Cumberlite 2024 Issue 1

THE
BOARDING
SCHOOL
DIFFERENCE
BY KALIE KELCH
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.
The benefits of a boarding school
education are substantial, but from what
our students and parents are saying, these
are the Big Three.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Georgia-Cumberland Academy offers
strong academic and extracurricular
programs taught by highly qualified
faculty, but one thing that sets GCA
apart from day schools is that faculty
and students spend more time together
outside of the classroom. These
connections with staff create natural
mentoring moments that help students
grow and mature.
Not only do students develop close
bonds with faculty and staff, but they
create long-lasting peer friendships thanks
to the fact they do everything together—
attend classes, eat meals, hang out at
evening rec, spend time in the dorm,
attend worship services, play sports, etc.
In a world where digital interaction is
too often the main mode of connection,
people need human interaction.
According to a Pew Research survey, 60%
of teens say “they spend time with their
friends online every day or almost every
day, compared with 24% who spend time
with their friends in person with the same
frequency (not including school or schoolrelated
activities).” What does this mean
for the future of our kids’ relationships?
Boarding students consistently talk
about the connections they make at GCA.
“I have created more relationships than I
would have even guessed. Not just with
my peers, but with staff. I am confident
that I have formed
bonds that will
last me even after
my high school
career,” said
Maleah Edwards,
a four-year senior.
Parents of
boarding students
value those
connections, too.
“I appreciate
GCA being a
second family
to my children.
They have been
shown so much
love and support.
The Christian
faculty and
friends have made
a great impact
on my children
to help them
grow spiritually,
academically, and
emotionally,” said
Vernice Smith, parent
of Michael, ’23, and
Noah, ’25.
All this time
together means
that students learn
important conflictresolution
skills. Living
together in such a
close-knit community
encourages dialogue,
acceptance, and
problem solving. In a
world characterized
by division,
GCA fosters
togetherness,
even when people
don’t see eye to
eye.
“Dorm life
lets the kids
learn to be
independent
early in their
lives, be more
responsible,
be able to live
among different
kinds of cultures
2 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024

and upbringings of others, and help them
find themselves,” said Merry Lacson,
parent of Lyra, ’24, and Lorenzo, ’15
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Like most Christian schools, you’ll
find that devotionals and prayer are a
common practice in our classrooms, but
the difference at GCA is that students are
encouraged to take responsibility for their
relationship with God and make it their
own. No longer living with their parents
full-time, students are encouraged to
think for themselves and to develop their
own walk with God.
“The teachers and staff on this campus
are not just here to teach. They are here
to share the amazing message of the
gospel. They are here to come alongside
these young people and share life with
them. They desire to show them what
Jesus means to them and how amazing
a life lived with Him and for Him can be,”
said Dawn Self, parent of Brianna, ’21,
Emily, ’23, and Andrew, ’25.
The spiritual influences are even more
positive and profound in a boarding
school setting where the interactions
occur with greater frequency and
students are engaged in a greater number
of spiritually focused activities. “There’s
no telling where I’d be if I had stayed
in public school with my middle school
friends. I know their negative influence
would’ve held me back. My friends at
GCA have helped me grow closer to God,
because He is a part of every aspect of life
at GCA,” said Clancy Phillips, ‘24.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
“When I look back, I notice some very
visible differences within myself. For one,
I’m more confident,” said Maleah, ’24.
This is not a surprise when you realize
the countless leadership opportunities
available to students at GCA. First off,
every student has an on-campus job and
is taught responsibility in the workplace.
Beyond work, students can assume
leadership roles such as class or student
association officers who are responsible
for planning class events, fundraising
activities, banquets, and so much
more. Furthermore, due to the integral
relationship with the GCA Church,
students have opportunities to serve in
children’s Sabbath School classes, on
the AV team, and with the food ministry
program, to name a few positions.
These activities empower students and
encourage them to invest in their church
and school. Time and time again, they rise
to the occasion, grow in their capabilities,
and increase their confidence.
In addition to students growing in
peer leadership, students also grow in
self-leadership. From doing laundry and
going on town trips, to staying on top of
schoolwork and managing their weekly
responsibilities, students learn important
time management skills that will serve
them in college and beyond.
“GCA is an excellent preparation for
college, in an environment set up like
a small college, yet students have the
protection and oversight you want for
your child between the ages of 14 to
18,” said Sally Garrido, mom of Anthony,
’26, and Alexander, ’27. “This school
fosters opportunities for students to
grow and mature as they are encouraged,
rewarded, and supervised in ways
that allow them to safely explore their
potential and passions.”
STILL RELEVANT,
STILL PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN
TRANSFORMING LIVES
To some people, boarding schools seem
like a thing of the past, but GCA continues
to grow with the times. A boarding school
education is more relevant than ever in
today’s society.
In a world that is increasingly chaotic,
it is our responsibility as parents, church
members, and eductaors to nurture our
children’s relationship with God and
prepare them to lead through love. By
cultivating healthy relationships, keeping
God at the forefront of all we do, and
empowering students to lead, in a safe
environment, we are giving them the best
opportunity at successfully launching into
adulthood and making a difference in this
world.
CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024
3

