Annual Report 2023

GCA ADMINISTRATION 

Serge Gariepy, Principal 

A’Lisa Sorensen, Vice Principal 

Bruce Boggess, Vice Principal for Academics 

Susan Jenkins, Business Manager 

GCA's mission is to 

foster an educational 

environment of 

excellence where 

students, faculty, and 

staff pursue a shared 

goal to know Jesus 

as Savior and Friend, to 

love God and those He 

brings into our lives, and 

to serve the church 

and society. 

GCA BOARD 

Kurt Allen 

Ryan Brossfield 

Amy Cirigliano 

Chester Clark 

Serge Gariepy 

Jeni Ingersoll 

Susan Jenkins 

Don Keele 

Kevin Kossick 

Todd Lang 

Louis Licht 

Barbara Livesay 

Brianna Lowery 

Jonathan Montes 

Melissa Murrill 

Dennis Negrón 

Larry Payne 

Gary Rustad, GCA Board Chairman 

David T. Smith 

Dennis Starkey 

Carla Thrower 

Dulce Villarruel 

Astrid Walton 

Chris Yamamoto 

ALUMNI OFFICERS 

Louis Licht, ’99 – President 

Matt Durante, ’10 – President-Elect 

Rhondda (Robinson) Thomas, ’78 – Past President 

2 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 4 | 2023

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE PRINCIPAL, 

SERGE GARIEPY 

In our nation, the phrase “In 

God We Trust” is a constant 

presence, appearing on our 

currency, flags, and license 

plates. While this phrase 

became our nation’s official motto in 1956, we find 

it peppered throughout our country’s history—Union 

supporters used it as a political motto to boost morale 

during the Civil War, and it was used to unify our 

nation against communism during the Cold War. The 

phrase “In God We Trust” shows up during times of 

crisis as a reminder of where our focus should be. 

As Christians, this phrase is more than just a 

motto. It is the very essence of our faith. It serves as a 

cornerstone where we center our beliefs, especially in 

times of uncertainty. It unifies us as a diverse community 

of believers, reminding us that, above all else, we trust in 

God. The words of Psalm 145:15 resonate with us: “The 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE CHAIRMAN, 

GARY RUSTAD 

In late September 

2022, Hurricane Ian lashed 

Sanibel Island, destroying 

the island, as well as miles 

of the Florida mainland. 

This September, I was in Fort Myers for meetings. I 

found myself in awe as I drove around seeing signs 

of destruction from last year. The Hampton Inn where 

I stayed shared that their first floor was destroyed, 

covered in five feet of water during Hurricane Ian. 

The meetings were held at a location where access 

to the parking lot was via a walking bridge that went 

over a swampy area. I made my first trip across this 

bridge during the day when I could see everything. Yet 

the first night, after the meetings were over, I realized 

that I needed to get to my car across the bridge and it 

was pitch black out. Let me tell you, it is really unnerving 

walking across a bridge through a Florida swamp using 

your cell phone as a meager light. All of a sudden, the 

noises seemed to be everywhere and a bit more menacing 

than during the day! The squeaking of the bridge as 

I walked did not help! Then there were the boards I 

stepped on! Coming over earlier in the day, the boards 

did not seem to shift as much as they did at night. 

eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due 

season.” Our trust in God goes beyond mere words—it 

is the guiding force behind our actions and decisions. 

GCA’s history is rooted in faith and a trust in God. I 

am reminded of the Penny Campaign (1964) as GCA was 

getting its start as the conference’s boarding academy. 

During that campaign, people across the conference were 

united in a common goal and trusted that God would make 

a way for GCA to be a reality. The Continuing the Mission 

Campaign (2015-2020) taught us that, when we trust in 

God’s leading, He will unite the GCA community through 

generosity and gratitude. Today, we see “In God We Trust” 

in action at GCA as students look to God to navigate their 

day-to-day challenges, as parents turn to God for guidance 

in providing for their families, as faculty and staff rely on 

God for wisdom and grace when ministering and educating 

our students, and as donors demonstrate their trust in 

God through their generosity and support of our mission. 

My prayer is that “In God We Trust” will continue 

to be more than just words of a motto during 

times of uncertainty. Let us trust Him in all we do 

today, tomorrow, and until He comes again! 

As I walked, I kept telling myself two things. First, I 

reminded myself that I did not see any alligators earlier 

in the day…I think that was comforting! Second, I 

remembered that a hotel valet had told me earlier in the day 

that the walking bridge had to be completely rebuilt after the 

hurricane. Therefore, it must be sturdy. Basically, I had a lot 

of trust in the builders as I walked through the dark night! 

In this world, it so often seems that the darkness 

of sin is getting more and more overwhelming and all 

encompassing. There are times that we all may feel like we 

are walking through the darkness of this world with sounds 

coming from all directions. It may be that you, like me, can 

relate to David in the Psalms where he proclaims “The eyes 

of all look to you in hope…” as we navigate this world. 

On that dark night in September, I trusted in the 

builder as I crossed the bridge. Today as we walk through 

life’s journey, we must trust the one who has promised 

to be there with us. That trust is the power and value 

of Seventh-day Adventist Education! If our graduates 

leave knowing that they can trust their Heavenly 

Father, we have done what we were called to do. 

The statement, “In God We Trust,” should be a 

statement that Seventh-day Adventists are known for. It 

should not just be something we know is written somewhere 

on a bill in our purse or wallet. We trust in Him because 

our eyes are focused on Him with the hope in His promise 

that He is sending His Son back soon to take us Home! 

CUMBERLITE ISSUE 4 | 2023 

3

A MESSAGE FROM THE 

BUSINESS MANAGER, 

SUSAN JENKINS 

As an accountant, I tend to 

think at a transactional level. In 

the Business Office, we pay a 

bill or we accept a payment or 

a donation. We process payroll 

or an expense reimbursement. Those are the simple 

transactions. Others are more complex and demanding. 

Whether it is basic or intricate, each transaction is a 

unique and distinct event, and all those transactions 

converge to form the GCA financial landscape. But 

behind each transaction is an interaction, and each 

interaction is a relationship. Some big and some small, 

but each crucial to the overall success of GCA. 

The Business Office is blessed to be a part of 

relationships with students, parents, donors, colleagues, 

church members, vendors, and the community at large. 

From a student buying a banquet ticket to a parent with a 

question about their bill; the donor making a contribution or 

a colleague needing assistance; the vendor that supplies 

our cafeteria food or the service technician making a 

repair; the mail carrier or bank teller where we deposit our 

funds. I am filled with gratitude for the many ways God has 

blessed not just GCA, but me personally, with each of these 

interactions and relationships. But each one involves some 

level of trust, as all relationships do. How fitting that right 

there on the dollar bill it says, “In God We Trust”. What a 

great reminder that each dollar bill that comes in and out 

of the Business Office at GCA is an opportunity to place 

my trust in God. So, for me, the responsibilities of my job 

are an exercise in trust. If I am doing it right, trust in God 

is at the foundation of each transaction and relationship. 

I am pleased to report that GCA finished the 2022- 

2023 school year on solid financial footing in good 

position to follow God’s continued leading. We are 

thankful for the trust that our students, parents, donors, 

and others place in us and will seek to continually 

trust in God’s will and providence each day. 

A MESSAGE FROM THE 

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI 

AND DEVELOPMENT, 

NANCY GERARD 

YourGenerosity is an 

Inspiration! 

Google searches are interesting, aren’t they? 

Recently I searched the phrase, “Generosity is 

an act of” just to see what would come up. 

