorm with friends, banquets,
going to Southern Union music festivals and prayer
conferences, Mrs. Gardner’s cinnamon rolls on Sabbath
morning, going out on sunshine bands to Dalton and then
ending with evening vespers at my family’s home in Dalton
with a supper and swimming, and planning a fun weekend
of reuniting with classmates in the summers swimming at
our home in Dalton and skiing on the lake. There are many
other wonderful memories that all involve friendships that
have been long lasting.
Q: How do you stay connected to your GCA alumni friends?
A: I stay connected primarily through Facebook and Instagram.
We are spread out all over the country so being able to stay
in touch via social media has made keeping connected
much easier these days.
Q: What makes you proud to be a GCA alumnus?
A: I have such a long history with GCA. I was one of those
Pathfinders that brought in their pennies for the big day of
the Penny Campaign and watched GCA being built from
the ground up. It makes me so proud to see that GCA is still
growing strong and has a strong legacy of so many
fantastic alumni.
Q: What
do you
love
most
about
GCA?
A: I love the
friends that
I made during
my years at GCA.
It’s truly a family.
Even though we may
not see each other often,
when we do get together it’s as
though things have never changed. We can pick right up
where we left off. I truly have wonderful lifelong friends
from my years at GCA and I wouldn’t trade that
for anything!!
Q: What are some of your goals for this year in your role as
alumni president?
A: In this isolation of COVID, I hope that we can find a way to
continue to make connections, even if they are remotely.
Things have changed so much in the years since I was a
student, and I feel that we need to continue to reach out to
create a true sense of community among the many years
of alumni.
ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT 2020
After examining current local and
state COVID regulations, administration
determined that the 27th Annual Golf
Tournament originally planned for the
spring of 2020 could be held this fall. On
Friday, September 25, 2020, 88 golfers
arrived amidst a few raindrops for the
shotgun start. Field’s Ferry was the site
of our tournament again this year and
as the day progressed, the weather
conditions cleared and it turned into a
nice fall day. We are very appreciative to
our sponsors, as well as everyone who
came out to support GCA through this
important fundraiser.
Winners of the first flight were: 1st
place – Ben Richardson, ’99, Andrew
Goldstein, and Phil Koh; 2nd place- Don
Leeper, Ron Becker, Greg Birge, ’15, and
Brent Harris; 3rd place – Evan Taylor,
Don Duff, Lincoln Duff, and Rob Lang.
Other top winners were: 2nd flight, 1st
place – Daniel Lee, ’96, Lance Cover, Jim
Sims, John Lee; and 3rd flight, 1st place –
Daniel Simpson, Matt Robbins, Sid Lanier,
and Austen Townsend. The class of ’90
team featuring Jeff Brought, Kelly Follett,
Scott Pritchett, and Keith Wahlbon
captured the Alumni Cup for the fourth
year in a row.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
and golfers, the tournament raised over
$27,000 for student scholarships and
capital needs. We look forward to seeing
you for our next tournament on Friday,
April 2, 2021!
1st Flight Winners (L to R)
Phil Koh, Ben Richardson, ’99, and Andrew Goldstein
Golfers arrive for the welcome and prayer
Alumni Cup Winners from the Class of 1990 (L to R)
Keith Wahlbon, Jeff Brought, Kelly Follett, Scott Pritchett
CUMBERLITE WINTER 2021
17

ALUMNI UPDATES
We love hearing from you! Please send us updates about educational accomplishments, new
career opportunities, 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.
Randy McGaha, ’68, passed away
on October 22, 2020 after a brief illness. After
graduating from GCA, he served in the Vietnam
War for four years on the Aircraft Carrier
USS Ranger. As an accomplished artist, he
was known for designing and sewing clothing,
crocheting, quilting, participating in the Angel
Gown program, and designing floral arrangements.
He is survived by his brother Michael
(Linda) McGaha and sisters Andi Erwin, ’68,
and Joyce (Merle) Sensenig.
Congratulations to
Rhondda (Robinson)
Thomas, ’78, on the release
of her third book, Call My Name,
Clemson: Documenting the
Black Experience in an American
University Community. A review
of the book by Leslie Harris states that “through
a compelling blend of history, contemporary
experiences, observation, and personal honesty,
Thomas reveals how the nation’s institutions
continue to rely on a small group of people to
make change in the area of race and racism,
not to mention other forms of diversity. Call
My Name, Clemson is a fascinating, thoughtprovoking
read for anyone interested in how
political change happens.”
On September 13, 2020, the
Dakota Conference Executive
Committee met with
the purpose of electing a
new president. Congratulations
to Mark Weir,
’79, who was elected by the committee as the
new Dakota Conference president for a fouryear
term.
Lowell Jenks (former staff from 1981-
1994), and his wife Mary, recently returned to
the US, after serving as a vocational teacher in
Egypt. He officially retired on August 31, 2020
and is enjoying the time he spends volunteering
with the organic gardening program at Milo
Adventist Academy in Oregon.