Forward
Together
TOWARD A
NOBLE PURPOSE
BY NANCY GERARD
November 1961: “The Georgia-Cumberland Conference
has officially started the most ambitious project in its history.
Groundbreaking of the first major building for the new boarding
academy marked the commencement of construction…Groundbreaking
symbolizes the effort of a people to dig into the earth,
to lay foundations, to raise superstructures, forming buildings
that spell progress and success. This beautiful site and useful plot
of dedicated ground appears to have been marked by God for
this noble purpose.” Oscar L. Heinrich, Director of Church Development
Service, Southern Union Conference.
The “noble purpose” Oscar Heinrich referred to was the beginning
of what later became Georgia-Cumberland Academy, the
boarding school that would open the doors of Adventist Education
for young people in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference.
For nearly 60 years Georgia-Cumberland Academy has provided
Adventist Education to students for whom local access was not
an option. Boarding students have been the dominant student
demographic through the years and the dormitory experience
has been celebrated as a very positive aspect of the GCA experience.
Its “noble purpose” is still being fulfilled!
A season of economic and enrollment success some years ago
gave GCA leaders the courage to begin dreaming big about facility
needs and how the school might be taken to the next level
of excellence. With prayer and the encouragement of donors,
Georgia-Cumberland Academy launched a major, comprehensive
Conceptual drawing of dorm exterior
fundraising campaign in 2015 that was called Continuing the
Mission.
From 2015-2020, God inspired donors to give more than
$21,000,000 to Georgia-Cumberland Academy for new and
renovated facilities, student scholarships and endowments, and
program enhancements! The students and staff, as well as the
entire Georgia-Cumberland Conference, are now blessed with a
thriving Adventist educational environment, thanks to the generosity
of donors!
When the Continuing the Mission campaign ended in 2020,
donors began asking the question, “What’s next?”
Considering current needs and what was not addressed in the
Continuing the Mission campaign, our next steps became obvious.
The dormitories needed to be the next major capital project
for Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
Why invest in dormitories? Welcoming, safe, comfortable,
and well-functioning dormitories are key to attracting families
and students and will play a major role in the future success of
Georgia-Cumberland Academy. A strong residence hall program
better serves the needs of families and ensures a robust enrollment
for GCA. Even day/village families want the full boarding
program that the school offers; not a typical day school schedule
that ends at 3 pm. With that being the case, the dormitories
are a vital facilities piece since this is “home” to GCA’s boarding
students.
Looking to the future, plans are being developed to make
significant improvements to dorm rooms, bathrooms, laundry
4 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024

facilities, and lobbies. We have listened to students and parents talk
about their concerns and wishes regarding the dormitories. Facilities
experts have been consulted and conceptual illustrations have
been produced by architects. Now it is time to move forward!
In addition to enhancements to the dormitories, other unmet
facility needs will be addressed in the next few years. And along
with capital needs, the comprehensive fundraising campaign will
also address expanding endowments and scholarships and enhancing
academic and extra-curricular programs, all of which will help
secure a strong future for GCA.
A campaign advisory committee is in place to guide us through
a new campaign. A building committee has been formed to guide
decisions regarding building plans and construction. Lead gifts are
being secured to fund the dorm renovations. The doors have been
opening and God is leading us forward!
You will be hearing more in the coming weeks and months about
a new campaign that will officially launch at Alumni Weekend 2024.
We hope you will join us on Sabbath, April 6 for a groundbreaking
celebration for this new initiative which will make significant improvements
to the dormitories.
The future of Georgia-Cumberland Academy is bright, and YOU
are invited to partner with us as we step into the future! Thank you
to those who have already made generous commitments and gifts
to ensure the success of these next steps.
Please join us as we pursue a bright future for Georgia-
Cumberland Academy! Let us lock arms, committed to moving
Forward Together!
WHAT’S NEXT?
FACILITIES | $6.5 MILLION
• A $6 MILLION transformation of both
dormitories to renovate dorm rooms, and
expand lobbies, restrooms, laundry facilities,
and deans’ offices
• $500,000 to renovate the chemistry/physics lab
and other key facilities
STUDENT SUPPORT | $5 MILLION
• Expand merit-based scholarships
• Increase need-based scholarships
• Build endowments for recurring support
PROGRAMS | $1 MILLION
• Increased staffing for mental health services
• Part-time staff positions to expand and improve
student safety
• Increase funding for academic and
extracurricular programs
CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024
5