Here are a few of the ideas that came up in the search: 

• Generosity is an act of love. 

• Generosity is an act of faith. 

• Generosity is an act of obedience. 

• Generosity is an act of worship. 

Do any of these statements resonate with you? 

Any of them could speak volumes to our hearts, but for 

now, let’s focus on your generosity as an act of faith. 

What does faith have to do with generosity? Perhaps 

generosity is trusting God enough to give, even when 

you don’t know for sure what the future holds. Faith-filled 

generosity gives when the stock market is up and when 

it is down. By faith, the generous give no matter what 

the economy is doing. Generosity happens when we 

trust that God will take care of our needs, enabling us to 

freely give to the causes He has placed on our hearts. 

“In God We Trust,” the theme of this annual report, 

speaks to the faith you demonstrate when you give, and 

the faith we demonstrate as we trust God to provide 

for the needs of Georgia-Cumberland Academy. Your 

generosity, as an act of faith, is an inspiration to us! 

Our faith is strengthened as we see God use YOU! 

Some of the most inspiring donor conversations 

happen when faith-filled, big-hearted people generously 

offer support, not always knowing where it is going to 

come from. I think of the dear donor who said he wanted 

to help a student be at GCA a couple of years ago. His 

circumstances and outward signs of wealth would not 

have indicated that he would be able to do this. He said, 

“I have always been poor, but God has blessed me 

with a little extra money, and I want to help a student.” 

What love! What faith! What an inspiration to all of us 

who have a front row seat to this act of generosity! 

To all who give to support the ministry of 

Georgia-Cumberland Academy, thank you! Thank 

you for trusting God enough to generously give! 

May God richly bless you as you open your 

hearts and your hands in faith-filled generosity! 


“We decided to fund an 

endowment that would 

help school faculty and 

staff feel supported by 

grateful parents. We 

thank God for those in 

ministry at GCA as they 

positively influence 

students to know, to love, 

and to serve.” 

Carlyle and Astrid Walton, 

Alumni Parents of Chris, ’07 

and Ashleigh, ’09 

*Some donations qualify in more than one giving 

category and are reflected as such for the 

purposes of this section of the report. 


5

“It’s no secret that I loved my time at GCA. I saw first-hand how much the 

faculty and staff cared, and how hard they worked to make GCA a safe place 

to learn and grow. Adventist education is expensive to attend, but also to 

operate, and I want to be a small part of GCA’s continued success.” 

Bree (Paradis) Lowery, ’13, pictured with her husband Jonathan 

Student Work 

Program Numbers – 

Over $420,000 

Paid to Students 

in the Student 

Work Program 



7

GEORGIA TAX CREDIT 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

Since 2008, the state of Georgia has allowed for 

the redirection of state income tax liability to 

approved student scholarship programs (SSO), 

for the purpose of need-based financial aid. GCA 

participates in this program by partnering with 

the Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (GATAP), 

a qualified SSO. If you earn income in Georgia, 

making a gift for GCA through an SSO is a win-win 

opportunity. Your gifts made payable to GATAP, 

provide financial aid to GCA students who might 

not be able to attend without your assistance. As 

a donor, this is an incredible opportunity for you 

to make a significant impact on the life of a young 

person AND receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit 

for what you donate to this program. 

SSO contributions over the last fiscal year 

totaled $142,612! We would like to thank the 

following alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, 

faculty, and friends for their support of this 

important program: 

$ 

Daniel and Susan Ahn 

Tony and Donna Baumann 

David and Cheryl Brannon 

Brad and Tina Carrick 

Donald and Michelle Chase 

Randy and Lynn Coble 

Wayne and Patricia Darville 

Dalton and Kat Day 

Cory and Sandra Fortner 

Bruce and Joanne Galbraith 

Greg and Nancy Gerard 

Brent and Synnova Goodge 

$ 

Bill and Juli Hamilton 

Rick and Nancy Howell 

Larry and Valerie Jackson 

Monty and Susan Jenkins 

Laverne and Lishcia Keizer 

Michael Morgan 

Doug and Candace Nesmith 

David and Tami Richardson 

Frances Roe 

Doug and Debbie Schmidt 

Ted and Brenda Theus 

Marvin and Carrie Wilson 

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED 

for the 2024 tax year. To take of advantage of this 

opportunity, scan the QR code provided, 

or contact Beth Zeiss at (706) 625-7169. 

Memorial 

Gifts 

The following donors 

made gifts to GCA in 

honor and memory of 

those who have made 

a positive difference in 

their lives and the lives of 

others. These generous 

gifts enhance specific 

projects and scholarship 

through funds and 

endowments that benefit 

GCA students. Donors are 

listed below the honoree. 

Cyril Connelly 

Lyn Connelly 

Wally Fox 

Robbie and Darlene Peterson 

Zach Negrón 

Philip Barnett 

Terry and Janine Barnett 

David and Faith Kneller 

Dennis and Jennifer Negrón 

Bruce Rogerson 

The Unforgettables Foundation 

of Tennessee, Inc. 

Deborah Theus 


Terri Britt 

Amy Burgett 

Rick and Judy Cusick 

Tressa Dunn 

Kim and Liz Glass 

Justin Gmelich 

James and Desiree Hissong 


Mark and Frances Kain 


Page Kelly 

Yung and Carmen Lau 

Victoria Lloyd-Williams 

Jennifer Michel 

Maysie Popp 

Valdon and Betsy Smith 

Samantha Somers 

Darrel and Connie Starkey 


Thom and Peggy Theus 

Lane Van Arsdell 

Kent and Joan Van Arsdell 

This list recognizes 

gifts received between 

7/1/22 and 6/30/23. 


You have 

a 

made 

difference! 

Each of you is a part of our GCA story. Your generosity is 

powerful and helps shape the GCA experience. Thank you 

for your gifts that are moving us forward together! 

“Because of you, 

I have had the 

opportunity to have 

the resources at 

GCA to grow closer 

to God and have a 

better relationship with Him.” 

Abraham Hernandez, ’24 

This list recognizes gifts received between 7/1/22 and 6/30/23. 

The Fountain Society 

$50,000 AND HIGHER 

Anonymous 

Georgia Tuition Assistance Program 

Georgia-Cumberland Conference 

The Estate of Ken and 

Barbara Mittleider 

Southern Union Conference 

The Community Foundation for 

Greater Atlanta 

GCA Visionaries 

$25,000 - $49,999 

AAA Scholarship Foundation 

AdventHealth 

Anonymous 

Arete Scholars 

Janice Buchanan 

Calhoun Adventist Boomer Class 

John and Linda Chung 

General Conference of 

Seventh-day Adventists 

GCA Adventist Church 

Northwest Transportation 

Services, Inc. 