Cyril Connelly, former principal at
GCA between 1982 and 1988, passed away on
August 2, 2020. He devoted his career to Adventist
education, spending over 40 years in the
system as an administrator and teacher. The
Cyril Connelly Memorial Scholarship Fund has
been set up in his memory. More information
can be found on the GCA Alumni Facebook
page. He is survived by his wife Lyn, daughter
Cathy, ’88 (David), son Alan, ’88 (Diane, ’88),
and three grandchildren.
Melvin Woodruff,
former math teacher between
1988 and 1999, passed away on
October 19, 2020 in Yreka, California.
He is survived by Gini,
his wife of 47 years, as well as
his three children, Benjamin (Caitlin) of Yreka,
Bradley (Asheley) of Lincoln, NE, and Bonnie
(Kevin) of Boise, ID, and 10 grandchildren.
Benjamin, Bradley, and Bonnie graduated or
attended GCA during the years of Mr. Woodruff
’s service. For more information about Mr.
Woodruff ’s life and career in Adventist education
visit the Georgia-Cumberland Academy
Alumni Facebook page.
Clarence Magee, ’91, was appointed
as interim superintendent of Barbour
County School District in Alabama on July 29,
2020. Clarence has 24 years of experience in
education, working as an elementary teacher,
assistant principal, principal, director of support
services, and assistant superintendent. He
is an active member of Outreach Seventh-day
Adventist Church in Opelika, where he has
served as an elder for the past 14 years.
Quantrilla (Carter) Ard, ’98, has
accepted a publishing contract with Embolden
Media Group. Quanny writes on topics of personal
and spiritual development. She currently
lives in Atlanta with her husband Donny, and
their three children.
Grant Graves, ’01, published
his first book in October
2020 titled, Fearless: Finding
Courage in the Character of God.
Rated as the #1 new release in
Seventh-day Adventist literature
on Amazon, Grant provides
insight into God’s character and the joy that
comes from following Christ.
Andrea Keele, ’01, recently accepted
a position at Walla Walla University, as the Associate
Chaplain for Missions.
Keith Bowman, ’03, accepted a call to
be an associate pastor at the Hamilton Community
Adventist Church in Chattanooga. He is
looking forward to increasing his engagement
with local church ministry.
Congratulations to Nate
Dubs, ’04, and his wife
Kristina on the birth of
Emma Avrielle. Emma, born
on September 12, 2020,
weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz., and
was 20 ¾ inches long.
Denise Flores, ’04, recently accepted a
position at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare as
a clinical nurse educator.
Congratulations to Ada
(Anderson) Gardner,
’04, and her husband Stevon, on
the birth of their daughter, London
Simone, August 26, 2020.
On November 7, 2020, Coty
Malone married Jerica
(Moore) Malone,
’04. The couple resides in
Chattanooga, where Jerica is
employed as a nurse.
John Whetmore, ’04, is currently
teaching elementary school.
Shayiree (Hickman) Ferguson,
’05, married her sweetheart, Preston,
earlier this year. She currently works as an
Allstate insurance agent in the Huntsville area.
Seth, ’05, and Tina
Sheldon, welcomed their
daughter, Mazie Grace Elaine,
on June 4, 2020. She weighed 6
lbs., 5 oz. at birth.
Brittany (Gimbel)
Stokes, ’05, and her husband
Phil celebrated the birth of their
daughter, Emery Adelaide, on
September 8, 2020. Emery came
into the world weighing 6 lbs., 14
oz. and measuring 19.5 inches.
Adam, ’06, and Marilee (Chase)
Rego, ’06, welcomed sons Asher Phillip and
Brendon Donald on May 1, 2020. Big brother
Jackson, who turned 4 in August, is excited to
have twin brothers.
Lauren (Dickerson)
Barnett, ’07, and her husband
Andrew, welcomed Liam
Kel Barnett to their family on
May 24, 2020. Liam weighed
7 lbs., 5 oz., and was 21 inches
long at birth.
Allison (Gerard)
Handal, ’07, and her husband
Albert, welcomed Dalia
Jenin on October 10, 2020.
Born weighing 7 lbs., and 7

oz., Dalia is the delight of her mom, dad, and
siblings Edward and Rosa!
Jamie (Bosecker)
Straining, ’07, and her
husband Matthew, welcomed
their son William John, on May
30, 2020. At birth, he weighed 7.5
lbs., and 19.5 inches.
Ali (Concha)
Tucker, ’07, and her
husband Jordan, welcomed
Emrys Calan and Eleri
Marie on September 10,
2020. Mom, Dad, and big brothers Lance and
Liam are overjoyed by their arrival!
Ryan Helm, ’08, accepted a new position
as an e-commerce analyst for Surya. Surya is a
rug and home accessories company identified as
one of the fastest growing, US privately-owned
corporations for the last seven years in a row.