Luke Villarruel, ’24,
is videotaped while
sharing a thank you
message to donors
Students
participating in
a gratitude walk
around campus
GCA HOLDS INAUGURAL
GRATITUDE DAY EVENT
BY NANCY GERARD
Your generosity is having an eternal
impact at Georgia-Cumberland Academy!
Right before Thanksgiving home leave, the
GCA school family took time to talk about
the generosity of our friends who love
and support Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
Students do not always make the
connection between donors who give to
GCA and the actual experience they get to
have at GCA. They might not think about
how donor generosity and the support
of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference,
churches, individuals, and businesses
make every aspect of GCA possible.
Gratitude Day, as we called this inaugural
event, began with a special gathering
of the student body and staff to talk
about the impact of generosity on their
GCA experience and to hear from donors
as to why they give. Later that day, the
entire school was engaged in thank-you
note writing, and then divided into small
group activities that focused on gratitude.
One of the small group activities
included a gratitude walk, where groups
visited various parts of campus that
would not exist if it were not for generosity.
Other activities included bagging
up cookies to give as thank-you
gifts, making videos to say thank you,
doing a Bible study on gratitude, and
spending time praying for our donors.
Serge Gariepy, principal, felt that the
day was a success. “Whether or not
students need financial help to be at
GCA, Gratitude Day was an opportunity
for ALL students to better understand the
role generosity plays on this campus. We
feel it is very important that students can
connect the dots between the amazing
experience they have at GCA and the
generosity of our donors. Everyone’s
GCA experience would be very different
if it were not for our very generous
donors, and Gratitude Day gave us the
opportunity to underscore this point.”
Marli Mitchell, ’24, also felt like Gratitude
Day was an important activity for
students. “Gratitude Day is so valuable because
it shows us how important donors
are to our school. Throughout the day, we
learned everything that donations have
done to improve GCA. For me personally,
seeing GCA grow as my siblings have come
and gone, and now as I am about to graduate,
is amazing! The facilities are topnotch
and that’s all thanks to generosity.”
We are grateful to our donors’ generosity
that makes possible the many
life-changing experiences our students
can have at Georgia-Cumberland Academy!
We acknowledge that ultimately every
good and perfect gift comes from God
and thank Him for our many blessings!
Scan this QR code
to view some of our
student messages of
gratitude to our donors.
6 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024

ALUMNI SUPPORT
GCA CAREER DAY
BY BETH ZEISS
GCA’S ANNUAL CAREER DAY
provides an amazing opportunity
for students to have exposure to
a wide variety of potential career
options through multiple session
presentations. This year, students
were honored to have a wonderful
panel of presenters including
alumni Melanie (Wurl) DiBiase, ’79,
David Steele ’93, Steve Shelburne,
’97, and Jared Freeman, ’19.
Dr. Chris Harris, GCA Director
of Counseling and Guidance
was the event coordinator. He
appreciated the support of all the
presenters who offered their time
and expertise to make Career
Day a success, and especially
the contributions by GCA alumni.
“Alumni coming back for Career
Day stands as living proof of the
harmony between education and
faith. They offer a real-life link
between learning and success,
motivating students to pursue
God’s vision and reach for their
goals. This gesture of returning is
more than just generous - it’s truly
inspiring.”
Jared Freeman, a chemist at
McKee Foods, was happy to
present on how a degree in
chemistry opened opportunities
for him to work in the field of food
science. He stated that alumni
involvement “brings real-world
insights and experiences to
current students and enriches
their learning by preparing them
for future challenges. Active
alumni engagement also creates
networking opportunities that
provide students with valuable
contacts and potential mentors in
their future careers.”
We love having alumni involved
at GCA! Do you have an interest
in enhancing the GCA student
experience through a career
mentoring program or event?
Contact Nancy Gerard at
ngerard@gcasda.org
for more information.
CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024
7

