Visions 2013

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VISIONSVolume 13 - Number 1

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Valwood School

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Valwood Graduation 2013Dr. Jeff Jackson is the President of the Georgia Independent School Association. Dr. Jackson received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Louisville, and his M.A. degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University in 1994 and his MBA from Shorter College in 2008. Dr. Jackson is also an Ordained Baptist Minister. Before coming to GISA in July 2009, Dr. Jackson served as Headmaster at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta; at Deer�eld-Windsor School in Albany as Head of The Middle/Upper School; and prior to that, he was Headmaster at First Baptist School in Shreveport, Louisiana and Assistant Headmaster at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. It is a pleasure to share his speech with you in this issue of Visions.

From the Headmaster

Continued on Page 22Continued on Page 17

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)

Colleagues, parents, guests, and Valwood Class of 2013, it is both my privilege and honor to be able to share with you this milestone as you become the 2013 graduates of Valwood School.

When asked to be the speaker at this year’s graduation, my thoughts went back to my own high school graduation and the memories that I still have about it. To this day, I can remember: the way the gym looked, our caps and gowns, with whom I sat, celebrating with family and friends, that mixed feeling of pride and excitement, and anticipation as we embarked upon a new and quite unknown chapter in our lives. The one thing I de�nitely cannot remember, however, is a single word that my own commencement speaker said, nothing about the speech whatsoever. So, in the next few minutes we spend here today, my task is simple---talk with you knowing you will not remember any of it. Thanks Dr. P.!

Great speech givers give lots of advice about how to give speeches and one speaker suggests that your organize your points, be brief, use humor and repeat the important stuff more than once. So, instead of delivering a three point speech, my talk this morning will be completely pointless. My Pointless Points are: useless information, connecting the dots, so what? and where do we go from here?

Useless information. This awesome responsibility as your speaker leads me to start thinking about the things I COULD remember during my years in high school, and what kept jumping out at me is that all throughout high school, without fail, I always wondered to myself: “Why in the world do I have to learn all of this?” and “When will I ever use any of this information again in my life?” If you are anything like me, you may have been sitting in Mrs. Owens’ Chemistry class thinking that surely you will never need to remember the atomic numbers

Once upon a time, when I was a little boy of about �ve years of age, my mother took me along with her on a shopping trip to Woolworth’s department store in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. I suspect that the store was not nearly as large as a modern-day Wal-Mart or Super Target, but at the time it seemed dif�cult to imagine that there ever was, or ever could be, a store as grand as Woolworth’s. Despite my mother’s admonition to remain close to her, I was overwhelmed by the desire to �nd the toy section in hopes that the store might have, in stock and on the shelf, the toy that I most wanted Santa to bring to me that Christmas. If so, I reasoned, I could show it to my mother and she could make sure that Santa was not confused (as he often seemed to be when Christmas morning came) about exactly which toy I wanted. Mine was a noble quest, motivated by the purest intentions that a �ve-year old could muster. I made my way through the aisles with an odd combination of focused activity and wandering attention, soon to realize that I…was…lost. My mother was nowhere to be found, and I was terri�ed. I quickly lost enthusiasm for my pursuit and immediately began searching for my mother, the strategy for which soon became standing in the middle of the aisle and crying. I was quickly reunited with my mother, who was understandably not happy about my having wandered off so irresponsibly. Fortunately for me, her heart was far better at carrying love than anger, and I was soon soothed with a warm hug and quiet words of comfort spoken only as a mother can speak them.

Looking back on that episode, it is easy to see that what happened to me is something which happens to many children and even to adults and institutions: our enthusiastic, focused pursuit of some goal, however noble, leads to problems as we lose sight of important, guiding principles that would otherwise have kept us safe and on course. The “problem” is not the goal, itself; rather, it is the careless manner in which we seek the goal that leads to unintended and problematic results.

One important, personal goal that I established early in my tenure as Valwood’s Headmaster was to grow our enrollment. The social, educational, and demographic indicators for our region all support the concept of a healthy, college-preparatory independent school like Valwood, with enrollment in the range of 450-500 students, and our campus was designed to serve a student population of that size. Despite this potential, only once in our 45 year history has enrollment exceeded 410 students.

In anticipation of the most recent admissions season, I took several weeks last winter to revisit a series of “guiding principles” that I wrote several years ago, encapsulating my

on the periodic chart once you’re done with Chemistry. Or, you may have sat in Mr. Nettles class just certain that this math formula would never serve any real purpose in your future. Or heck, just because Ernest Hemingway was hanging out in Key West, Florida writing novel after novel in the 1920’s and 1930’s, why does Mr. Allen want me to know anything about Hemingway and his literary works?

Now, the one thing that I DO remember, which is quite elementary and trivial, but I know that all Valwood graduates would know this too, is the answer to this age old question--I know that you learned this before preschool, and year after year your memory has been tested and well, it is so important, that I know you know. How many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Simple, right? You know the answer.

All of this stuff you had to learn while enduring class after class throughout your high school career may have seemed like useless information at the time. However, when all of your learning experiences throughout high school unite, only then can you catch a glimpse of and begin to grasp the bigger picture. It’s not about one particular class, formula, equation, music note, or literary work. It is about having the ability to achieve a lifetime of knowledge. These experiences have allowed each of you to train your mind to creatively solve problems and to think in new and different ways. Your high school experience has enabled the development of new pathways and patterns of thought in your mind that will help you to approach and conquer a myriad of problems in unique ways, and with great ability.

I was watching a recent basketball game, when Valwood played Georgia Christian. I overheard a group of students talking about playing some trivia game and one of the questions was, you guessed it, how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausage? Of course, I know that you all know the answer to that trivia question, of course, and the students at Valwood were remarking about their opponent from that other high school across town! “You twit! Everyone knows the answer to that simple question.” (Ok, Georgia Christian is a good school too!)

Now, is knowing the answer to this and other questions important in life? Well, probably not. You may not encounter some of what you’ve learned during your high school years ever again. But that’s not what it’s all about. Your brain has been taught to think, your mind is energized for research and engaged learning, you have been prepared to �ourish, and this is what you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

Connecting the dots. I would like to invite you to remember that none of you have arrived at this milestone in life alone. Sure, each of you has worked exceptionally hard to reach this point, and I commend you! But we don’t do anything alone, and each of you have people to thank for being on this journey with you. They were there faithfully offering their love and support. Here is a mental picture: Picture a turtle sitting atop a fence post. That turtle did not get up on that fence post by himself. Please thank your moms and dads. They have stood by you and encouraged you each and every step of the way, even if it didn’t feel like that on occasion.

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old

modus operandi (not to mention my modus cogitandi) regarding the role, purpose, and function of schools as institutions. I hoped that this personal quasi-retreat, intermittently executed in 10-20 minutes bursts over the course of several weeks, would provide me with much-needed focus and keep me on course through what I expected to be a very busy time.

