Sunday, July 22, 2012

Mrs. Smith attends CSP Workshop in UM

In late June the Center for Sustainable Polymers at the University of Minnesota held its first Bioplastics Workshop for Teachers. Teachers learned a new lab where students convert starch to plastic and test the properties of their samples. The workshop included participants from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, Georgia, and New York.
It was a great opportunity to understand sustainable polymers because this is what Danimer and Meredian use to make their products. Danimer and Meredian are two local companies.  All travel expenses and hotel accommodations were paid for by the Center for Sustainable Polymers.  She is looking forward to using her new knowledge in her classroom.  She hopes to tie it in with a field trip to both Bainbridge companies.

Mrs. Smith plans to share her new knowledge with others in the county. Throughout the last school year, Mrs. Smith met with a number of business employees, Decatur County teachers and administrators, and Bainbridge College employees to discuss implementing components of the new STEM grant for Decatur County.  “Stem” is the new buzz word in education.  Many school supply catalogs and workbooks use this new buzz word to sell their products or introduce a new classroom activity.  It is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unfortunately, the USA is not at the top when it comes to preparing students for STEM related jobs.  Preparing students to be STEM ready means that they have had opportunities to participate in a projects based program that addresses community problems along side of local businesses.  The projects would require knowledge and application of the components of STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).


Playground under Construction!!

GCA Playground being reconstructed!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Strickland Joins GCA Administration

The GCA School Board and Administration are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Administrative team for the 2012-13 school year! Mr. Charlie Strickland will be joining us as our new Upper School Principal and bringing with him over 30 years of school experience. Mr. Steve Murr will serve as Lower School Principal and Athletic Director. Mrs. Joan Shiver will concentrate her efforts in the Guidance Department and oversee our Preschool. Mrs. Cile Warr will continue on as our Director of Development.


Stay tuned for more exciting news as school is just around the corner!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Congratulations GCA Seniors

2012 GCA Seniors - Kishan Pate, Lauren Carraway, Mary Ann Adams, Stephanie Mills, Katie Harrell,
Caylin Walsingham, Jocelyn Jacobs, Alex McLendon, Abbey Smith, Kyle Harris, Bailey Bristow,
Emma Heard, Wyatt Mentry, Dalton Boyd and Leah Smith.

GCA Graduation 2012



Bob Jones Benaiah Medallion Winner - Beth Hodges
 


Salutatorian's Abbey Smith & Kyle Harris
Valedictorian Christian Greene
 
Grace Christian Academy held commencement excercises for 16 seniors on Thursday, May 24th at the Perry Gymnasium. School Board member Edwin Perry welcomed everyone and opened the service with a prayer. Class President Christina Greene presented the annual Bob Jones Benaiah Medallion to the 2012 Senior Class President, Beth Hodges. A saluatatory address was given by both Kyle Harris and Abbey Smith, followed by the valedictory address from Christina Greene.


Young Harris President, Cathy Cox
 Young Harris College President and Bainbridge native Cathy Cox gave the graduation address. Cox, a former Secretary of State and 2006 gubernatorial candidate encouraged our seniors to find a profession that makes them happy, be prepared to change your plans, and find ways to have an impact.  Her comments were "Don't be afraid to change your future plans, don't ever stop learning, and remember to do something that will help other."

Special music was performed by seniors Mary Ann Adams, Bailey Bristow, Jocelyn Jacobs, Stephanie Mills, and Caylin Walsingham.

The presentation of diplomas were given out by Upper School Principal Steve Murr and School Board members Lee Harris and Mark Harrell. A slide-show presentation celebrating each of the seniors was enjoyed by all the family and friends at the end of the ceremony. Closing prayer was given by Pastor Andy McQuaid.



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Senior Scholarships


Bill Reynolds Leadership Scholarship
Kyle Harris

Toby & Katy Dowdy Star Student Scholarship
Abbey Smith

University of Georgia Certificate of Merit


UGA Certificate of Merit
Bryce McQuaid & Beth Ann Hodges


HS Academic Excellence Awards



President's Award for Academic Excellence (High School)


Front - Aaron Carraway, Joey Sloan, Brent Warr, Zyreese Guy, and Chase Harris. Second Row – Kyle Harris, Jeri Sloan, Lauren Carraway, Christina Greene, Stephanie Smith, Kaitlin Adams, Mary Ann Adams, Shelby Woodrum, Caylin Walsingham, Beth Ann Hodges, and Abbey Smith. Back Row – Tyler Jones, Ansley Posey, Niklas Isler, Lexie Goodson, Josh Carnes, Austin McQuaid, Bryce McQuaid, Kendi Castoro, Daniel Ray, Katie Harrell, and Rachel Harrell.



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Highest GPA & Kiwanis Awards



Highest GPA in Middle & High School:


Middle-schoolers with the highest grade point average are, from the left, sixth grader –Carly Godwin; seventh grade - Mikayla Buckhaulter; and eighth grader Jack McRae. High schoolers with the highest GPA are ninth grader – Josh Carnes; tenth grader – Rachel Harrell; eleventh grader – Bryce McQuaid and twelfth grader – Christina Greene.





Kiwanis Awards for Middle & HS

HS Teacher – Beth Sloan
Senior – Abbey Smith
8th Grade – Jack McRae
MS Teacher – Delrose Betts



Fruit of the Spirit Awards for Middle School

Fruit of the Spirit Awards for Middle School

Pooja Patel - 6th Grade
Harsimran Singh - 7th Grade
Rhaegan Henderson - 8th Grade
Ansley Stuart - 8th Grade
Lindsey Duke - 8th Grade
Dakota Vickers - 8th Grade
Jack McRae - 8th Grade
John York - 7th Grade

Middle School Academic Awards

President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence
Mattie Winburn, John York, Sam McRae, Collin Woodrum, Clay Wells, and Jared Duke.  2nd row - Jeremy Greene, Jack McRae, Emily Murr, Kelsey Harrell, Lindsey Duke, Pooja Patel, Eliza Butler, Breanna Pritchett, Carly Godwin, Emily Straughn, and Sarah Castoro.  Back row - Hannah Holden, Annabelle Smith, Perra Harrell, Rhaegan Henderson, Ansley Stuart, Carley Cranford,
and Mikayla Buckhaulter.



"Fair Bear" State Writting Contest
Matti Winburn


8th Grade Woodmen of the World Winners
Jack McRae & Lindsey Duke