397 Academy Drive SW
Calhoun, GA 30701
(706) 625-7169
Beth Zeiss, Asst. Director of Alumni & Dev.
bzeiss@gcasda.org | gcalegacy.org
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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.
Congratulations to MARK
RICHARDSON, ’74, DAVID,
’75, and BRENDA (BROWN)
RICHARDSON, ’76, and JOHN
RICHARDSON, ‘80, who all celebrated
their retirement from Learning
Labs, Inc., on December 20, 2023.
HOWARD HALL, ’81, passed away
in January 2024. Howard’s love of
athletics was first fostered at GCA
through the mentorship of Coach
Fox. He spent many years serving
as a referee for the NCAA.
1 On October 27, 2023, IVAN
WILLIAMS, SR., ’81, accepted a
new role as the North American
Division Vice President for Strategic
Planning and Leadership.
2 CATHY (CONNELLY) STONE, ’88,
passed away suddenly on December
9, 2023. Cathy was known for her
service-oriented dedication to help
others and first had an interest in the
field of social work while at GCA. She
is survived by her husband, David; two
children, Aiden and Erin; her mother
Lyn Connelly; her brother and sister-inlaw,
Alan and Diane (Artress) Connelly,
’88; and a host of family and friends.
3 GREG HUDSON, ’91, is the new
pastor of the Ringgold and Rossville
Adventist churches in Georgia. His first
Sabbath on staff was October 21, 2023.
4 JERICA (MOORE) MALONE, ’04,
and her husband Coty welcomed their
son, Callan Arlan on December 3, 2023.
At birth, Callan weighed six pounds, 13
ounces and was 18.5 inches in length.
5 Congratulations to MOLLY
(COBLE) KEPHART, ’08, who married
her sweetheart Kevin on October
21, 2023, in Calhoun, Georgia.
6 BRUCE BANKHEAD, ’09, married his
best friend Esther on August 11, 2023.
7 GREG CHASE, ’09, and his wife
Beth, welcomed their son Grey Wayne
on November 4, 2023. At birth,
Grey weighed seven pounds, two
ounces, and was 19 inches long.
8 ANDY WILDMAN, ’09, and his
wife Alia, celebrated the birth of
their daughter Madeline Scott on
January 17, 2024. They are thrilled
to have Madeline at home, and
their two-year old daughter Molly
is excited to be a big sister.
9 DJ AND GABI (PASOS) HASKINS,
’11, celebrated the birth of their
daughter Kalia Skye on September 7,
2023. At birth, Kalia weighed six pounds,
four ounces and was 19 inches long.
10 CODY PAIGE, ’11, was ordained
to the gospel ministry on August
26, 2023, by Georgia-Cumberland
Conference officials. He currently
serves as the senior pastor for
the Southside and Atlanta Metro
District churches in Georgia.
JANELLE DOBSON, ’16, is currently
studying choral conducting at
Andrews University. On November
4, 2023, she had the privilege of
conducting the Andrews University
Singers & Chorale as they presented
Songs of Hope, Songs of Praise.
11 ANDREW KORP, ’16, completed
an MDiv from Andrews University
in December 2023 and has
accepted a position as the associate
pastor at the Duluth Adventist
Church in Duluth, Georgia.
ALEXIS (CASTRO) GRENTZ, ’18,
recently accepted a position as the
Director of Student Life and Activities
at Southern Adventist University.
12 SHELBY (HUSE) KAMIENESKI,
’18, was married to her sweetheart
Ryan on August 27, 2023, at Black
Fox Farms in Cleveland, Tennessee.
ADRIANN STAHL, ’18, was
accepted into Techtronic Industries’
Leadership Development Program
as a representative for field sales
and marketing. Techtronic Industries
is based out of Hong Kong and
CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024
9