The results will speak for themselves in the coming months and years. I anticipate that our 2013-2014 Opening Day enrollment will be in excess of 440 students, which represents an almost 20% increase in enrollment over the prior year. Exciting news, no doubt, but also cause for careful examination in respect of the manner in which the results were achieved and the impact that growth will have on the school as a whole. One could simply decide to accept every student who applied for admission, but it is likely the case that some of those decisions would be wrong: a poor �t between the student’s academic interests and the school’s academic expectations, for example. Healthy enrollment growth requires that decisions be made about prospective students and the expected bene�ts that will accrue to them, and to the school, should they attend Valwood. Past academic success is no guarantee of future success, so the process must be more involved than merely examining a report card or transcript to see that a prospective student has earned grades which are suggestive of success in a college-preparatory atmosphere. Furthermore, there is more that occurs at Valwood School – rightfully so, in my opinion – than just academic work, and it is not unreasonable to expect that a prospective student make additional contributions to the school community through formal involvement in the arts, service organizations, athletic teams and through informal involvement as a good friend, compassionate classmate, respon-sible campus citizen, and overall positive presence. Having reviewed every �le myself, and having interviewed most of the students and/or parents personally, I can tell you that I am con�dent each new student that we have added makes us a better school. Some are new to Valwood, while others attended previously and are returning, yet every newly enrolled student brings something vital to our school community, and we are stronger as a result.

In that spirit, then, I would like to offer the following six guiding principles upon which Valwood School has functioned since I arrived, and will function so long as I am Headmaster. Space and time do not permit me to fully expand on each, but I will make it a point to do so throughout the 2013-2014 school year in some manner: letter, blog posting, or through spoken remarks.

1. Students will be admitted to Valwood School based on potential for academic growth, personality, character, and desire to be a positive part of the Valwood community.

2. Participation and involvement will be encouraged in all areas, with special emphasis placed on new experiences, towards the goal of helping students �nd areas of endeavor about which they are passionate.

3. The academic, social, and emotional growth and develop-ment of each student will be closely monitored, and regular communication with parents will be maintained to ensure that home and school work cooperatively as allies on behalf of every Valwood student.

man had learned in seven years.” What wonderful words of wisdom. Sometimes it is not always easy being a teenager dealing with your mom and dad! But as Mark Twain said, give them some time and they will get much better. I assure you; their support has made, and will continue to make, a tremendous impact throughout your lives. Thank them for this; show your gratitude.

In addition to thanking mom and dad stay in touch with your friends and teachers here at Valwood. These will be some of your fondest memories. They share these valuable memories that you have made collectively and later on, you will be glad to look back together and say “remember when.” The experiences with the people that you care about and love are what matter the most while you build your futures. Treasure your own precious memories, celebrate the ties that bind you together, and thank them for all they mean to you. Gratitude is all about connectedness, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Start with your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and your teachers, and make an effort to �nd an enduring place for gratitude in your own life; keep it at the forefront of your heart and mind. Live with a sense of gratitude. Develop this habit and cherish it throughout your futures.

So what? and where do we go from here? On occasion during life, you will be faced with what may seem as a mountain or a challenge that is insurmountable, when you think that incredible odds are stacked up against you. I can’t help but remember a football game this past season that will go down in Valwood history and a State Championship in Girls Trio. The competition was so great, yet you overcame the challenges!! You used your mind and talents for these victories! What you have displayed is the ability to learn, adapt, work hard and achieve. This is what you will take with you from here!!

As you continue your journey, remember to persevere through life’s challenges with enthusiasm and optimism, meeting them head on and treating them as opportunities for growth. Embrace every challenge, big or small, without fear, as that is what creates your own indomitable spirit. Stay grounded in your faith and principles. And above all, believe in yourselves. You are special people as graduates of Valwood. Each of you has so much to offer, and the world will be a richer place because of you. For each of you, I know, the best is yet to come. And if nothing else, remember this: look at any challenges that may arise as gifts of opportunity, keep an attitude of gratefulness and appreciation to all of those surrounding you and supporting you, and �nally remember that your minds are well prepared for avenues of great knowledge, whether it is science, writing, business, education, law, or just knowing some great trivia. How many states are named after a President? One – Washington. What is the atomic number of gold? 79. And how many sausages are in a can of Vienna sausages? I know you all know this --seven.

Congratulations to Valwood’s Class of 2013, I wish you all the best!

4. Valwood School will advocate for an appropriate balance between academic work, athletics, extracurricular clubs, employment, and outside-of-school activities - including family time - recognizing that each contributes to the overall development of a well-rounded individual.

5. Every member of the Valwood School community will be treated with respect by all other members of the school community at all times.

6. The resources of the institution – human, �nancial, historical, social, and educational - will focus on ful�lling the school’s mission.

I invite you to review these principles and share your thoughts and comments with me. As I begin my 20th year in education, I can say with great certainty that they are by no means complete, nor exhaustive. I look forward to re�ning them in the coming years as I gather input from parents, students, faculty, alumni, and Trustees and as my perspective on the “big picture” changes with the experiences I will be fortunate to have as Headmaster of Valwood School.

Kind Regards,Darren J. Pascavage, Ph.D.

Dr. Je� Jackson

221

Valwood's 5th graders traveled to Kennedy Space Center for an overnight adventure. The students studied about the space program in preparation for the trip. The �rst evening the students built their own air rockets which were then launched in the Rocket Garden. NASA Astronaut Ed Gibson, addressed the students about his mission as science-pilot of Skylab 4 and �elded questions from the group. Following dinner, the students were treated to a 3D Space Film about the Hubel Telescope which included incredible pictures of space. The students slept under the 363 foot long Apollo/Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever built. Students awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the marsh with a launch pad visible in the distance. Their adventure ended with a Lunar Theater Show and a Sunrise tour of the Center. The students enjoyed the Shuttle Launch Experience which is a realistic simulator of an actual shuttle launch before returning to Valwood.

Fi�h Grade Blasts O� to Kennedy

ParentPRE-KINDERGARTEN85% Parent ParticipationFernando and Caryn Alvarado*David and Angela Burnett*Ivan and Kimberly CaldwellEric and Jessica CastorJonathan and Sherre ChevesPaul and Lisa Day*Kemp and Mary Carol GreeneTommy and Brandi HobbyJason and Shelley HollowayPatrick and Rose KernsBen and Trina RegisterEmil and Erika ReisterDrew RespessKevin and Gayla Shaw**Justin and Haynes StudstillJohn and Laura WashnockRyan and Robyn Williams*

KINDERGARTEN90% Parent ParticipationCurtis and Monique AlexanderAnonymous Freddie and Shayla BajaliaPat and Karyn CochranJose Deocon and Jackie DayChristopher and Ryoko Diamond Michael and Kelly DrumhellerAlberto and Vera Garcia*Eric and Stephanie Gee*Terry and Leanne Grif�n**Steve and Cathy JohnsonCarlos and Tan Jones*Patrick and Rose KernsKyle and Wanda McQuitty*Ashley and Melanie MoormanDoug and Stephanie Moss*Ben and Wendy NealSamuel and Dorothy OforiKarl and Ronda PaolettiJim and Jill Paulk^Terry and Shelly PersaudScott and Kerri RoutsongChip and Tia Sanderlin**Micah and Ashley ShapiroKevin and Mindy SparrowTrent and Holly Taylor

FIRST GRADE100% Parent ParticipationMichael Anderson and Erica ConklinAnonymousDavid and Angela Burnett*Jonathan and Elizabeth BurnsJeff and Sonya CollinsJ.D. and Kerri DeanChristopher and Ryoko DiamondJason and Jenn DunsbyEric and Stephanie Gee*Jim and Julie Godbee**Clay and Mendi GrinerJason and Shelley HollowayHoward Hsu and Tamara HardestyMichael and Nikki Illges**James and Jacqueline Lilly^Blake and Anne McLeod*Robert McTier*Amanda MelanconTodd and Deidre Parramore**Ben and Trina RegisterJason and Lindsay ScarpateJim and Deann ScruggsAmanda Shapard*Kevin and Gayla Shaw**

