Cumberlite 2023 Issue 3

Congratulations 

CLASS OF 2023 

During Memorial Day Weekend, graduates, family, and 

friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the 

class of 2023. Attendees enjoyed graduate-led music and 

testimonies, as well as messages from speakers specially 

selected by the class. On Friday evening, consecration 

speakers Zach and Natalia DeChicchis presented their message 

classroom-style, complete with graduates taking notes from 

their “final class.” The DeChicchises tasked graduates with 

taking the initiative to be a force for positive change instead 

of a behind-the-scenes complainer. Zach encouraged them 

to “be the person who does something, even if people 

might misunderstand or belittle you. Try things you don’t 

already know how to do. Don’t be a gadfly.” Natalia shared 

with them that it is ok to say “No,” with a reminder that “You 

have the power over your own choices…Allow change to be 

empowering, not scary.” 

Graduates gave insight into their personal GCA experiences 

during Friday’s service and again during Sabbath School. Many 

of them mentioned the positive, life-changing experiences 

that occurred in their lives because of donor gifts. Another 

common theme of the experiences shared was the high level 

of appreciation graduates felt because of the caring staff and 

student interactions throughout their time at GCA. 

Baccalaureate speaker Pastor Cody Paige, ’11, inspired 

graduates with a message entitled, “Tag, You’re It” based upon 

1 Samuel 16. He reminded them that God is preparing them for 

big things, just as David’s sheep-tending readied him to lead a 

kingdom. He shared, “God is clearing space in rooms that you 

will naturally fit in. You are being planted in a safe space to 

prepare you for your public purpose. In the meantime, develop 

empathy, caring, and compassion.” 

Saturday evening commencement speaker, retired GCA 

principal Dr. Gregory Gerard acknowledged the important 

milestone of the evening. His message to graduates was that 

no matter what mistakes and bad decisions have been made 

or may be made in the future, God sweeps your sins away. He 

tasked them with an important life principle, stating “Don’t 

forget – whatever you do, or whatever happens in your life, 

you can always return to God for He has redeemed you. You 

are not your own. You’ve been bought with a price. So, glorify 

God.” After the presentation of awards and diplomas, the new 

alumni excitedly marched from the recessional to an outdoor 

reception held on the patio of the student center. 

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1 The traditional senior 

class beach photo was 

taken in Tampa, Fl. 

2 Christina Sargeant, ’24, 

(Junior Class President) 

and Lyra Lacson, ’24, 

(Junior Class Vice 

President) lead the junior 

processional during 

commencement. 

3 Sophia Lin, ’23, Junior 

Escandon, ’23, Emily 

Self, ’23, Eliana Barzola, 

’23, Jesse Thompson, 

’23, and Noah Hall, ’23, 

march in during the 

commencement senior 

processional. 

4 Principal Serge Gariepy 

welcomes attendees 

to the commencement 

service. 

5 Rory Mills, ’23, and 

Autumn Hickam, 

’23, provide a special 

selection with their 

string quartet. 

6 Melissa Johnson, 

current English teacher, 

accepts the Leadership 

Recognition Endowment 

faculty award, presented 

by alumni parents Carlyle 

and Astrid Walton. 

7 Leah Cunningham, ’23, 

receives the Caring Heart 

Award, presented by 

Serge Gariepy. 

8 Eliana Barzola, ’23, 

accepts the Jeffrey Evans 

Memorial Scholarship, 

presented by Dr. David 

Brannon. 

9 Serge Gariepy presents 

the Meadows Surgical 

Arts Scholarship to Rory 

Mills, ’23. 

10 Todd Hunt, Assistant 

Men's Dean, honors 

the students going into 

first responder and civil 

service careers following 

graduation. 

11 Current maintenance 

co-director, Army Sgt. 

Matt Gariepy presents 

a special letter of 

acknowledgment to 

Jonathan Bates, ’23, 

acknowledging his 

entry into the US Marine 

Corps.

THE GREAT 

ALUMNI OF 

GEORGIA- 

CUMBERLAND 

ACADEMY 

WELCOME THE 

CLASS OF 2023 

TO THE 

GCA FAMILY! 