Ron and Christine Herr 

Clyde and Rena Holland 

Gary and Alexandra Hullquist 

Integrity Rehab 

Don and Ruthanne Leeper 

McKee Foods Corporation 

National Christian Foundation 

Vanguard Charitable 

David and Heidi Zinke 

GCA Leaders 

$10,000 - $24,999 

Anonymous 

Collegedale Community 

Adventist Church 

Dalton Adventist Church 

Edward Jones – Calhoun 

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund 

Cory and Sandra Fortner 

Jim and Ginger Gravell 

Bob and Joni Hamilton 

Wally and Carol Hasselbrack 

Richard and Darlene Hickam 

Audwin Nelson and Patrice Holman 

Carlyle and Jeni Ingersoll 

Jenkins Sales, Inc., 


Richard and Sandra Johnson 

Jack and Susan McClarty 

Mark and Barbara McKinney 

Mike and Melissa Murrill 

Ooltewah Adventist Church 

Robert and Ruth Self 

Fernando and Dulce Villarruel 

Dana and Dawn Wales 

Chris and Joni Yamamoto 

GCA Partners 

$2,000 - $9,999 

ACGink 

Jeff and Shawna Wood 

Adairsville Adventist Church 

Anonymous 

Atlanta Metropolitan 

Hispanic Adventist Church 

Atlanta North Adventist Church 

Auburn Adventist Church 

Suzanne Babshaw 

Alisa Bechthold 

Bill and Connie Beckworth 

Scott and Debbie Begley 

Barry and Sandy Benton 

Cheryl Bierbaum 

Bowman Hills Adventist Church 

Marty Briggs 

Tyler and Cheri Britton 

Sheryl Brodie 

Ryan and Traci Brossfield 

Floyd and Evelyn Brown 

Dewey Campbell 

Marialice Carey Morales 

Cartersville Adventist Church 

Chase Farms, Inc., 

Donald and Michelle Chase 

Glen Lee and Ellen Chase 

Chattanooga First Adventist Church 

Cherokee Adventist Church 

Columbus First Adventist Church 

G.A. and Marjorie Compton 


9

“As I work with different families that need financial assistance, I witness the 

most powerful testimonies when the efforts of the parents are met with a financial 

commitment from their friends, family, and church along with donor gifts from the 

Worthy Student Fund. I am in awe of how the alliance of these three components 

make a strong financial cord that allows students to be at GCA.” 

Naila Betances-Diaz, 

Director of Enrollment Services 

Alan and Diane Connelly 

Lyn Connelly 

Jairo Cortes 

Jonas and Anna Courey 

Harold and Jeannie Cunningham 

Lester and Anita Cunningham 

Dalton Hispanic Adventist Church 

Ed and Laura Dancek 

Paula Elkins 

Ellen G. Pflugrad Trust 

Emanuel Adventist Church 

Kathleen Figueroa 

Scott Flemmer 

David Fogg 

Greg and Nancy Gerard 

Kim and Liz Glass 

Justin Gmelich 

Goldman Sachs Gives 

Jose and Amy Gomez 

Brent and Synnova Goodge 

Bill and Juli Hamilton 

John and Blainette Hanson 

Danny and Jackie Harris 

“I just want to 

say, “Thank 

you!” for your 

incredible 

generosity. I have 

loved being able to be 

an RA this year. I could not have had this 

opportunity without your financial help. 

Your support means the world to me!” 

Gwyn Hackler, ’24 

10 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 4 | 2023 

Hieb Farm, 

Keith and Linda Hieb 

Mary Ann Higginbotham 

Hogar Eliasib, Inc. 

Greg and Joely Hudson 


Karl and Diana Kellawan 

Keller Outdoor Landscaping, LLC, 

Bobby Keller 

Eddie and Debbie Klein 

LaGrange Adventist Church 

David and Alina Land 

Jack and Eleanor Langford 

Chris and Becky Lau 

Larry and Barbara Lawrence 

Chung and Ruth Liu 

Zonia Lopez 

Mableton Hispanic Adventist Church 

Jonathan Malloch and Rhonda 

Champion 

Marietta Adventist Church 

McDonald Road Adventist Church 

Kurt and Gail McKinley 

Miami Springs Adventist Church 

Midport Adventist Church 

Monteagle Adventist Church 

Gary and Gayle Moore 

Judy Moore 

Morehead Adventist Church 

Morgan Stanley Gift Fund 

Carine Moura 

Doug and Candace Nesmith 

New Hope Adventist Church 

Johnny and Georgia O’Brien 

Chuck and Chichi Onyeije 

Ron Oxentenko 

Ed and Susan Pan 

Pay It Forward Scholarships 

Larry and Caryn Payne 

Harold and Verna Peters 

Mark and Brenda Richardson 

Ken and Cheryl Rogers 

Denise Salisbury 

Curtis Seebeck 

David and Dorothy Self 

Shelburne RV, 

Steve and Je-Ann Shelburne 

Zach Smith 

Tonda Snoey 

South Atlantic Conference 

Standifer Gap Adventist Church 

Standout Resources Group, 

James and Kara Furness 

Dennis and Tami Starkey 

Don and Doris Starkey 

Vivian Stover 

Frank and Shari Taglavore 

The Artful Asker, 

Marcy Heim 

The Unforgettables Foundation 

of Tennessee, Inc. 

Wayne and Ramona Thompson 

Tri-star Title Co., LLC 

Tullahoma Adventist Church 

Kent and Joan Van Arsdell 

Dorsey and Mary Ellen Van Horn 

Carlyle and Astrid Walton 

Jason and Jessica Warren 

Wendy Dixon Realty, Inc., 

Wendy Dixon 

Mike and June Whalley 

Linwood and Susan Wiley 

Don and Elizabeth Wilson 

Winder Hispanic Adventist Company 

David Woodcock 

Jonathan and Leslie Wurl 

William and Elaine Youngblood

The Academy Club 

$1,000 - $1,999 

ACES Dental, PLLC, 

Mike and Heather Lopez 

Daniel and Susan Kim Ahn 

Kurt Allen 

Aldo and Ileana Ancheta 

Anonymous 

Apison Adventist Church 

Jasmine Arellano 

Silvia Arredondo 

Juanita Avery 


David and Lauri Beamish 

Best Choice Spray Foam 

Insulation, LLC 

Brad and Nancy Billington 

Terri Britt 

Julie Cadavero 

Chester and Jane Clark 

College Press, 

Brad and Jennifer Fisher 

Columbus Adventist Church 

Cumberland Heights Adventist Church 

David & Esther Kim Foundation 

Don and Peggy Day 

Byron and Susan DeFoor 

Marc and Carol Dyke 

Bill and Toni Einhellig 

Everett and Claudia Eklund 

Everts Construction, Inc., 

Jason and Terri Everts 

Raymond and Earlene Freeman 

Matt and Alexia Gariepy 

Serge and LeAnn Gariepy 

Julie Gates 

Daniel Graham 

Greater Collegedale School System 

Green Mountain Forestry, LLC 

C.P. and Felecia Hawkins 

Lea Hernandez 

Robby and Kelly Herr 

High Springs Adventist Church 

Timothy and Sue Hullquist 

Collette Hyde-Montiel 

Ila Restaurant, LLC, 

Barry and Jackie Sinclair 

Felipe Itzep 

Don and Sandy Keele 

Page Kelly 

Jeff and Alicia King 

Jerry and Edith King 

Kevin and Gwen Kossick 

Lorenzo and Merry 

Lynn Lacson 

Sue Lim 

Jonathan and Bree Lowery 

Marty and Svetlana Luttrell 

Martin Leasing, LLC, 

Scot and Krista Martin 

Arlene McFarland 

Randall and Jeanie Meyer 

Harry and Kimberly Miller 

Doug and Julie Mittleider 

Momon Construction, Inc. 

Jonathan and Alana Montes 

Murfreesboro Adventist Church 

Keith and Sharon Murray 

Andy Nall 

North Atlanta Hispanic Adventist 

Church 

North Georgia National Bank 

Mary Orr 

Wayne and Shelly Perry 

Patricia Putnam 

Mary Lou Rahn 

Gary and Denise Rustad 

Joan Ryan 

John and Kathy Schleier 

Tom and Lorraine Self 

SFFC Foundation, Inc. 