Max and Jennifer ShuteClint Smith***Larry Smith and Charlene Blache*Drew and Renee Spell*Rodney and Robin ThomasTrent and Shonie Thomas

SECOND GRADE90% Parent ParticipationFernando and Caryn Alvarado*^AnonymousSteve and Lynn Browning**Paul and Lisa Day*Mike and Heidi Fafard*Gabe FisherKevin and Donna GiddensDaniel HenryCraig and Holly HutchinsonPatrick and Rose KernsWright and Stephanie KimbroCynthia McMurray Tommy and Wendy MillerBen and Joy Owens**Terry and Shelly PersaudMicah and Ashley ShapiroJames and Carly ThomasRouse and Lynn Vallotton

THIRD GRADE 88% Parent ParticipationMichael Anderson and Erica ConklinAnonymous Antoine and Cecile Brenier*Jaret and Leigh BroombergJonathan and Elizabeth BurnsJonathan and Sheree ChevesPat and Karyn CochranNic and Catherine Daugharty Eric and Stephanie Gee*Kemp and Mary Carol GreeneClay and Mendi GrinerChris and Pam Manwell**Robert McTier*Chris and Laura Michael*^Craig and Mitzi Parrish* Greg and Holly ReidDrew RespessJason and Lindsay ScarpateWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence**Rachel Velez**Ryan and Robyn Williams*

FOURTH GRADE85% Parent ParticipationAnonymousIvan and Kimberly Caldwell Greg and April Carter**Eric and Jessica CastorPatrick CorkGabe FisherJohn and Debbie GreenBubba and Kim HighsmithMichael and Nikki Illges**Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Scott and Deena Lewis*Brett and Traycee Martin***Ashley and Melanie Moorman John and Jane Peeples***^Terry and Shelly Persaud Raymond and Lorie Sable**Michael and Amy Sharon*Kevin and Gayla Shaw**Jay and Amy Smith*Andrew and Renee Spell*Justin and Haynes StudstillTrent and Holly Taylor

FIFTH GRADE 95% Parent ParticipationJaret and Leigh BroombergTonya BrookhouserSteve and Lynn Browning**Lex and Donna Culbreth***Jason and Jenn DunsbyGlenn and Wendi EvansDavid and Kathryn HaworthDaniel HenryTommy and Debbie Nijem**Todd and Deidre Parramore**Craig and Mitzi Parrish*Chip and Tia Sanderlin**^Heath and Joanie StricklandWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence**Jeff and Lynn TillmanBarry and Candace WitherspoonShane and Wendy Wood

SIXTH GRADE 81% Parent ParticipationBrooks and Michelle Akins**Tim and Mindy Bland Joe and Kathi Clifton**^Jeff and Tammi Creamer***Rob and Stacy Evans***Glenn and Wendi Evans Paul and Sunny Everett**Louis and Kelly GalloBubba and Kim HighsmithPope and Evelyn Langdale*** Tripp LesterChris and Pam Manwell**Joseph and Dona Martin**Kyle and Wanda McQuitty*Jim and Kim MegowAshley and Melanie MoormanDoug and Stephanie Moss*Eric and Tara MossMelissa Peavy*Terry and Shelly PersaudScott and Debra Petermann**Raymond and Lorie Sable**Robert Stark and Maria Castellano*James and Carly Thomas^Trent and Shonie ThomasShawn and Wendy VandemarkDeidra White David and Cheryl Wolfson*

SEVENTH GRADE 81% Parent ParticipationCarmen Booth*Antoine and Cecile Brenier*Tom and Kelly CallJoe and Kathi Clifton**^Mike and Heidi Fafard*Lisa GilchristTim HarrisHugh and Judy Hathcock***John and Crystal LaHoodBrett and Traycee Martin***Chris and Laura Michael*Karl and Ronda PaolettiJonathan and Katie Parrott*John and Jane Peeples***Bill and Cindy Pegg***Chip and Tia Sanderlin**Michael and Amy Sharon*Matt and Maria SmithRobert Stark and Maria Castellano*Jeff and Lynn TillmanRachel Velez**Deidra White

EIGHTH GRADE 87% Parent ParticipationMark and Cathy BuescherDon and Karen Crump**Chuck and Suzie Dunmon***Rob and Stacy Evans***David and Melanie Ferrell Louis and Kelly Gallo Jim and Julie Godbee**Mike and Jayne Godwin***^Ginger Holley***Mike and Christy HowellRhett and Christine Holmes*Craig and Holly HutchinsonPope and Evelyn Langdale***Darrin and Ann LaytonChris and Pam Manwell**David and Debra MartinMichael and Teresa Maxwell*Jim and Kim MegowTodd and Deidre Parramore**Kim and Laura Perlman***Scott and Debra Petermann**James and Carly ThomasShawn and Wendy VandemarkDanny and Beth WallerShane and Wendy Wood

NINTH GRADE82% Parent ParticipationAntoine and Cecile Brenier*Steve and Lynn Browning**Joyce and Vernette CarterJeff and Tammi Creamer***Lex and Donna Culbreth***James and Belinda DavisChad and Kim FranksTim HarrisJeff and Cathy Helms**James and Ashley KnightonJim and Jill Matney^Frank and Mary Morman* Doug and Stephanie Moss*Eric and Tara MossBen and Joy Owens**Jonathan and Katie Parrott*Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro**Ferrell and April Scruggs***Billy and Julie ThompsonRusty and Kim Trancygier***Archie and Star Waldron**Steve and Patty Wilson***

TENTH GRADE 81% Parent ParticipationRon and Jennifer Allen***AnonymousMark and Elizabeth CargileClayton and Shannon ChandlerTim and Nan DameSteve and Trish EdmondsonPaul and Sunny Everett**John Folkerts and Catherine WelshJesse and Randi Gail GaytanKevin and Donna GiddensLisa GilchristTodd and Julie Guilliams**Brad and Keylee HartleyHugh and Judy Hathcock***^Keith and Mary Hawthorne**Rhett and Christine Holmes*Pope and Evelyn Langdale***Jerry and Terri Lupo**Jim and Jill MatneyMichael and Teresa Maxwell*Larry and Shannon McGlothlinCharles and Chris Merine

Ginger Moritz***Matt and Maria SmithRobert Stark and Maria Castellano*Rasheda StewardAndrew and Jeniffer ThompsonScott and Missy Turner***

ELEVENTH GRADE 61% Parent ParticipationGary and Tracy Cannon*Chuck and Suzie Dunmon***Jim and Susan Elliott***Rob and Stacy Evans***Andrew and Shannon FlemerAlberto and Vera Garcia*John and Crystal LaHoodDoug and Derrith McQuaigTom and Kellie McTier*Charles and Chris MerineJonathan and Katie Parrott*Ferrell and April Scruggs***^Jonathan and Tammy SkipperTodd and Alice Smoot*Billy and Julie ThompsonRick and Emily Williams**Shane and Wendy Wood

TWELFTH GRADE 50% Parent ParticipationGreg and April Carter**Don and Karen Crump**Walter and Laura Elliott***Keith and Mary Hawthorne**Bill and Marie Holland***Ginger Holley***John and Suzanne Lastinger***^Ben and Joy Owens**Melissa Peavy*Bill and Cindy Pegg***Bill and Sally Querin***Chuck and Jennifer Rasmussen***Joey and Jennifer Sands**Jonathan and Tammy SkipperTodd and Alice Smoot*Rasheda StewardSteve and Patty Wilson***