We hope you will stay 

connected to your GCA family 

as you launch into this next 

exciting stage of life! Join us on 

Facebook or Instagram to learn 

about upcoming alumni events 

at GCA and in your area! 

fb.com/GCASDAalumni 

@gca_alumni 


** Victoria Isabel Abel ** Cody Allen Anderson **^ Eliana Judith Barzola * Jonathan Alden 

Swearingen Bates 

Jonathan Bell 

* Jacob Miracle Benefield 

** Caleb “Jack” 

Jackson Boggess 

** Nathaniel Ashworth Boyd 

* Stormy Dawn Brown Lucas Walker Burnham Gamaliel Campos ** Azaria Thea Carey 

GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND ACADEMY CLASS OF 2023 

** Dylan Castellanos ** Jake Chalker ** Leah Nicole Cunningham * Benjamin Joseph Davis 

CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | 2023 

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* Zabdi Joel De La Cruz * Lisa-Faith Diana Dieujuste * Kailor Lane Dockens ** Natasha Zuzu Draia 


*^ Junior Escandon ^ Michael I. Emmanuel Esua 

** Deimara Sarai 

Flores Belisario 

** Orianny Raquel 

Flores Belisario 

Joel David Fogg ** Joseph Aiden Gariepy ** Valerie Grajales Kerth Clarence Greenidge 

Cameron Vaughn Hall ^ Noah Avery Hall ** Deion S. Hareg ** Jessyka Antoinette Harris 


** Hunter Sean Helbley ^ Joshua Levi Hernandez *^ Autumn Bailey Hickam Jaydee Alani Hyde 

Autumn Elaine Jach ** Kate McKinley Jarrett 

**^ Ryan Kelch * Ken Casio Kelly 

** Evan Matthew Lamneck **^ Sophia Lin Ethan Michael Lopez * Adriel Rei Maldonado 


Daniel Moses Maldonado * Hannah Grace Manley ** Rory Elizabeth Mills * Christal Molina 


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** Hannah Elizabeth Muhs Kaiya Peyton Ogilvie * Ryan Chandler 

Ewing Ondap 

** Alexis Michelle Patterson 


* Waycros Timothy Harlan Poe Mia Julianee Rabanales 

** Yaneth Ruby Rios * Aaliyah Marie Roe 

Michael Sánchez **^ Emily Grace Self Jacob Lee Smith Parker James Smith 

Beckett Franklin Taglavore **^ Jesse Michael Thompson Juan Elijah Torres Jimmy Douglas 

Trejo-Hernandez 


Christopher D. Tropeano ** Hannah Walker * Lanikai Warren ** Alana Cheri Waters 

* Olivia Nicole Williams * Riley Michelle Wood 

** Matthew Joseph 

Woodcock 

* Parker Joseph Woods 

** Hannah Marie Wyatt ** Chih Wei Duc “Harry” Yu Emily Paige Zill * Gabriel Paci Zorzin 

*HONORS 

**HIGH HONORS 


^ CLASS OFFICER 


9

My GCA Experience 

The following essays are abridged excerpts from some of GCA’s newest 

alumni who shared their GCA experiences over graduation weekend. 

Azaria Carey, '23, 4-year senior 

As I came to Academy Days in 2019, I was expecting GCA to just be another 

private boarding academy with millions of rules and expectations that their 

students must follow. But as I enjoyed my time for those long two days, GCA 

sort of grew onto me. While observing the students’ and staffs’ loving relationships, 

I finally decided that GCA was the high school experience that I wanted! 

Walking back onto GCA’s campus in the fall of 2019, I was immediately consumed 

with fear and tears. I asked my parents to let me go back home to do 

online school. At first, my parents were elated to hear me say this, but then 

they reminded me once again to give GCA a try. After moving in, going to 

Handshake, and having my first two days of orientation, the GCA dream wasn’t 

happening at all. As expected, I continuously begged my parents to go home. 

But once again, they told me “No” and encouraged me to give it a chance. 

In the second half of my freshman year, the best thing on earth happened to 

me over my spring break. COVID-19 sent everyone home for the rest of the 

semester. And as expected, I was elated! My wish of going home finally came 

true. Unexpectedly to my surprise, I started to miss GCA. The GCA life and 

semi-freedom of academy was calling me back. So, I counted down the days 

until school started again. Then, once I got back to GCA, I began to discover 

that maybe I actually liked it here. 