Reginald Sherrill 

Sherwin Stewart 

Surgical Hope Foundation, 

Lionel and Kathryn Meadows 

U.S. Foods 

Veggie & Soul Nutrition, 

Samara Sterling 

Cheryl Waldrup 

Virginia Wood 

Woodstock Hispanic Adventist Church 

Rebecca Zacharias 

The Cumberlite Club 

$500 - $999 

Allstate Insurance Co., 

Shayriee Ferguson 

Matt and Lauren Anderson 

Anonymous 

Jennifer Bouz 

“Because of 

your generosity, 

I have had the 

opportunity to 

attend GCA all four 

years and met the best 

friends of my life.” 

Ahmad Samuels, ’24 

Kelvin and Joselyn Burgoyne 

Richard Buschur 

Jim and Jan Campbell 

Carrollton Adventist Church 

Cartersville Hispanic Adventist Church 

Michelle Chin King 

Larry and Tina Curtis 

Julia Daggett 

Vernell Durand 

Jared and Emily Freeman 

Glenn E. Mitchell & Co., Inc. 

Todd and Melinda Goodman 

Charles and Janice Hackett 

Charles and Julie Hanson 

Tom and Regina Harrison 

Victor and Susan Hawkins 

Leon and Evelyn Hill 

Huntington Adventist Church 

Iglesia Adventista del Septimo 

Dia Hispana 

Kirk and Jennifer Jarrett 

Jonesboro South Hispanic 

Adventist Church 

Maria Joseph 

K.C. and Stephanie Larsen 

Steve and Carol Martin 

Chris and Janel McKee 

Wanda Mix 

Charity Muhs 

Dennis and Jennifer Negrón 

Benjamin and Joy Nwadike 

Orchard Park Adventist Church 

Joseph and Debbie Paulson 

Lance Pemberton 

Robbie and Darlene Peterson 


11

“Thank you for your 

financial gifts that provide 

a wonderful place for us 

to stay, study, and grow 

closer to the Lord.” 

Hansen Lee, ’24 

David and Tami Richardson 

Jesmine Rivera 

Maryann Roberts 

Kevin and Charlene Rodman 

Edward and Olga Rojas 

Rome Adventist Church 

Doug Schneider 

Derin and Shannon Scott 

Jason and Marie Skiwski 

Shirley Thoresen 

Bill and Sunshine Waters 

Curt Woods 

Josh and Brittany Woods 

Charles and Joyce Young 

THE FOUNTAIN CLUB 

$100 - $499 

Wendy Adams 

Robert Aldrich 

Amazon 

Erik and Sherri Andersson 

Anonymous 

Chuck and Cindy Arellano 

Ryan Ashlock 

Cheré Atherton 

Rhonda Atkins 

Murdnal Baker 

Jennifer Bandel 

Wendi Barber 

Linda Bassett 

Michelle Bechthold 

Ellen Bedford 

Eddie Benedict 

Matthew Bennett 

Greg and Keila Birge 

David and Carla Bishop 

John and Gale Blount 

Bruce and Dori Boggess 

Stephen and Kerri Boone 

Darron and Ruth Boyd 

Bill and Connie Brackbill 

Steven and Sharon Bremner 

David Brouhard 

Greg Bryant 

Amy Burgett 

Charles and Jemece Burke 

David and Luminita Butler 

Calhoun Adventist Church 

Phil and Christine Campbell 

John and Tenera Carey 

Eldon and Sharlene Carman 

Parker Center 

Richard and Betty Chase 

Truby Christman 

Hoi Sing Chung 

Joe and Amy Cirigliano 

Allen Clark 

Rick Claus 

Debbie Clayton 

Joy Cliett 

Kristy Compton 

David and Stephanie Conrad 

Sparky Cook 

Erin Cook 

Zuath Cortes 

Rebekah Cote 

David and Jean Crittenden 

Gabriel and Thania Cruz 

Mary Curtis 

Rick and Judy Cusick 

John and Carolyn Dalton 

Edmund and Melanie Dapat 

Jim and Pam DeArk 

Rodney Dunkel 

Tressa Dunn 

Robert and Melody Durham 

Elkins Living Trust 

Denny and Jeanne Ennis 

David Ferguson 

Norman and Frances Fickling 

Jeff Fiebelkorn 

Gregory and Candace Foreman 

Joseph Forrest 

Shawn and Angella Forrester 

Darren and Jenny Fowler 

Fred and Renee Fuller 

Jesus and Ines Garcia 

Nelly Gonzalez de Garcia 

Angelo and Katherine Grasso 

George and Melanie Graves 

Shadeed Greenidge 

Holly Greer 

David Hadley 

Ronald and Mary Hagen 

Allen and Pamela Harris 

Maxine Harris 

Richard and Lizanna Harris 

Gene and Bobby Jean Harrison 

Esther Harter 

Virginia Harter 

Lance Hendley 

Roger and Kathy Hernandez 

Jack and Lynne Higdon 

Bradley Hillmon 

Beltha Hinton 

Stephen and Connie Hodges 

Darren and Lorie Holbrook 

Charles and Cherie Holverstott 

Jeff and Jeri Holweger 

Tim and Lorette Hufstetler 

Michelle Hulin 

Todd and Kim Hunt 

Marion and Alice Inman 

Richard Inman 

Craig Jach 

Jerry James 

William and Irma James 

Verdy and Suberina Jocelyn 

Eric Johnson 

Steve and Jennifer Johnson 

Juleun and Melissa Johnson 

Aaron and Michelle Jones 

Mark and Frances Kain 

Randy and Kalie Kelch 

Greg and Mary King 

Chad and Tanya Kirstein 

Shannon Knight 

Vic and Chana Kostenko 

Robert and Reina Kovalski 

Marlene Kreidler 

Stephen and Lisa Kuhlman 

Danny and Kelli Jo Lamberton 

Yung and Carmen Lau 


Learning Labs 

David Lewis 

Laurence and Melanie Lighthall 

LeClare “Litch” and Shelly Litchfield 

Victoria Lloyd-Williams 

Haidring Logreira Pinto 

Arturo and Heidi Lopez 

Brad Lorenz 

Alice Mabuto 

Barry and Sharryn Mahorney 

Brian Martin 

Benito Martinez 

Gilberto and Angeles Mercado 

W.C. and Margaret Merritt 

Jennifer Michel 

Brian and Michelle Milano 

Larry and Joyce Milliken 

Cecil and Judy Mills 

Ira and Cindy Mills, Sr. 