Faculty & FriendsSarah Adler ’07 Griffen Allen ’12 Peter AllenAshley Ammons*Alicia Andrews***AXA Foundation*Teresa Bailey***Julie Barr***BattelleMrs. Lou S. BlantonVallye Blanton**Rosemary Brannen***Rachel Brown*Angela Burnett*David Cano**Buz and Nancy Carpenter**Traci Carver**Penny ChestnutNorma Cloud*Ed and Mary Crane***Scott and Dale Crane***Karen Crump**Holly DickersonMike and Martha DoverMichelle EdwardsLaura Elliott***

Susan Elliott***Stacy Evans***Marcia Felts***Fran Fuller**Chad Gallahan*Mr. and Mrs. David C. GallahanRebecca GoffTom and Mary Gooding***Joey GregosLeanne Grif�n**Charles Grimes***Mendi GrinerLisa Hale***Rhonda Hamman***Ashley HendersonEvelyn Henry*Lisa Henry*** Wade Henry ’05*Zac Henry ’08*Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron HickmanAlfred HiersCindee Hiers***Katie Houseman**Beth HowellDr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr.Carlos Jones*Kiwanis Club of ValdsotaLott Builders Supply CompanyMichele LuedkeKaren Marcellus**LaVie Marshall***Brett Martin***Dutton and Donna Miller*Steve NettlesDebbie Nijem**Meredith NuckolsJoy Owens**Ronda PaolettiDeidre Parramore**Mitzi Parrish*Darren Pascavage*Bill and Janine Peeples**Addy PerlmanJennifer Rasmussen***Trina RegisterDianne Rigoni***Rachel Rumstay ’06 Lorie Sable**Savannah Christian Preparatory SchoolMarti Schert*Heather ShawRobert ShipmanJay SizemoreClint Smith***Patsy Smith***Don and Dee Dee Stanley**Bobby Stephenson*Terence SullivanCharlotte Thomas**Yasmin Utterback ’10* Becky Wetherington***Robyn Williams*Scott and Susan WilsonBo and Pam Woodward**

CorporationsMicrosoft Corporation*Publix Super Markets, Inc *Target***

GrandparentsRobert and Joan AllabeenDr. John M. BealJohn and Linda Blackstock**

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman**Scott and Dale Crane***Julian and Sue Creamer**Mr. and Mrs. Mike DrumhellerKay Durand*Gene and Marcia Felts***Joseph and Lois FerrierJeanne A. Fisher**Jerry and Sherry FisherRonald and Beverly Giles*Wendall and Ann GodbeeJohn E. Green III**Terry and Leanne Grif�n**Janie Fink Hallman*Mrs. Avonne Hartshorn***Mr. and Mrs. D.K. Hollis, Jr.Ladye Hughes*Linda Kittleson*Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lastinger***Mr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.**George and Martha Lawrence**Mac and Susan MackeyPhil and Ellice Martin**Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnonMartin and Laura Lynn MillerTom and Sue MillerRichard and Claudia Nijem**Emelynn C. Odom**Vicki RayMary Ann Saliba***Kenny and Sue Nelle ScruggsLucy Nell SmithBill and Cathy Tidmore*Dr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner*Wright and Betsy Turner*Mala Vallotton**Dr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.*Mr. and Mrs. Barry WhildenNick and Mary Brown Whitehurst**Rex and Barbara Williamson***Richard and Hylda Wilson**

Headmaster‘s Council(Gi�s of $5,000 and up)

Rob and Stacy Evans***Eric and Stephanie Gee*Ronald and Beverly Giles*John and Suzanne Lastinger***Chris and Pam Manwell*Microsoft Corporation*Martin and Laura Lynn MillerKim and Laura Perlman**Ferrell and April Scruggs***Kenny and Sue Nelle ScruggsWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence**Steve and Patty Wilson***

Trustee’s Council(Gi�s of $2,000 to 4,999)

Brooks and Michelle Akins**Ron and Jennifer Allen***Fernando and Caryn Alvarado*AnonymousBattelleJoe and Kathi Clifton**Glenn and Wendi EvansJohn Folkerts and Catherine WelshJim and Julie Godbee**

Wendell and Ann GodbeeMike and Jayne Godwin***Hugh and Judy Hathcock***Jack and Lisa Henry***Pope and Evelyn Langdale***Jerry and Terri Lupo**Dutton and Donna Miller*Doug and Stephanie Moss*Scott and Debra Petermann**Bill and Sally Querin***Chip and Tia Sanderlin**Michael and Amy Sharon*Kevin and Gayla Shaw**Andrew and Renee Spell*James and Carley ThomasRichard and Hylda Wilson**

Valwood Patron(Gi�s of $1,000 to $1,999)

AXA Foundation*Steve and Lynn Browning**Lex and Donna Culbreth***Paul and Lisa Day*Jose Deocon and Jackie DayMike and Martha DoverMichael and Kelly DrumhellerMike and Mary Ann DrumhellerGeorgia Power CompanyLisa GilchristTom and Mary Gooding***Jeff and Cathy Helms**Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron HickmanBobby LesterMichael and Teresa Maxwell*Mac and Susan MackeyTom and Kellie McTier*Richard and Claudia Nijem**Jonathan and Katie Parrott*John and Jane Peeples***Publix Super Markets, Inc.*Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro**Joey and Jennifer Sands**Larry Smith and Charlene Blache*Robert Stark and Maria Castellano*Rusty and Kim Trancygier***Mala Vallotton**Rachel Velez**Bo and Pam Woodward**

Valwood Sponsor(Gi�s of $500 to $999)

AnonymousFreddie and Shayla BajaliaDr. John M. BealJohn and Linda Blackstock**Tom and Kelly CallJoyce and Vernette CarterPat and Karyn CochranEd and Mary Crane***Tim and Nan DameChuck and Suzie Dunmon***Steve and Trish EdmondsonAndrew and Shannon FlemerMrs. Avonne Hartshorn***Bubba and Kim HighsmithTommy and Brandi HobbyMr. and Mrs. D. K. Hollis, Jr.Wright and Stephanie KimbroAshley and Melanie MoormanSamuel and Dorothy OforiBill and Janine Peeples**Vicki RayEmil and Erika ReisterJim and Deann Scruggs

Lower School Class PlaysEach year every Lower School class performs a play for their parents and the other Lower School students. The performances are a variety of themes from holiday celebrations to character lessons, but they are always an amazing display of creativity and accomplishment!

Odyssey of the Mind For the �fteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year two Primary teams, a Division I team and a Division II team competed in Savannah on February 23rd. The Division I team solved the problem “It’s How You Look at It” and won 2nd place! The team was coached by Kimberly Caldwell and included fourth graders Kennedy Caldwell and Hannah Sable and �fth graders Lilly Parrish, Cole Broomberg, Chris Haworth, Trey Henry and Vann Witherspoon. The team traveled to Columbus in April to compete at the state level.

















LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Odyssey of the Mind Division I team memberswith their second place ribbons.

Mrs. Register’s �rst graders “Rumble in the Jungle!”Alexandra Peeples and John Lissimore reign over “The Best Month Ever” in the 4th Grade

Play!