As my fears and tears slowed, I allowed myself to get involved in different 

activities. For example, by playing the clarinet in band, learning to play the 

double-bass in private lessons, and going to all the amazing SA events, I began 

to love it here even more. As I allowed myself to grow, everything started 

changing for me – including my GCA experience. 

Zabdi De La Cruz, '23, 4-year senior 

This year has taught me so much, and I learned three important things that 

changed my perspective. The first lesson was how to best handle problems and 

situations that could affect not only myself, but other people on a bigger scale. 

The second lesson was that in everything, give 100% effort. The big things you 

do reflect all the little things you did to get there. Last but not least, I learned 

that God knows, God sees, and God hears. 

I thank God for the good times, the bad times, the write-ups, the church services, 

the vespers, the schoolwork, and especially God’s Chosen Academy. I 

want to say how lucky am I to have had the opportunity to go to a school that 

makes saying goodbye so hard. 


Junior Escandon, '23, 4-year senior 

When I look back at my four years at GCA, a few things come to mind. 

The first thing is adaptability. It all started my freshman year when our 

school year was cut short, and we had to shift to virtual learning because of 

COVID-19. While this was not ideal, we learned to adapt to a new learning 

style and to rely on social media to talk with our classmates. 

Sophomore year, we came back to campus, but with masks and social 

distancing restrictions. It seemed that we did not get back to “normal” until 

the second half of junior year. Our class learned to adapt to whatever came. 

The second thing that comes to mind as I think about GCA is family. I am sure 

most students in high school make good friends, but there is a difference 

when you live in a dorm. Living in the GCA guys’ dorm has helped me make 

some friendships that I am sure will continue after our time here. 

The final thing that comes to mind is community. When I came to GCA, I 

did not know that the staff are not only my teachers, administrators, or 

supervisors. Many of them are now my friends. The staff here have made 

my experience feel comfortable and I like that I can talk to them openly. 

Not only is the staff here kind, but the parents and people from the Calhoun 

community are some of the kindest people. 

Michael Esua, '23, 4-year senior 

I wish I could be light-hearted about the start of my freshman year. It was rough. 

I was not confident. I barely knew anyone, and I did not have a lot of people I 

could truly call friends. At home, my mom was sick with a heart disease and my 

dad had recently passed away. I was scared of losing my second parent. 

At GCA, I found friends who related to my experiences and supported me 

throughout my challenges. This helped me come out of my shell and realize 

that I was not alone. Fast forwarding to senior year, I built connections, 

experiences, and relationships that had been truly helpful throughout my high 

school journey. If I never came to GCA, I would never have grown spiritually by 

understanding and working on how I could improve my relationship with Christ. 

I would never have grown mentally when I needed to slow things down and 

recognize when I feel negative in myself. 

I have become outgoing, taking more leadership roles like class pastor, SA 

pastor, Camerata section leader, and joining the JV and Varsity basketball 

teams. I’ve connected with different people from all classes and have people 

here that I love like family. 

Being on this campus, I have had great days, okay days, and not so great days. I 

could see Jesus in the individuals around me when they supported me through 

talks, texts of affirmations, or small check-ups. Whether it was staff, who I could 

talk to about any aspect of my life, or my wonderful support group and friends, 

I am so grateful for people who have made an impact on me while on this 

campus. I will use what I learned here to impact my future. If our paths do not 

meet here again on earth, I cannot wait to meet you all in heaven! 


11

Autumn Hickam, '23, 4-year senior 

When I was in the eighth grade, I came to GCA Academy Days. I knew 

immediately that I wanted to attend GCA as a student. I bribed my parents and 

begged them to come here because the environment seemed exhilarating. I 

want to thank my parents for allowing me to come to such an amazing school 

and for the help and support that they have given me through my time here. 

I joined gymnastics, soccer, Magnify, and orchestra, and I have never been more 

fulfilled. Through these programs, my relationship with Jesus grew incredibly 

strong. I am so thankful that GCA could be a part of my growth, especially 

helping me grow my own relationship with God. 

I want to thank Mr. Boggess for not only being my gymnastics coach, but for 

being a mentor throughout my four years at GCA. I also want to thank Chaplain 

Josh for being such a strong influence and for helping me grow service 

opportunities, not just for events at school, but also for leadership events off 

campus. 