Bill and Kim Mitchell 

Linda Mitchell 

Michael Morgan 

Patricia Muriel 

JD Mutchler 

Constantin and Florica Nazaret 

Emily Nelson 

Oglethorpe Adventist Church 

Bob and Tammy Overstreet 

Geoff Owens 

Diana Oxentenko 

Luther and Melita Palmer 

Margaret Parker 

Debbie Payne 

Ann Pearman 

Joel and Jennifer Peel 

Reyna Penado 

Jeff Pepper 

Gail Phillips Venegas 

Paul and Shannin Pickle 

Maysie Popp 

Belinda Price 

Irish Pugao 

Jeffrey and Dian Rahming 

Real Facts News, LLC 

Christopher and Vanda Richards 

Delma Rigsbee 

Bruce Rogerson 

Rosallainne Rosalita 

Evan and Mariana Salter 

Ana Santiago 

Christopher Santiago 

David and Elizabeth Scott 

Matt Shafer 

Sam and Amanda Shafer 

Eduardo and Silvia Sicalo 

Rosa Sirleaf 

David and Cheryl Smith 

Dominic and Georgie Smith 

Jamie and Tonda Smith 

Valdon and Betsy Smith 

Samantha Somers 

Southern Adventist University 

Richard and Jeanette Spencer 

Elisabeth Spinella 

Darrel and Connie Starkey 

David and Jodi Steele 

Ric and Bea Stitzer 

Rod Storey 

Hudson and Jes Sutton 

Tucker Sutton 

Brenda Tae 

The Benevity Community 

Impact Fund 


Thom and Peggy Theus 

Karah Thompson 

Dennis Thomsen 

Walter and Sandra Tinnin 

Michael and Cindy Tomaszewski 

Mark and Kaitlyn Torsney 

Layla Towers 

Murrell and Danette Tull 

Robert Underwood 

Conrad and Tammy Van Maanen 

Billy and Rhylma Villegas 

Keith Wahlbon 

Johnny and Ellen Walker 

Ashleigh Walton 

Jeremy and Courtney Wampler 

Chadd Watkins 

Mark and Kami 

Wegand 

Jamie Weinberg 

“GCA 

is grateful to 

“Athletics provides students the 

be the recipient of 

generous donations 

from donors who see the value of 

Christian education. The support has 

given students not only the opportunity 

to attend GCA, but for GCA to provide 

quality programming that aids students 

in the school’s mission to know Jesus as 

Savior and Friend, to love God and those 

He brings into our lives, and to serve the 

church and society.” 

opportunity to learn to work with others, 

support teammates, and lead on and off 

the court/field. These skills will transition into 

adulthood, careers, and peer relationships. The 

A’Lisa Sorensen, Vice Principal 

Desiree Wheeler-Hissong 

Janis White 

Jeff and Clare White 

Darryl and Laura Wilkens 

Greg and Deirdre Wilkens 

Yvonne Williams 

Nicole Woodcock 

Jonnye Yates 

John Yost 

Harold Zacharias 

Michael and Beth Zeiss 

financial resources to participate are more available for 

some students than others. With generous donors like you, 

students get an opportunity to be GREAT. Thank you for impacting students that 

you may not even know. The latent effects will be spectacular.” 

Cole Hagele, Athletic Director and Assistant Men’s Dean 


13

ALUMNI DONORS 

THANK YOU TO OUR ALUMNI AND ATTENDEES WHO INVESTED IN GCA 

OVER THE PAST YEAR! TOGETHER, YOU HAVE MADE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE! 

CLASS OF 1966 

Jan (Spivey) Campbell 

Arlene (West) McFarland 

CLASS OF 1967 

Rick Howell 

Nancy (Blow) Howell 

Mary Lou Rahn 

CLASS OF 1968 

Mary (Martin) Hagen 

CLASS OF 1969 

Denny Ennis 

Norman Fickling 

Charles Holverstott 

Caryn (Carman) Payne 

Don Wilson 

CLASS OF 1970 

Barbara (Lee) Bearden 

CLASS OF 1971 

Marialice (Carey) Morales 

Cheryl (McGhee) Rogers 

Debbie (Howe) Payne 

CLASS OF 1972 

Eldon Carman 

CLASS OF 1973 

Alan Ashcraft 

Truby Christman 

Joy (Woodell) Cliett 

Harold Cunningham 

Jeannie (Newgard) Cunningham 

Byron DeFoor 

Susan (Summerour) DeFoor 

Theresa (Klein) Doran 

Candace (Elkins) Foreman 

Lynne (Britt) Higdon 

Geoffrey Owens 

Patricia (Thomson) Putnam 

Janis (Burnside) White 

CLASS OF 1974 

Gale (Blackburn) Blount 

Joni (Liles) Hamilton 

Jeff Holweger 

Eddie Klein 

Mark Richardson 

Barry Sinclair 

CLASS OF 1975 

Nancy (Graves) Billington 

Danny Harris 

Brian Martin 

David Richardson 

Kathy (McGhee) Schleier 

CLASS OF 1976 

Chuck Arellano 

Carolyn (Harris) Dalton 

John Dalton 

George Graves 

Jeff King 

Jeanie (Penner) Meyer 

Brenda (Brown) Richardson 

Tami (Baker) Richardson 

Curt Woods 

CLASS OF 1977 

Tina (Crauswell) Curtis 

Judy (McGhee) Fehlenberg 

Greg King 

Kim (Wygal) Miller 

CLASS OF 1978 

Cheré (Bresee) Atherton 

Richard Harris 

Monty Jenkins 

Andy Nall 

Rhondda (Robinson) Thomas 

Marvin Wilson 

CLASS OF 1979 

David Bishop 

Kim (Buckner) Mitchell 

CLASS OF 1980 

Carmen (Wilson) Lau 

Yung Lau 

Doug Schneider 

Connie (Coble) Starkey 

CLASS OF 1982 

Carol (Dickerhoff) Martin 

Steve Martin 

Jonathan Wurl 

CLASS OF 1983 

Georgia (Butterfield) O’Brien 

Leslie (Johnson) Wurl 

John Yost 

CLASS OF 1984 

Scott Begley 

Dewey Campbell 

Denise (Watley) Salisbury 


CLASS OF 1985 

Todd Hunt 

Steve Johnson 

David Woodcock 

CLASS OF 1986 

Krista (Kent) Martin 

Scot Martin 

CLASS OF 1987 

Stefanie Elkins-Bates 

CLASS OF 1988 

Alan Connelly 

Diane (Artress) Connelly 

Liz (Theus) Glass 

Lance Hendley 

David Kim 

Bob Overstreet 

Joel Peel 

Rhondalyne Reed 

Georgie (Seckler) Smith 

CLASS OF 1989 

Anonymous 

Jennifer (Gibson) Peel 

CLASS OF 1990 

Jeff Brought 

Keith Walhbon 

CLASS OF 1991 

Greg Hudson 

CLASS OF 1992 

Vance Schmidt 

Mike Whalley 

CLASS OF 1993 

Synnova (Hill) Goodge 

David Steele 

Joni (Self) Yamamoto 

CLASS OF 1994 

Jeff Pepper 

CLASS OF 1995 

Jonas Courey 

Darlene (Steele) Peterson 

CLASS OF 1996 

David Self 

CLASS OF 1997 

Terri (Holland) Everts 

Stephanie (Livesay) Larsen 

CLASS OF 1999 

Tiffany (Barefield) Aly 

Jesmine Rivera 

CLASS OF 2000 

Jason Everts 

CLASS OF 2001 

Sara Chase 

Brenda (Riggs) Tae 

CLASS OF 2002 

Jessica (Tunnell) Warren 

CLASS OF 2003 

Josh Woods 

CLASS OF 2004 

Kelly (Klein) Herr 

Kelli Jo (Leeper) Lamberton 

CLASS OF 2005 

Shayriee (Hickman) Ferguson 

Brittany (Gimbel) Stokes 

CLASS OF 2006 

Darren Fowler 

Jenny (Small) Fowler 

CLASS OF 2007 

Becky (Riggs) Lau 

Chris Lau 

Christopher Walton 

CLASS OF 2009 

Kristy Compton 

Melissa (Starkey) Tryon 

Ashleigh Walton 

CLASS OF 2010 

Courtney (Brackbill) Wampler 

CLASS OF 2013 

Jasmine Arellano 

Bree (Paradis) Lowery 

Leah (Teague) Pubillones 

Steven Pubillones 

CLASS OF 2014 

Caleb McKinney 

Carine Moura 

Tucker Sutton 

CLASS OF 2015 

Parker Center 

Brad Lorenz 

CLASS OF 2016 

Hudson Sutton 

Jes (Rosales) Sutton 

CLASS OF 2017 

Kayla Goodman 

CLASS OF 2019 

Jared Freeman 

Allison Ormes 

MOST ALUMNI 

PARTICIPATION 

Class of 1973 

LARGEST DOLLAR 

AMOUNT OF 

GIFTS RAISED 

1st Place 

Class of 1978 

2nd Place 

Class of 1974 

3rd Place 

Class of 1997 


15

70½ 

OR OLDER 

Georgia-Cumberland Academy 

397 Academy Drive SW 

Calhoun, GA 30701 

(706) 625-7169 

bzeiss@gcasda.org 

gcalegacy.org 

YOU CAN 

DIRECT UP TO 

$100,000 

16TH059 

An Easy Way to Transform 

the Lives of GCA Students 

If you are 70½ or older, you can 

direct your IRA administrator to 

distribute a gift from your IRA 

to Georgia-Cumberland Academy. 