Congratulations to Jessica (Hunt)
McCabe, ’08, who recently started a new
position as a physical therapist for BenchMark
Physical Therapy in Dalton. She and her husband,
Cody, reside in Chattanooga.
Matt Durante, ’10, recently accepted a
position as an associate pastor at Knoxville First
Adventist Church in Tennessee.
Kayne, ’10, and
Micah (Scott)
Leeper, ’14, celebrated
the birth of their first child,
Blaikley Sora Karena Leeper,
on October 28, 2020.
Weighing in at 8 lbs., 6 oz., she was 21 inches
long. Mom, Dad, and Blaikley are doing well.
William Melendez, ’10, married his
sweetheart Christelle, on June 6, 2020.
Brianna Cheever,
’11, received her MSW from
Southern Adventist University
in August. She is currently
working on an LCSW with the
goal of working in equineassisted
therapy.
Katie (Birge) Harris,
’12, received an MD with honors
from the Medical College of
Georgia in May, as a member of
the Dean’s Clinical Honor Society.
Currently, she is completing
her residency in the pediatric
program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center. She married her husband, Josh, on
May 31, 2020.
Karla Aponte, ’14, earned her master’s
degree from Lee University in December 2019.
She is currently teaching first grade through a
virtual platform for Yates Elementary School in
Cleveland, TN.
Molly (Keizer) Bennett, ’14, married
her sweetheart Zachary, on August 23,
2020. Molly and her husband are employed as
nurses with AdventHealth in Florida.
Adam Turner, ’14, finished an MSW
with an emphasis in mental health practice
from Southern Adventist University in August.
Gregory Birge, ’15,
graduated magna cum laude
with a BSE in electrical
engineering from Walla Walla
University this summer. He is
attending Stanford University,
continuing studies towards
a master’s degree. He married his sweetheart,
Annalise Harvey, on October 4, 2020.
Aaryn Drapiza, ’15, earned a BA in
humanities from Lee University in August.
Jake Fisher, ’15,
graduated with a BA in
journalism with a digital
broadcasting emphasis from
Southern Adventist
University in August.
Emil Garcia, ’15,
earned a BS in biomedical biology from Southern
Adventist University in August.
Allen McKinney, ’15, graduated from
the University of North Georgia, earning a BS
in business administration with information
systems emphasis.
Bradley Wilmoth, ’15, finished a BA
degree in physics from Southern Adventist
University in August.
Carrie Theus, ’15, graduated magna
cum laude in December 2019 from Walla Walla
University with a BS in engineering.
Rebecca Brown,
’16, welcomed her son,
Jackson Allen Sellers on May
15, 2020. Jackson weighed 7
lbs., 3 oz. at birth.
Katie (Buxton)
Kennedy, ’16, married
her sweetheart Logan, on
August 9, 2020.
Phoebe Morgan, ’16, served as a
student missionary for SAU during the ’19-’20
school year. As an SM, she helped run the local
clinic at Riverside Farm Institute in Zambia,
providing free healthcare to the surrounding
villages.
Sadie (Dixon)
Umali, ’16, married
her best friend,
Nathan on September
13, 2020 at Howe
Farms in Georgetown,
TN, surrounded by family and friends.
Tim Verduzco, ’16, graduated with a
BS in business administration from Southern
Adventist University in August.
Alec and Cassidy (Munson)
Williams, ’16, were married on July 5, 2020
in Knoxville, TN. Their wedding was officiated
by Pastor Greg Hudson, ’91.
Brandon Hudson, ’18,
recently completed his training as
a fire fighter for Bradley County
Fire and Rescue, near Chattanooga,
TN.
Congratulations to Benjamin Ziesmer,
’20, for earning full tuition to Southern Adventist
University, totaling $91,270. He is enrolled
as a Southern Scholar and plans on majoring in
religious education with chemistry and history
minors.
Congratulations to Kat Day, ’12,
who received a Hometown Heroes
award from Modern Woodmen
Fraternal Financial. The award
was given to her in response to her
service in COVID, hard-hit areas
of New York and Texas. Kat is currently
working in a rehab hospital
as a floor nurse and serves on the
re-opening committee at Shoal
Creek Adventist School.
Kat, (C), pictured with Danny Nungesser (L),
managing partner at Modern Woodmen, and
Krista Wolters (R), administrative assistant
at Modern Woodmen

GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND ACADEMY
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT
397 Academy Dr. SW
Calhoun, GA 30701
Phone: (706) 629-4591
Fax: (706) 629-1272
bzeiss@gcasda.org
ngerard@gcasda.org
CUMBERLITE STAFF
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BETH ZEISS
ASSISTANT EDITOR:
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PHOTOGRAPHERS:
CLASSIC IMPRESSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
LAUREL HUSTER, THE NEWNAN TIMES-HERALD
NANCY GERARD
DENNIS STARKEY
BETH ZEISS
Honor Classes
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2021
YOU MATTER.
APRIL 2-4, 2021
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