Target***Jeff and Lynn TillmanDr. and Mrs. Loyce Turner*Wright and Betsy Turner*Shawn and Wendy VandemarkArchie and Star Waldron**David and Cheryl Wolfson*

Valwood Supporter(Gi�s up to $499)

Sarah Adler ’07 AnonymousCurtis and Monique AlexanderRobert and Joan AllabenGriffen Allen ’12Michael Anderson and Erica ConklinTim and Mindy BlandMrs. Lou S. BlantonCarmen Booth*Antoine and Cecile Brenier*Tonya BrookhouserJaret and Leigh BroombergRachel Brown*Mark and Cathy BuescherJonathan and Elizabeth BurnsIvan and Kimberly CaldwellGary and Tracy Cannon*Mark and Beth CargileBuz and Nancy Carpenter**Greg and April Carter**Eric and Jessica CastorClayton and Shannon ChandlerMr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr.Penny ChestnutJonathan and Sheree ChevesMr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman**Jeff and Sonya CollinsPatrick CorkJeff and Tammi Creamer***Julian and Sue Creamer**Nic and Catherine DaughartyJames and Belinda DavisJ.D. and Kerri DeanChristopher and Ryoko DiamondJason and Jenn DunsbyKay Durand*Paul and Sunny Everett**Mike and Heidi Fafard*David and Melanie FerrellJoseph and Lois FerrierGabe FisherJeanne A. Fisher**Jerry and Sherry FisherChad and Kim FranksMr. and Mrs. David GallahanLouis and Kelly GalloAlberto and Vera Garcia*Jesse and Randy Gail GaytanKevin and Donna GiddensJohn and Debbie GreenJohn E. Green III*Kemp and Mary Carol GreeneJanie Fink Hallman*Tim HarrisBrad and Keylee HartleyDavid and Kathryn HaworthKeith and Mary Hawthorne**Daniel HenryEvelyn Henry*Wade Henry ’05*Zac Henry ’08*Alfred HiersBill and Marie Holland***Jason and Shelley HollowayDr. Leonard R. Howell, Jr.Mike and Christy HowellHoward Hsu and Tamara HardestyLadye Hughes*Craig and Holly HutchinsonMichael and Nikki Illges**

Steve and Cathy JohnsonPatrick and Rose KernsLinda Kittleson*Kiwanis Club of ValdostaJames and Ashley KnightonJohn and Crystal LaHoodMr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.**George and Martha Lawrence**Darrin and Ann LaytonTrip LesterScott and Deena Lewis*James and Jacqueline LillyLott Builders Supply CompanyDavid and Debra MartinPhil and Ellice Martin**Jim and Jill MatneyLarry and Shannon McGlothlinMr. and Mrs. Henry R. McKinnonBlake and Anne McLeod*Cynthia McMurrayDoug and Derrith McQuaigKyle and Wanda McQuitty*Robert McTier*Jim and Kim MegowAmanda MelanconCharles and Chris MerineChris and Laura Michael*Tom and Wendy MillerTom and Sue MillerGinger Moritz***Frank and Mary Morman*Eric and Tara MossBen and Wendy NealEmelynn C. Odom**Jim and Jill PaulkMelissa Peavy*Bill and Cindy Pegg***Addy PerlmanTerry and Shelly PersaudGreg and Holly ReidDrew RespessScott and Keri RoutsongRachel Rumstay ’06 Mary Ann Saliba***Savannah Christian Preparatory SchoolJason and Lindsay ScarpateAmanda Shapard*Micah and Ashley ShapiroMax and Jennifer ShuteJonathan and Tammy SkipperJay and Amy Smith*Lucy Nell SmithMatthew and Maria SmithTodd and Alice Smoot*Kevin and Mindy SparrowRasheda StewardHeath and Joanie StricklandJustin and Hayes StudstillTerence SullivanTrent and Holly Taylor Andrew and Jeniffer ThompsonBilly and Julie ThompsonBill and Cathy Tidmore*Scott and Missy Turner***Yasmin Utterback ’10*Rouse and Lynn VallottonDanny and Beth WallerDr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.*John and Laura WashnockBecky Wetherington***Mr. and Mrs. Barry WhildenNick and Mary Brown Whitehurst**Rick and Emily Williams**Rex and Barbara Williamson***Scott and Susan WilsonBarry and Candace WitherspoonShane and Wendy Wood

*Third consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund.

**Fifth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund

*** Tenth consecutive year of gifts to the Annual Fund

^Class chairman

Fidens Club Fernando and Caryn AlvaradoTerry and Tish JohnsonThe W.P. “Billy” Langdale, Sr. Family

Foundation, Inc.Michael and Teresa MaxwellDoug and Stephanie MossKim and Laura PerlmanFerrell Scruggs FoundationBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceSteve and Patty Wilson

Fortis Club Jonathan and Elizabeth BurnsJeff and Tammi CreamerAlberto and Vera GarciaTom and Merry Jo KurrieMartin and Laura Lynn MillerFrank and Mary MormanFerrell Scruggs FoundationMala Vallotton

Gi�s in Kind Bethany Baptist ChurchIPG ArchitectsMr. and Mrs. Johnny B. LastingerLowe’s Home Improvement Distribution

CenterDona Martin Dick McGaugheySally QuerinVinnie and Maria SavinoJames and Carly ThomasRick and Emily Williams

Memorial Gi�s Ron and Jennifer AllenMary BlantonRonnie and Bebo BlantonTomie Jean BlantonVallye BlantonRoy and Donna CannonJoe and Kathi CliftonPenny ChestnutKenny and Susan Crago and FamilyFred DeLoach and FamilyMr. and Mrs. James L. Dewar, Jr.Mike and Martha DoverJohnny and Susan DukesMary Jean EavesJim and Susan ElliottWalter and Laura ElliottRob and Stacy EvansWayne and Cindy FannA. Louis and Sherlene GirardinDavid and Linda GirardinPeter and Carol GirardinWendell and Ann GodbeeParker and Lucy GreeneTommy GrinerDr. and Mrs. William GrowHenderson and GodbeeLarry GrinerOwen D. HarrisJack and Lisa HenryHeritage BankCameron and Kathy HickmanRusty and Robie IngramPatrick and Rose KernsTom and Merry Jo KurrieLott Builders Supply CompanyMac and Susan MackeyWilliam and Pam MackeyBilly and Sylvia MartinBrett and Traycee MartinConstance Mathis

Mr. and Mrs. J.W. McKinnieStephen and Karen MeeksMr. and Mrs. E.R. MosbyJean MurrayGary NicholsMargot PearlmanJohn and Jane PeeplesKim and Laura PerlmanVicki RayGreg and Holly ReidFerrell Scruggs, Jr. and FamilySue Nelle ScruggsCarreen ShapiroJoseph and Karen ShownBriggs and Lane SmithTerence SullivanSusan SwaderCharles Templeton and Family“The Cup”James and Carly ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceJoe TinsleyKatherine Mathis TrickettTri-State Technical ServicesWright and Betsy TurnerMala VallottonBill and Susan Whit�eldWilson InsuranceOrson and Carol Woodall

Restricted Gi�s Johnny AllenAnonymousMike BeardenVallye BlantonRosemary BrannonSteve and Lynn BrowningClayton and Shannon ChandlerColony BankTim and Nan DamePricilla M. DavisMichelle EdwardsJim and Susan ElliottChad and Kim FranksLisa GilchristRobert M. HallRhonda HammanJeff and Cathy HelmsAshley and Megan HendersonDeborah HolleyTerry and Tish JohnsonWright and Stephanie KimbroJohn and Suzanne LastingerBrett and Traycee MartinDavid and Debra MartinMcLean Funeral ServicesValarie Davis MockBill and Cindy PeggScott and Salena RegisterRay and Lorie SableMr. and Mrs. Don StanleyAndrew and Jeniffer ThompsonTommy J. ThomasMr. W.G. Tittle, Jr.Wesley and Maggie Vallotton

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L G I V I N G R E P O R T

203































Extreme Team DayLower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work last fall as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition. Multi-grade level teams were required to move through stations in which they had to solve puzzles, maneuver through obstacle courses, manipulate materials, and test their knowledge of academic subjects. Cooperation and teamwork were encouraged. Valwood Parent Association volunteers and teachers provided the games and guidance to make this a challenging and fun way to learn and grow academically.