Any amount you transfer may 

count against your required 

minimum distribution (RMD), and 

you can direct up to $100,000 to 

your favorite causes this year. 

Making an IRA Rollover Gift is 

Easier Than Ever 

● 

● 

● 

● 

Contact your IRA administrator. 

Because of the popularity of the 

rollover, most administrators 

provide forms and a procedure 

to help you make a rollover gift. 

You can direct a transfer of up to 

$100,000 to be made this year 

from your IRA to GCA. 

You will pay no income taxes 

on the amount transferred. 

Note: Because you are not 

claiming the transferred amount 

as income, you will not receive 

an income tax deduction for 

your gift. 

Please contact Beth Zeiss at 

(706) 625-7169 or 

bzeiss@gcasda.org to let us 

know how you would like your 

gift to be used. 

16 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 4 | 2023 

Rollover 

Your IRA for Good 

Are you frustrated by the required minimum distribution 

rules? 

● 

● 

● 

You must withdraw a portion of your IRA each year based 

upon your age. 

You must pay income tax on the portion you withdraw. 

You will face stiff penalties if you fail to withdraw your RMD. 

By taking a distribution from your IRA this year, you will likely pay 

more in taxes and may even reach a higher tax bracket. Rolling 

over part of your IRA’s "required minimum distribution" or 

"RMD" to Georgia-Cumberland Academy can help reduce your 

tax bill while impacting GCA students for eternity. 

You may not be aware that Congress passed a law that gives you 

another option for your IRA withdrawal. While you must withdraw 

a certain amount of money from your IRA each year, the IRA 

charitable rollover gives you a way to avoid paying income taxes 

and still meet your RMD. 

This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult 

your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation. 

The names and images shown here are representative of typical donors and may or may not be 

actual donors to the organization. Under federal rules your benefits may be different from this 

example. Please contact us for your specific benefits. 

Copyright © 2023 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission.

GCA Welcomes 

New Staff 

Naila 

Betances-Diaz, 

DIRECTOR OF 

ENROLLMENT SERVICES 

Naila joined the GCA family 

in November of 2023. Her 

experience as a higher 

education enrollment 

counselor has been beneficial 

as she led GCA to their 

second highest enrollment since the school opened. She is 

married to Ricardo and has two children – Chiara, ’24, and Yago, 

’27. In her spare time, she enjoys taking walks, listening to and 

making music, or watching a great show or movie. She also loves 

traveling and eating different kinds of foods. 

Cole Hagele, 

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR 

Over the summer, Cole joined 

the GCA family as the athletic 

director and assistant men’s 

dean. He earned a BA from 

Arizona State University in 

multi/interdisciplinary studies 

and completed an internship 

as the athletic director at 

Ozark Adventist Academy 

prior to arriving at GCA. 

Whether it is fishing, hiking, kayaking, or bluff jumping – he and 

his family are ready and waiting for a new adventure to begin. He 

is married to Brittany, and they have four children, and are eagerly 

awaiting the arrival of the fifth in early November. 

Jessica Burns, 

ASSISTANT WOMEN’S 

DEAN 

Originally from Kentucky, 

Jessica graduated from 

Highland Academy. As a high 

school student, she thoroughly 

enjoyed her academy 

experience and dreamed of 

being a girls’ dean one day. 

She attributes her desire to be 

a girls’ dean from the positive experience that she had at academy 

with one of her deans. Several years later, that same dean was 

her work supervisor when Jessica served as a Task Force dean at 

Shenandoah Valley Academy. Jessica holds a BA from Southern 

Adventist University in psychology with a minor an art. She enjoys 

camping, gymnastics, gardening, and taking care of her 

hobby-farm animals. 

Deb Hagele, 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

ASSISTANT 

Deb grew up in Minneapolis 

and raised her family there 

as well. Her desire to be 

closer to her children and 

grandchildren led her to the 

Calhoun area. She enjoys 

the opportunity to assist the 

registrar and administration 

with clerical support. She 

loves her rescue German Shepherd, Roscoe, as well as her 

two tuxedo cats, Nora and Ozzie. Some of her hobbies include 

spending time outdoors biking, hiking, and gardening. 


17

Cali Hann, 

WOMEN’S HEAD DEAN 

Cali grew up familiar with 

boarding school life. Her 

father was a boys’ dean 

for 18 years at various 

boarding schools in the 

Adventist system and her 

mother was an assistant 

girls’ dean for over 10 

years. Cali attended Great 

Lakes Academy, graduating in 1996. In 2001, she earned 

an education degree from Andrews University. She recently 

received an MSE in technology enhanced learning from the 

University of Dayton. Over the past 30 years, she taught 

in Michigan, Vermont, and Ohio. She loves to spend time 

outdoors with her daughter Dahlia when she comes home 

from Andrews University on breaks.Cali has a love for her 

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loves the great outdoors 

and learning new things. She is excited to continue the 

good work of helping to prepare the hearts and minds of 

young ladies to know and love Jesus! 

Tony Kepford, 

MAINTENANCE 

Calling Southern California 

home, Tony Kepford was 

hired at the beginning of 

the 2023-2024 school 

year. From an early age, 

Tony showed that he had 

a talent for taking things 

apart and putting them 

back together successfully. 

He used those mechanical skills to earn a degree in 

computer technology. In his late 20s, he came to know 

God on a deeper level. His life changed as he got involved 

in various outreach ministries. He experienced the impact 

of God’s power in his life and the connections he made 

with others while serving in ministry. He and his wife Amy 

enjoy spending time hanging out with friends. They are the 

parents to their one-year-old son, Silas. 

Isaac Robles, 

MATH AND STEM TEACHER 

Shannon 

Higginbotham, 

TEAM SUPPORT 

COORDINATOR 

Shannon, ’97, also known 

as Coach Shannon, 

has been a part of the 

GCA community since 

1993. After graduating 

from Southern Adventist 

University in 2003, she has worked as a teacher, coach, 

and in church ministries. In her new role as a team support 

coordinator, she hopes to make GCA financially accessible 

to those who want to experience a community that she 

holds so close to her heart. She and her husband Clint, ’99, 

have three children – Maddox, ’26, Deacon, ’27, and Layla 

who is in fifth grade. Shannon and her family enjoy fitness, 

travel, and spending time with family and friends. 