I would have never thought that GCA would become a second family, because 

I thought you were born into a family. Now I realize, however, what a family 

really means. A family is a support group. GCA has done an amazing job of 

supporting me and helping me through some hard times. A lot of people 

do not realize the impact that the staff and your peers have around you. I am 

so thankful to be influenced by these amazing people. I will never forget the 

impact that they have had on my life. I will forever be grateful for the people I 

met, the staff that supported me, and for the memories that I will remember 

forever. I'm so sad to say goodbye, but I will forever be grateful to have been a 

part of this family. 

Hannah Manley, '23, 4-year senior 

I believe that my absolute favorite thing that I did at GCA was going 

on mission trips, both domestic and internationally. These trips 

taught me so much more than any class office or sports team ever 

could. When you are on a mission trip, your patience and ability to 

persevere are tested more than you thought that they ever could be. 

This past year, I had the opportunity to be able to go on two mission 

trips. The first one was in middle Georgia and the second was in El 

Salvador. On both trips, my peers and I were able to serve communities 

that were in desperate need of help. The middle Georgia trip 

showed me that we can help people right down the road. It might not 

seem like they need help, but we never know if we do not ask. The 

trip to El Salvador was definitely a new experience for me, as I had 

never flown internationally. On the El Salvador trip, I learned that: I 

can figure out how to interact with people even if there is a language 

barrier; sometimes you just need to stop talking and just work; and 

(what I think is the most important) Let God lead. Let Him lead in all, 

no matter if it’s in the mission field or in a classroom. Let Him be 

the forefront of everything. 


Class of 2023 Statistics 

97% of the class of 2023 completed a “future alumni” survey. Below are statistics related to 

that survey along with statistical information from the Registrar’s Office. 

96% are attending a college 

or trade school in the fall 

57% are planning 

on attending SAU 

32% are planning on 

majoring in a medical field 

68% are attending an 

Adventist College 

3 graduates earned 4-year, full-tuition college 

scholarships – 2 came from SAU (Aiden and Cody) and 1 from 

Georgia Highlands College (Hunter) 

68% were 

4-year seniors 

43% graduated with 

a GPA of 3.5 or higher 

Aiden Gariepy, ’23 

Cody Anderson, ’23 

Hunter Helbley, ’23 

4 graduates 

are second generation 

graduates of GCA 

1 graduate is a third-generation graduate of GCA 

almost 

$1.2 million 

in college 

scholarships 

was awarded in 

scholarships to graduates 

in the class of 2023 

GCA alumni Josh Hernandez, ’23, (L), his mom Alexa (Witt) Hernandez, ’93, (C), 

and his maternal grandmother Nancy (Sweat) Witt, ’68 (R) 

CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | 2023 13

ALUMNI & FORMER STAFF 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. 

1 RANDY RUSSELL, ’69, coauthored 

a new book titled, Getting 

Paid to Be You, a non-fiction book that 

takes the reader on a journey of selfdiscovery. 

2 RON DORTCH, ’77, became a 

first-time grandpa on May 31, 2023. 

Amelia Elaine Taylor was welcomed 

with open arms by new parents Tawny 

(daughter) and Chad, and an even bigger 

welcome by the grandparents. Grandpa 

Ron said, “I can't wait to spoil her!” 

silent in deeper places, featuring the 

poetry of DAVID DENTON, ’83, and 

the art of his daughter, Darcie, went on 

display at the Camp House Gallery in 

Chattanooga, Tennessee at the end of 

June. 

STEPHANIE WHITLEY 

FERGUSON, ’88, recently released 

a new devotional for divorcees in 

partnership with YouVersion, an online 

and mobile Bible platform. The reading 

plan is called Shadow-Breakers: A 10-Day 

Devotional for Christian Divorcees and can 

be found at www.bible.com. 

KEITH BOWMAN, ’03, released 

a 7-day devotional that provides an 

interactive experience reframing 

the week around Sabbath rest. The 

devotional gift set can be ordered at 

www.sabbathgift.com. 

3 BRITTANY (BRANNON) 

NEWS, ’04, and her husband George 

welcomed their daughter, Lennyn Rose 

Lovette on June 13, 2023. At birth, 

Lennyn weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 

was 20 inches long. 

4 BONITA (ROBERTS) VEGA, ’06, 

passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 

2023. 

5 JENNIE (CAGLE) HARE, ’07, 

welcomed her daughter, Lele Elizabeth 

on March 14, 2023. At birth, Lele was 9 

pounds and 21.5 inches long. 