K-KidsK-Kids is a new service club in the Lower School. The group is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta and is a student-led community-service organization of 30 members who are in the third, fourth, and �fth grades. The charter ceremony was held on Novem-ber 2, 2012 inducting 30 charter members and student of�cers. Members included Marleigh Broomberg, Jimmy Garcia, Jack Greene, Ellie Griner, Anna Alvarado, Joe Cochran, Mary Claire Griner, Evan LeBoutillier, Ruby Parrish, Allison Gates, Harris Sharon, Ellie Smith, Grayson Spell, Nate Williams, Kennedy Caldwell, Jordan Green, Dalton Norris, Hannah Sable, Anjali Patel, Kennedy Stevens, Cole Broomberg (Sergeant at Arms), Lindsey Browning (President), Gavin Dunsby, Elizabeth Evans (Vice President), Millie Hollis, Ansley Nijem, Clare Nijem (Treasurer), Lilly Parrish (Secretary), Gracyn Sanderlin, Josie Tidmore, and Vann Witherspoon. The faculty advisors were Mrs. Rebecca Goff and Mrs. Debbie Nijem. The group had two service projects lasts year. “Project Backpack” was a K-Kids sponsored dance for the Lower School. The price for admission to the dance was either a new or gently used backpack or canned goods and the Kids also sold t-shirts. Over 50 backpacks were donated to the local organization Hungry at Home along with a check for $350 from the sale of the t-shirts. The canned goods were donated to Valdosta’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The second service project was “All for Books” in which the Kids worked with the 5th grade class, Librarian Leanne Grif�n, and the Scholastic Book Fair. For two weeks, all grades in the Lower School collected pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars in containers supplied and decorated by K-Kids. With over $800 dollars raised, the group bought and delivered books for the Georgia’s Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Mrs. Nijem said, “We had a wonderful year and are looking forward to even more members and more activities during our second year in 2013-2014!”

Field Day 2013!

Read Across AmericaOur Lower Schoolers spent a week “Reading Across America.” Once every day, Librarian Leanne Grif�n, walked through the halls ringing a bell so the students knew it was time to “drop everything and read.” One day everyone dressed as their favorite Dr. Suess character to celebrate his birthday.

Kindergarteners Ella Grace Neal and Jaxson Routsoung celebrate in style!

















L O W E R S C H O O L N E W S

Mills Moorman, Ash Patel, Charlotte Illges and MacKenzie

Collins work together to carry the ball.

Field Day Hoola Hoop fun for Ella Burnett, Isabella Holloway and Emma Burnett!

Kindergarteners and Pre-Ker’s take a break to

pose with their Dads

K-Kids are ready for the dance!








^Class chairman









Continued on Page 21

4

Thank you so much for your support of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund. We raised more than $200,000 with 70% of our parents participating! Revenue raised through the Annual Fund enhances all aspects of our school from additions to the curriculum to the expansion of enrichment programs and athletics. Your generosity was crucial to our success. Thank you!

Tia Sanderlin 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairman































The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. The National Junior Honor Society seeks candidates from the seventh and eighth grades who demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, service, character, leadership, and citizenship. New inductees were awarded certi�cates, pins, and membership cards. Valwood Middle School welcomes Georgia Booth, Juliette Brenier, William Clifton, Will Cox, Carrington Douglas, Dane Fafard, Hannah Ferrell, Hope Hathcock, Addison LeBoutillier, Sam Martin, Avi Patel, Mary Peeples, William Pegg, Taylor Sanderlin, Ellie Stark and Collin Vandemark. Middle School co-dean Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

National Junior Honor Society

Last February, Valwood students in �fth through eighth grade gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's sixth annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the biometrics of swimsuits to measuring the effect of temperature on elastic bands to whether or not the presence of earthworms in soil effect the growth of plants. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Addy Perlman, 2nd Place Emma Layton and 3rd Place Grayson Thomas. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Taylor Sanderlin, 2nd Place Avi Patel and 3rd Place Addison Le Boutillier. In the sixth grade the awards went to Robert Stark 1st Place, Kasey McQuitty 2nd Place and Will Parrish 3rd Place. The �fth grade winners were Trey Henry 1st Place, Lindsey Browning 2nd Place and Clare Nijem 3rd Place.

Valwood’s Sixth Annual Science Fair

Mrs. Sable’s 6th grade Geography students participated in a Geography Fair last December. Each year the 6th graders select a country to research and to present to their peers. The culmination of the unit of study is the Fair where the students are immersed in the culture of the country, dressing in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

Geography Fair

















MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

In January, the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in their literature classes. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of their subject, presenting themselves to the audience including a fact about who they were and why the character was interesting. Following the assembly, the students mingled among parents and guests staying “in character.”

Middle School Biography Blitz!

Madison Highsmith, Emily Cli�on, Nicole Manwell, Emily Wolfson, and Talley Petermann in costume.

2012-2013 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT








^Class chairman









Ashton Moorman with his presentation on Mexico

185

By Holly Querin

Good morning Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Lupo, faculty, family, and guests to the Commencement ceremonies of the Valwood Class of 2013.

What I see when I look at this group of seniors before me is an enormous amount of talent. Academically, we have students going not only to some of the best colleges in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and North Carolina, but also to Virginia and as far away as New York. We have a group of seniors who led the Science Olympiad team to State for the �rst time in years, and let’s be honest, winning medals in forestry and glaciology is more impressive than acceptances from Washington and Lee and NYU. We have incredible athletes; leaders of teams that have won region championships in four sports this year and a state championship in football. We have a school record-setting four football players signed to play college ball, and a golfer signed to play as well. We have an artist who painted what Mrs. Smith has called the best piece of art ever painted by one of her students, which is a big deal because she has been teaching for around two centuries. Lastly, we have the strong group of thespians who have shone in One Act and Vext and who have taken home awards at Literary.

Even more impressively, our class survived a freshman camping trip in the torrential rain with tents that leaked. We worked together at a sketchy roadside arcade to win an enormous stuffed tiger, and had the originality to call it El Tigre. A group of seniors led Mrs. Edward’s foray to bring swing dancing back to Valwood, and to prom, and to New York. Speaking of New York, we had a successful trip to the Big Apple with not one of us getting trapped in the subway car and being taken away never to be seen again, which was a genuine concern of mine. Probably most importantly, we pulled off the best prank in Valwood School history, not that I know that much about Valwood School history, but I thought it was pretty awesome. Some of the highlights include a completely �lled above-ground pool, a trampoline assembled in Mrs. Felts’ room, desks on the roof, and a memorial inscribed with the words “Class of 2013- Gone But Not Forgotten.” I don’t think we’re going to be forgotten anytime soon. I am so proud to be in the Class of 2013 with this incredibly talented group of people. But these skills that are obvious to the rest of the school or to our parents and teachers are not the only ones that we possess.