For the past 19 years, Isaac has taught math, Bible, and 

ESL in both the Adventist and public school systems. Born 

and raised in New York for the first 13 years of his life, he 

left the hustle and bustle of the city to live in the mountains 

of Puerto Rico. He graduated from Antillean Adventist 

University with a BS in 

mathematics education. 

He also completed a 

MEd in curriculum and 

instruction with math 

studies from the University 

of Texas at Arlington. He 

believes wholeheartedly 

in expanding God’s 

kingdom through a Christlike 

educational model, 

growing students with 

Christ-like characters for 

this world and the world 

to come. Married to his wife Liria for 17 years, they have 

two daughters – Samara, ’26, and Sofia who is in sixth 

grade. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time 

outdoors, and playing sports. 


BOW WOW WOW: GCA'S NEWEST "STAFF" MEMBERS 

BY SERGE GARIEPY, NANCY GERARD, AND KALIE KELCH 

Thanks to the generosity of GCA 

Alumna, Cathy (Becker) Prather (class 

of '87) of Happy Top Doodles, GCA 

now owns two Australian Bernedoodle 

therapy dogs, Georgia and Koda. 

Mrs. Susan Jenkins, business 

manager, will be Georgia's handler and 

Dr. Chris Harris, school counselor, will be 

Koda's handler. At about the age of 16 

weeks, both dogs will attend “boarding 

school” and begin their training as therapy 

dogs. The end goal will be for 

the dogs to get their “good 

citizen certification” through 

the American Kennel 

Club (AKC). Until then 

they will receive basic 

training and will be loved 

and gently acclimated to 

their new environment. 

Pets have been proven 

to lower anxiety in their owners, 

so we are excited to welcome these two 

puppies to our GCA family. We want to 

see our students thrive as they navigate 

the challenges of life. With the growing 

mental health issues our students face, 

these therapy dogs are another facet 

of our growing student services. 

Dr. Chris Harris began thinking about 

the potential mental health benefits of 

having therapy dogs on campus some 

time ago. “We introduced a therapy dog 

program to directly address student 

stress and anxiety, recognizing the 

genuine comfort and support dogs can 

provide. Their presence alleviates tension, 

offers a calming presence, and aids in 

maintaining the emotional well-being of 

our student body. We believe this initiative 

will positively impact student life 

and culture on our campus." 

Georgia-Cumberland 

Academy is not the first 

high school to receive 

donated dogs for a 

school therapy program 

from the Prathers and 

Happy Top Doodles. 

Cathy says that both North 

Forsyth High school (Cumming, 

Georgia) and Milton High School (Milton, 

Georgia) have received dogs from Happy 

Top Doodles. Cathy is delighted that 

students from her alma mater will now 

have these two pets from which they 

can find comfort and stress alleviation. 

Happy Top Doodles is dedicated to 

breeding 

Austratlian 

Bernedoodles, 

Bernedoodles, 

Goldendoodles, and 

Sheepadoodles with great temperaments 

and dispositions. Their website asks the 

question: “What makes a doodle special? 

Doodles are smart. They make great 

service and therapy dogs…Doodles 

also shed less than many other breeds.” 

We think our two new Bernedoodles, 

Georgia and Koda, will be a perfect fit 

for Georgia-Cumberland Academy. 

The therapy dog program will be 

an ongoing program that will need the 

financial support of donors. If you are a 

dog lover, or just someone who values the 

mental health of our students and would 

like to support this program, go to: 

https://gcasda.org/support and select 

“Other” in our list of giving options. 

Then please write in “Dogs” or “Dog 

Therapy Program” in the comment 

box. Thank you in advance for your 

support of this new program! 

gcasda.org/support 

Introducing Matt Durante, '10, 

GCA ALUMNI PRESIDENT-ELECT 

Originally from Los Angeles, California, 

Matt now considers the South to be his 

home. While serving at Cohutta Springs 

Youth Camp, he felt the pull towards 

ministry and decided to become a pastor. 

After graduating from Southern Adventist 

University in 2015, he began his pastoral 

ministry at the Bowman Hills Adventist 

Church in Cleveland, Tennessee as an 

associate pastor. He is currently the 

senior pastor of the Knoxville First Church 

in Tennessee. Matt’s personal mission 

is to “equip others with the knowledge 

and desire of allowing Jesus to saturate 

His work in all dimensions of life with an 

emphasis in empowering and equipping 

young adults for spiritual leadership.” 

Matt has been married to his wife Kat 

for seven years and they have a one-yearold 

daughter named Emeliana Lin. In their 

free time, Matt and Kat enjoy reading, 

being outdoors, and spending time with 

friends and family. He looks forward to 

working with the alumni association over 

the course of his term of service, as he 

becomes better acquainted with alumni, 

students, and staff. 


19

ALUMNUS FROM 

THE CLASS OF 2016 

GIVES BACK 

Jonathan 

(L), instructs 

an Acroflyer 

member on 

proper form 

We are always inspired by young alumni who choose 

to make giving a part of their lifestyle. Jonathan 

Alexandre, ’16, also known as Coach Jonathan, is 

an alumnus that has put forth a conscious effort to 

not only give back to Georgia-Cumberland Academy 

financially, but also to give of his time and expertise. 

Over the past several years, he has become a 

valuable part of the GCA Acroflyers volunteer staff. 

Jonathan’s GCA experience began when he attended 

a GCA Academy Days event as an eighth grader. After 

the event, his family made the decision that they wanted 

Jonathan and his brother, Gemel, ’16, to attend GCA. 

Coming up with the finances to attend, however, was 

challenging for his family. Because of the generosity 

of donors, Jonathan and Gemel were able to attend 

Georgia-Cumberland Academy all four years. 

Jonathan tried to take advantage of all the educational 

and extra-curricular opportunities available to him upon 

arriving at GCA. During his sophomore year, Jonathan 

made it onto the Acroflyers team and remained on the team 

until his graduation. Being a part of Acroflyers created a 

second family for him. When the opportunity to once again 

be involved in Acroflyers presented itself, his positive 

student experiences as a gymnastics team member made 

the decision easy. Jonathan shared, “I am where I am 

today only because of the investments made into me as 

I was growing up. Each person’s contribution played a 

part in my success. My hope is that by doing the same, I 

can help GCA students get a little bit better each day.” 

Bruce Boggess, Acroflyers Head Coach, appreciates 

Jonathan’s involvement with the team. Bruce 

says, “Jonathan has been a great part of GCA’s 

gymnastics program since he was a student here. It 

is awesome to see an alumnus who benefitted from 

the team now giving back. Not only is he a financial 

supporter, having sponsored several students, but he 

consistently gives of his time and efforts. Jonathan is 

a great coach and a great mentor for the team.” 

Jonathan hopes that through his gifts of time and money, 

he can help others experience the great friendships and 

personal growth he had while here. He encourages 

alumni to join him in giving back to their alma mater. He 

states, “It doesn’t matter who you are. No one gets to 

where they are on their own. We all need help in some 

form or another. I am where I am because of the help 

I have received. Your support, no matter how small, 

can make a huge wave of difference in someone’s 

life in the days, months, and years to come.” 

Do you have a financial gift or a gift of time or talent that 

you would like to share with GCA students? Your gifts can 

impact students now and for years to come. For more 

information on ways to partner with GCA, contact Nancy 

Gerard at (770) 548-3233 or ngerard@gcasda.org. 


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. 

SHERRY (ALFORD) CLAPP, ’70, recently 

retired after teaching for 30 years in the Texas 

Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Shortly 

after her retirement, she accepted a position 

as principal at Jefferson Christian Academy, 

an Adventist school in Jefferson, Texas. She 

and her husband Gene have been married for 

almost 50 years and have two adult sons who 

have married. Those unions have resulted in 

Sherry’s pride and joy - four grandchildren. 

