Cumberlite 2023 Issue 3

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.
12 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 3 | 2023