Perhaps you have talents that you’ve just never really shared with anyone. Or maybe you have talents that you don’t even know exist yet. There are so many parts of you that haven’t even been tested. You are going to realize that the person you have become in high school, with all the skills that you have honed and the success that you have experienced is just a tiny part of the person who you are going to become. I am wholeheartedly convinced that you are all going to be blown away by the amount of success that you are going to have, at college and beyond. I urge you to act on the talents that you possess in such massive quantities. Don’t let them go to waste. There’s a parable for that, you know. The master gives the servants coins and some of them invest them and make more money while the other tries to keep his safe by burying them. Then the master gets really mad at this servant because he’s not making good use of his coins. The same applies to all of you with your talents! Do not hide away your talents! It is such a waste to not use the skills you are given.

I know that a lot of you are in the same boat as I am of having no idea what I want to do with my life, but I do know that as long as you do what you are good at and what you love, you are going to be �ne. Do what you want to do. Maybe you won’t be making a ton of money at �rst, or ever, but you can’t be afraid to follow your dreams! We can’t get �xated on the idea that the only jobs that are acceptable are the ones that have high salaries. What’s the point of making a ton of money if you aren’t happy doing it? Now, I’m not saying that you should drop out of college and play guitar on the streets for money, because, I’m sorry, but that isn’t a real job. I don’t want you coming to my doorstep in ten years, homeless, saying, “I took your advice and look what happened.” That’s not what I’m advocating. Education is going to be vital in whatever �eld you enter (that’s why we all went to Valwood, isn’t it?), but that’s not the only thing that is important. Passion and creativity and reason are going to be just essential as a large vocabulary or having a bunch of facts stored away in your brain. You combine these traits with hard work and commitment, and there is going to be no stopping you. And if there is going to be no stopping you, then you might as well follow your dreams. Dreams breed commitment and hard work.

The most successful, and even more importantly, the happiest, people in the world are people who had a dream and made it their reality. Macklemore sings “I stand in front of you today all because of an idea. I could be who I wanted if I could see my potential.” Success happens when you see your abilities and act upon them. And I’m going to tell you something that my youth group leader always says to my youth group. You will be successful. All of you. Never doubt it. Self-doubt, not anything else, is the limiting factor on success.

And I know that some of the older people in the crowd might

By Golden Smith

Welcome Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, Mrs. Lupo, Dr. Jackson, faculty, parents, guests, and Class of 2013.

Well, seniors we made it. Today, we can look in either direction. We could look back at all the accomplishments we’ve made, all the memories we’ve created, and all the tribulations we’ve endured. Or, we could look forward, to the upcoming years of college. Not the extensive drinking on spring break or that Friday after �nals, but the long list of opportunities that will be available and the many mistakes to be made only to give us wisdom.

I say don’t look forward or look back, but look at both. Sweep the past into your hands, and grasp it as we sprint to our futures. We don’t sprint because we want to get there faster. We sprint because we have a treadmill, known as time, moving us along. Nothing more than this past year has taught me just how quickly time does travel. I remember saying last year how much I couldn’t wait to get out of this town, my home for the last eighteen years, and go off to college. While I’m ready to take that leap, I’m not ready to part from my peers who have become my extended family these last years.

I am going to miss those late night calls from Emily when she’s too scared to walk downstairs. I can’t imagine next year not studying at two in the morning with Amanda, like that time we stayed up all night the week before our APUSH exam to memorize the presidents in order. It felt so good reciting all forty-four to Mr. Stephenson the next day. I’m going to miss walking into school and being greeted with a big bear hug from Kaitlin.

I’ve been in class with some of you since second grade, others joined in on the last lap. I will never forget all of us going to the Agrirama in fourth grade and how awful it was doing work outside. I sure am glad I was born in 1995, and not back in those days. We have stuck together through the fun days when we were all laughing on the bus on the way up to D.C., and through the trying times where we had two essays and a group project due for Ms. Carver the same week as Mr. Cano’s AP Bio test. High school was tough, but I wouldn’t want to have done it with any other people.

The memories you all have helped me make will always be with me. I will never forget that time Zack and Colin thought it was just hilarious to scatter coins across our hotel room because they knew it agitated my Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder; I’m a neat freak. I’ll never forget those Science

Olympiad trips where my self-con�dence was boosted by the people’s lack of style, but stripped because of their endless supply of glacier facts. I will always remember that year in One Act when Slayten and I were cyberbullies sending Dakota threatening text messages as she talked to her teddy bear, Winston. Although I got really upset when we lost to that cheating team who beat us in a third set, I am most certainly going to miss playing doubles with Colin. Holly, I still expect you and your guitar to facetime me next year so I can hear your latest work. If only I had an unlimited amount of time to go over all the memories we’ve shared.

I want to take a moment to thank my teachers. The blessing of going to Valwood is having that personal relationship with teachers. I love being able to text my AP World teacher Merry Christmas or just rant to my English teacher about my bad day. I know each teacher at some time or another has pushed me close to my limits, but I know it was only because they could see my potential. So thank you. It was here, in Mrs. Owens’ room where I discovered my love for chemistry because she seemed to relate it to everyday stuff. Mrs. Sable spread her love of psychol-ogy to me through our various side discussions. I learned a vital lesson from Coach Allen. I remember crying because I would get check after check on essays. Looking back, I would not have done it any differently because he was pushing me to become the best writer I could be. Coach Allen taught me not to focus on the grade because it did not matter, but to focus on the work. The fact is a grade is just a number or letter on a piece of paper but the knowledge gained is invaluable. Mrs. Andrews taught me to let go. I was just an 8th grader in French I, but she didn’t care; she still wanted me to talk for three minutes in French about my life. All these teachers helped me immensely through-out the years and I owe you all extreme gratitude.

People always ask me if I’m smart. My answer is no because I do not feel like I was instilled with a large intelligence upon conception. Rather, my achievements in the classroom come from my tenacity. Vince Lomberdi Jr. said, “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” I can say from personal experience that he is right. My mother always taught me that nothing is given to you on a silver platter. If you want something, you have to �ght for it. So if sometime you feel like you can’t do something, because you aren’t talented enough or because you aren’t smart enough, work your hardest and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Also, don’t give up. If you really want something, don’t walk away if someone tells you “no” the �rst time. Everyone knows I wanted nothing more than to go to Columbia. When I received that letter back in December saying I had been denied, I was crushed. I cried all the way up to South Carolina to visit my grandfather. But you know it just pushed me that much more. I may not have got accepted the �rst time, but I plan to work twice as hard next year at NYU so I’m able to transfer. Stephen Schwartz wrote “Some things I cannot change but until I try, I'll never know!” Don’t accept “no” or “you can’t do that” without putting forth

think that I am foolishly idealistic, but someone has to be overly optimistic and it might as well be me. And maybe I’m going to get out in the real world and realize that doing what I love is a whole lot more dif�cult than I am prepared for, but that isn’t going to stop me. So parents, on behalf of the dreamers in the group, the seniors who aren’t satis�ed to do what society expects of them and who are going to shock us all, I ask you to continue to be supportive of your sons and daughters. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and we won’t go far without your support. To the teachers as well, your instruction and support has been indispensable. We can’t thank you enough for all the hours you have put into our education. I know it probably sounds like we complained a lot, but really you just weren’t listening hard enough to the underlying tones of gratitude. You teachers certainly knew how to push us, and that is how we have gotten to where we are now. We have put in a lot of hard work, and I expect that that work is going to continue to pay off as we part ways and begin our separate lives.

I will leave you with a quote from my favorite band, the Avett Brothers. I’m sure that everyone who knows me well is surprised that I have made it this far without quoting them. They sing, “I went on the search for something real. Traded what I knew for how I feel.” You’re going to �nd yourself in situations where you don’t know everything. You won’t know what you want to do with your life or what path you are on or how you can get to where you want to go. However, you will always feel something, and sometimes that is worth so much more than knowledge. Class of 2013, congratulations on all of your success thus far. I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors, and may you all search for, and �nd, something real.