1 ROGER DUDLEY, GCA guidance 

counselor from 1977-1980, passed away on 

September 15, 2023, at the age of 92. For over 

40 years, he conducted important studies 

within the Adventist church focused on gaining 

a better understanding of youth engagement 

and church growth. He served as the director 

of the Institute of Church Ministry as well as an 

emeritus professor of Christian Ministry at the 

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary 

of Andrews University until his retirement in 

2000. As an author, co-author, and editor of 16 

books and numerous articles, Roger presented 

content related to parenting and young 

people in the church. His wife Peggy preceded 

him in death after 68 years of marriage. A 

joint memorial service for Roger and Peggy 

was held on October 21, 2023, at Pioneer 

Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 

LILLY (BOLES) TRYON, ’80, recently 

co-authored Health Promotion and Disease 

Prevention for Advanced Practice, a health 

promotion textbook. Lilly is a professor at 

Southern Adventist University’s School of 

Nursing and also practices part-time at A 

Pattern Medical Clinic and at Volunteers 

in Medicine in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

PETER HWANG, ’93, recently started 

a new career as a real estate agent with 

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 

Georgia Properties, selling both 

commercial and residential properties. 

2 Congratulations to ERIK AND 

SHERRI (EDGMON) BAKLAND, ’05, 

on the birth of their son, Sage Michael. 

Sage was born on May 17, 2023, weighing 

8 pounds and measuring 20 inches long. 

3 SHAQUILA “SHAYRIEE” 

(HICKMAN) FERGUSON, ’05, and her 

husband Preston are the proud parents 

of their newest arrival, Prestige. Born 

on August 20, 2023, Prestige weighed 8 

pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20 inches long. 

4 TYLER KLINNER, ’07, passed away 

on August 18, 2023. Prior to his death, 

Tyler worked as a registered nurse at 

Moccasin Bend Hospital in Chattanooga, 

Tennessee. A memorial service was held 

on October 14, 2023 at the Ooltewah 

Adventist Church in Tennessee. 

5 BRYAN AND SHELBY (WILDMAN) 

BANKHEAD, ’09, welcomed Philip Michael 

to their family on July 30, 2023. At birth, Philip 

was 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and 20 inches long. 

Bryan and Shelby are doing well, and big 

brother Porter is excited to have a playmate. 


21

CONGRATULATIONS TO LYNETTE ANDERSON, 

former GCA registrar from ’75-’78 (and wife of Lyle Anderson, GCA principal ’73-’77) 

who turned 100 on September 18, 2023! A celebration was held with family and 

friends on September 16, 2023, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Lynette, reflecting on 

her years at GCA, said, “GCA will stay in my memory as working with people who 

were friendly, kind, and welcoming.” The students quickly became our extended 

family. It was a delight to receive birthday cards for my 100th birthday from 

students. I have fond memories of my days at Georgia-Cumberland Academy.” 

Congratulations to GREG CHASE, ’09, on the 

completion of his training program, resulting 

in the promotion to the rank of first officer. 

He currently flies 777F planes for FedEx. 

6 CASSIA (GALLIMORE) 

OWEN, ’09, and her husband Austin, 

recently welcomed their third child, 

Beckham Edward on June 6, 2023. 

JOEL GREVE, ’11, accepted a new 

position as the chaplain and Bible teacher 

at Spring Valley Academy in Ohio. 

7 LAURA (CHASE) SHETH, ’13, 

recently completed the nurse practitioner 

program through Vanderbilt University. 

8 Congratulations to JAMIL AND 

VANESSA (HERNANDEZ) HAIRSTON, 

’14, on the birth of their daughter, Ismari 

Symone. Born on September 27, 2023, 

Ismari weighed 7 pounds and 14 ounces 

at birth. She is happy and healthy, and 

her parents are thrilled that God has 

blessed them with their daughter. 

9 LIZZIE (WILLIAMS) HICKMAN, 

’15, along with her husband Jay, welcomed 

Kalvin Daniel on July 

21, 2023. At birth, he 

weighed 8.1 pounds and and was 21 inches long. 

10 LAKEN (SCOTT) FREEDLE, ’18, graduated 

married her college sweetheart Luke on July 9, 

2023 in an intimate wedding with family and 

friends. The next day, she started a new job as 

the church office manager of the GCA Church. 

She and her husband are the proud parents of 

their three-year-old bunny named Patricia. 

11 ALEXIS (CASTRO) GRENTZ, ’18, was wed 

to Brandon Grentz on September 

18, 2023, at Blackberry Ridge, a 

wedding venue in Trenton, Georgia. 

12 BRANDON HUDSON, 

’18, graduated from Gordon 

County Fire and Rescue, along 

with six other students after 

completing a 10-week-long class. 

He has accepted a position with 

the Gordon County, Georgia Fire Department. 

13 SHELBY (HUSE) KAMIENESKI, ’18, was 

married to her sweetheart Ryan on August 27, 

2023, at Black Fox Farms in Cleveland, Tennessee. 


FRIDAY, APRIL 5 

10 AM – 31st Annual Wally Fox Memorial 

Golf Tournament – Fields Ferry Golf Club 

7:30 PM – Vespers 

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 

9:30 AM – Welcome Home Breakfast 

10:45 AM – Worship Service 

Lunch 

Afternoon – Honor Class Reunions 

7:30 PM – Eventide 

8:30 PM – Alumni vs. GCA Sports Night 

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 

10 AM – Ride for GCA Motorcycle Event 

Register for the weekend and all events at 

www.gcasda.org/alumni-weekend 

Save the Date for Alumni Weekend 2024! 

April 5-7, 2024 

We are celebrating honor classes ending in 4’s and 9’s. For more information, please contact 

your class reunion organizer or Nancy Gerard (ngerard@gcasda.org) for more information! 

Name Email Phone Class 

Caryn (Carman) Payne cpayne@gccsda.com (706) 264-7042 1969 

Kathy (Greenman) Burdorf jeanne567483@gmail.com (320) 267-1126 1974 

Joni (Liles) Hamilton joniham@epbfi.com (423) 400-0182 1974 

Lynn (Anderson) Young lynn@otrhomes.com (864) 706-7183 1974 

Melanie (Wurl) DiBiase mdibiase@southern.edu (770) 314-1216 1979 

Scott Begley pianoman7000@gmail.com (423) 366-4849 1984 

TBD 1989 

TBD 1994 

Clint Higginbotham chigginbotham@gcasda.org (470) 230-9785 1999 

Paulette Greene pegreene33@gmail.com (423) 552-4063 2004 

Ashleigh Walton walton.ashleigh@gmail.com (423) 972-5562 2009 

Cheyenne Pearson cacostap96@gmail.com (678) 764-2612 2014 

Courtney (Day) Stephens couday14@gmail.com (678) 637-9396 2014 

Zach Kirstein zkirstein@southern.edu (706) 503-2216 2019 

Toni Sargeant toniksargeant@gmail.com (678) 740-4744 2019 


23

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 

KALIE KELCH 

K.C. LARSEN 

JOSH WOODS 

BETH ZEISS 

Save the Date for Alumni Weekend 2024! 

APRIL 5-7, 2024 

HONOR CLASSES 

1969 | 1974 | 1979 | 1984 | 1989 | 1994 | 1999 | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 2019

Annual Report 2023

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