designs, produces, and sells power
tools, hand tools, outdoor power
equipment, and floor care appliances.
JONATHAN STOVER, ’18, graduated
from Southern Adventist University in
May 2023 with degrees in computer
science and business, along with a
minor in math. He is currently working
at Southern Adventist University as
a teaching technology specialist.
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
13 NOELLE (LUCAS) CANTRELL,
’19 and her husband WILL, ’20,
welcomed Asher Matthias on December
9, 2023. At birth, Asher weighed
six pounds and one ounce. Mom,
Dad, and Asher are all doing well.
JARED FREEMAN, ’19, accepted
a position as a research and
design chemist for McKee Foods
in Collegedale, Tennessee.
14 ALLISON ORMES, ’19, graduated
from the LPN program at Dalton State
College. Leah (Teague) Pubillones,
’13, pinned Allison at the ceremony.
MARIRUTH RUNYON, ’19, accepted
a position as a human resources
specialist for Covenant Logistics,
located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
15 Congratulations to NATHAN AND
GRACIE (JENKINS) GRISWOLD, ’20,
who were married on October 8, 2023
at Becky Branch Barn, an outdoor venue
in Ranger, Georgia. Nathan is working
at AdventHealth Redmond Hospital as
an ICU nurse while also working on his
BSN. Gracie works as a dental assistant
for a dental practice in Calhoun.
16 DEVIN SCHLISNER, ’20, graduated
summa cum laude from Union College
with a BA in mathematics and an
AS in business administration.
KATELYN KELCH, ’21, graduated
from Southern Adventist University on
December 14, 2023, with an associate
degree in physical therapy assisting.
Congratulations to NOELLE STONER,
’21, who earned certification as an
occupational therapy assistant.
MATTHEW DORMUS, ’22, is
a sophomore theology major at
Oakwood University. He recently cofounded
and currently co-anchors a
newscast called Good Morning OU
that aims to improve communication
in the Oakwood community. More
information about the telecast can
be found at www.gmoushow.com.
MATTHEW TAYLOR, ’22, attends
Southern Adventist University where
he serves as a Student Association
senator, as well as chairman of the
Public Relations Committee.
GCA ALUMNI PIZZA PARTIES
IN TENNESSEE AND MICHIGAN
Alumni, along with current and former staff connected for food and
fellowship on November 7, 2023, at Southern Adventist University
and November 9, 2023, at Andrews University. Attendees enjoyed a
pizza supper along with the opportunity to visit and reminisce with
friends. To keep up to date on future alumni regional events in your
area, visit www.gcasda.org/regional-events.
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
10 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024

Alumni Weekend 2024!
April 5-7, 2024
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
10:00 AM
31st Annual Wally
Fox Memorial Golf
Tournament –
Fields Ferry Golf Club
7:30 PM
Vespers: featuring an
alumni panel led by
Tron Wilder, ’97
9:30 AM
Welcome Home Breakfast
10:45 AM
Worship Service:
featuring Nate Dubs, ’04
LUNCH
following the worship service
2:00 PM
Honor Class Reunions
6:30 PM
Groundbreaking and Reception
8:30 PM
Alumni vs. GCA Sports Night
11:00 AM
Zachary M. Negrón
Unforgettable 5K Race
GCA Soccer Field
Register online using
QR code, or in person
beginning at 9:00 AM
RSVP for all weekend events at www.gcasda.org/alumni-weekend
Unless otherwise noted, all events take place in the Wally Fox Wellness Center
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 lynnotr@gmail.com (864) 706-7183 1974
Melanie (Wurl) DiBiase mdibiase@southern.edu (770) 314-1216 1979
Scott Begley pianoman7000@gmail.com (423) 366-4849 1984
Angela See angelasee71@yahoo.com (931) 337-2023 1989
Scott Anderson dr_dock@hotmail.com (423) 619-9055 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
Lucy Casas ilovelucy70@yahoo.com (423) 508-9839 2014
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) CUMBERLITE 740-4744 ISSUE 2019 1 | 2024
11

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:
NAILA BETANCES-DIAZ
MARTY BRIGGS
SERGE GARIEPY
NANCY GERARD
JANET NAUS
ROBBIE PETERSON
DENNIS STARKEY
MARK TORSNEY
BETH ZEISS
Alumni Weekend 2024!
April 5-7, 2024
12 CUMBERLITE ISSUE 1 | 2024
HONOR CLASSES
1969 | 1974 | 1979 | 1984 | 1989 | 1994 | 1999 | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 2019