KATIE (BIRGE) HARRIS, ’12, 

graduated from residency at Cincinnati 

Children’s Hospital in June 2023. 

TAYLOR ARMSTRONG, ’13, 

graduated from Loma Linda University 

in June 2023 with a child life specialist 

master’s degree. She currently works at 

Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

JESSICA AHN, ’14, graduated as a 

member of the Gold Humanism Honor 

Society from Loma Linda University 

School of Medicine with an MD in June 


6 JILLIAN CHEEVER, ’14, 


in June 2023. She earned a master’s 

degree in public health with a health 

education and wellness coaching 

emphasis. 

CHELSEA (DANCEK) 

CHAIPRAKORB, ’14, graduated 

from Loma Linda University School of 

Dentistry in June 2023 with a DDS. 

Congratulations to TYLER 

HAMILTON, ’14, who graduated 


Dentistry in June 2023 with a DDS. 

JONATHAN MANCAO, ’14, 


School of Medicine with an MD in June 


CALEB MCKINNEY, ’14, graduated 


Medicine with an MD in June 2023. 

7 JOCELYN MERCADO, ’15, 

graduated from Lincoln Memorial 

University Duncan School of Law with 

a Doctor in Jurisprudence on May 11, 

2023. She is pictured with her brother 

Andrew Mercado, ’24. 

ANDIE PURDEY, ’15, graduated from 

Kennesaw State University with a BS in 

human services in May 2023. 

8 ISABELLA SHOWALTER, ’16, 


in June 2023 with a master’s degree in 

occupational therapy. 

9 Congratulations to SHELBY HUSE, 

’18, who passed the Commission on 

Dietetic Registration exam and is now a 

certified registered dietician. 

LAKEN SCOTT, ’18, graduated cum 

laude from Walla Walla University in June 

2023 with a BA in art. 

MEREDITH (BRACKBILL) BOYD, 

’19, graduated from Walla Walla 

University in June 2023 with a BA in 

strategic communication. 

ALEAH CLARK, ’19, served as 

senior class vice president/secretary at 

Walla Walla University. She graduated 

summa cum laude in June of 2023 with 


a BS in elementary 

education. 

TAYLOR 

EINHELLIG, ’19, 

graduated cum 

laude from Loma 

Linda University in 

June 2023 with a BS 

in communication 

sciences and 

disorders. 

10 Congratulations 

to JARED 

FREEMAN, ’19, 

who married his best 

friend Emily on June 

4, 2023. The couple 

was married at the 

Georgia-Cumberland 

Academy church with 

a reception following 

on campus. 

KUDZAI 

MHONDIWA, 

’19, graduated cum 

laude from Walla 

Walla University with 

a BBA in business 

administration. 

11 MARIRUTH 

RUNYON, ’19, 

graduated with 

honors from Dalton 

State College, earning 

a BS in business 

and a minor in 

human resources. 

She accepted a 

position in human 

resources at Komatsu 

International in 

Chattanooga, 

Tennessee. 

Wayne Stickney, former staff, pictured 

with wife Tonita and sons 

ALUMNI AND STAFF 

CONNECT AT ANNUAL 

CAMP MEETING SUPPER 

On Saturday evening, June 3, alumni, 

current staff, and former staff spent 

time reconnecting with each other 

at the annual Camp Meeting supper. 

Although the location this year was 

different than in recent years, the 

fellowship and great food were the 

same! Thank you to all of you who 

attended this year! To stay up to date 

on the latest events in your area, visit 

OUR WEBSITE! 

www.gcasda.org/regional-events 

Arlene (West) McFarland, ’66 (R), Grant 

Tuttle, ’66 (C), and Grant’s wife Pam 

enjoy the delicious food options 

From R to L: Brenda (Murray) Morris, ’68, 

Ruth (Wilson) Baker, ’70, Brenda’s husband 

James, and Ruth’s husband, Carroll 


15

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 

EDITOR: 

BETH ZEISS 

ASSISTANT EDITOR: 

NANCY GERARD 

LAYOUT & DESIGN: 

EMMALEE SHALLENBERGER 

COPY EDITING: 

SUSAN JENKINS 

PHOTOGRAPHERS: 

CLASSIC IMPRESSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY 

NANCY GERARD 

K.C. LARSEN 

GRANT TUTTLE 

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