Holly Querin, the Valwood Class of 2013 Valedictorian, is the daughter of Bill and Sally Querin. She will attend Davidson College in the fall.

















Once again and for the �fth year in a row, Valwood Middle School students honored local veterans in a Veterans Day performance and celebration. Under the direction of co-dean and teacher Vallye Blanton the students presented the veterans, family, and friends a program of appreciation with the singing of patriotic musical selections. Over 100 veterans attended the celebration including several World War II veterans along with veterans from the Korean Con�ict, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Also in attendance were several active duty personnel from Moody Air Force Base. The morning event was a celebration and an opportunity for the Middle Schoolers to honor the veterans and to learn �rsthand the importance of the military, and how the veterans’ service has shaped our country and allows us all to continue to live in freedom.

Veterans Day Celebration

Veteran Bill Ator and Caroline Evans

Last Spring, the Valwood School Board of Trustees approved the dedication of the baseball �eld, and on March 11, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held to name the �eld in honor of the W. Steven Browning Family. During the ceremony Headmaster, Darren Pascavage thanked the family for their commitment and leadership. Trustee Billy Tidmore, Athletic Director Brett Martin and Coach Robert Shipman also expressed their appreciation for the Browning Family support.

Browning Field

Steve Browning Family

M I D D L E S C H O O L N E W S

The 8th graders posed in front of the National Cathedralwhile visiting Washington, D.C. last February.

OTHER NEWS


This year Valwood inaugurated two new support organizations. The Fidens Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for academics and technology. The Fortis Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for the arts. Last May both the Fortis and Fidens Clubs celebrated our students’ achievements in academics, technology and the arts.

Fortis and Fidens Clubs

2013 SW Georgia Regional American Chemical Society Test Winners Austin Thompson, Golden Smith and Matt

Williams receive recognition at the Fidens Club Celebration

your best and working smart and hard.

Life the last few years has taught me that we cannot control our circumstances. However, we have one hundred percent control over our responses. So if life throws you some crazy times, don’t sit back with a bottle of wine and cry yourself to sleep or eat a tub of rocky road ice cream and watch Gossip Girl reruns. Take those challenges, and overcome them. Conquer them and come out a victor. Working through tough obstacles will make you a stronger, more con�dent person. Trust me, I’ve been dealt some pretty bad cards the past few years, but I took what I got and played the best game I could. Don’t let life get you down. Get back up when it shoves you into the ground!

As we journey into the next parts of our lives, it’s very important to �nd out who we are as persons no matter what the other people around us say. Take these next years and explore. You might have an undiscovered love for basket weaving, or you may not realize yet how much you love other cultures. I know I can’t wait to get to college and explore traveling abroad opportunities. Everyone I’ve talked to who has traveled abroad in college loved it and everyone I’ve talked to who hasn’t traveled told me I needed to do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things in college because it’s one of the only times you can try these things. If everyone is going to see the hottest Hollywood release, don’t hesitate to go see the showing of a 1950s foreign �lm you’ve always wanted to see. As you go through life, do things for you, not because everyone else around you is doing so.

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or twenty-seven. Mistakes are great teachers and can help you in the future. Sure, you may feel dumb when you wind up on the wrong side of Paris but at least you understand the Metro now. No one is perfect. We all mess up. Failure is not a loss but a gain. Failing in life is inevitable, that is why we have to take failures and spin them our way; make it worth your time. Make mistakes and don’t sweat it.

And follow your passions. Don’t be sitting in your desk in twenty years hating your job. Find career paths that allow you to indulge in what you love. Now, I’m not saying forget about money. Although we really don’t want to, eventually we are going to have to pay bills and pay taxes, whether we agree with what the government does with it or not. Follow your passions but don’t forget about your checking account when doing so; you’ve got to support your life style. Take these next few years and college to �nd that happy medium. I don’t know what I want to be yet, but that’s what I have the next few years for! I just know I want to love what I do and receive a good bit of cash doing so.

Now I’m going to steal a few words from a notable author who made a deep impression on me sophomore year. “There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better for worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power, which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which

The 7th graders on the way to Rock Eagle!Eighth Graders Hannah Hutchinson and Grayson Thomas as Sonny and

Cher for the 8th Grade Play “Destination Rock’n Roll”

Continued from Page 8 (Holly Querin)

Continued from Page 9 (Golden Smith)

he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Yes, I borrowed Emerson’s wise words from Self-Reliance. Congratulations my fellow seniors. As you continue your journey after today, stay true to yourself. It’s life and you only live once. Golden Smith, the Valwood Class of 2013 Salutatorian, is the son of Adonna Smith and Nathan Smith. He will attend New York University in the fall.

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Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Jeff Jackson)

By Holly Querin








By Golden Smith





























The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team �nished third at the regional competition held last February in Macon and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Remote Sensing – Hannah Waller and Ginnie Bree Hunter, Thermodynamics – Golden Smith and Ian Mashburn; 2nd Place: Dynamic Planet – Golden Smith and Holly Querin, Rocks and Minerals – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Anatomy and Physiology – Hannah Waller and Golden Smith, Water Quality – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Write It/Do It – Dallas Beal and Colin Wilson; 3rd Place: Chemistry Lab – Matt Williams and Austin Thompson, Forestry – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin; 4th Place: Robot Arm – Austin Thompson and Gabe Garcia. Other team members were Will Hawthorne, Lanier Langdale, Amanda Lupo and Allie Maxwell. The team was coached by David Cano and Joy Owens.

Science Olympiad

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. Honor Society members are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The following Upper School students were inducted into the National Honor Society: James Braswell, Mary Kate Crump, Charlie Dunmon, Lisa Garcia, Haley Jane Holland, DeAndre Lambert, Ian Mashburn, Ruddy Parrott, Jackson Pegg, Maggie Scruggs, Mary Alice Smoot, Austin Thompson and Matt Williams.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS







The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Currently there are active ITS troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools. In 2012, under the direction of Drama teacher, Holly Dickerson, Valwood School re-instated Thespian Troupe 5159 and inducted 10 Upper School students. With the help of the Fortis Club, these students had the unique opportunity to attend the 2013 Georgia Thespian Confer-ence last February. This was a chance for the students to interact with other theatre students from across the state. At the conference the Troupe members had the opportunity to take classes and workshops taught by trained professionals, see a number of performances, and speak with college representatives. Troupe 5159 also took a trip across town to see a performance of Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman at Valdosta State University. The students had the chance to speak with cast members after the show about their experiences and performing. Our students also welcomed Professor Eric Brandt Nielsen from VSU's Dance Department for a 2-day Swing Dancing workshop before prom. Moving forward into 2013-2014 many social and performance opportunities are in the works: Middle School One-Act Competition – Cricket County Academy, Upper School One-Act Competition Show – The Red Velvet Cake War, Middle and Upper School Spring Play – The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Middle and Upper School Spring Musical – Seussical the Musical and VEXT - Valwood Experi-mental Theatre.

Thespian Troupe 5159


By Holly Querin








By Golden Smith













167

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2013! The �nal acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Auburn University, Berry College, Brenau University, Clemson University, Coffeyville Community College, College of Coastal Georgia, College of William and Mary, Davidson College, Daytona State College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mercer University, New York University, Presbyterian College, Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Southern Polytechnic State University, St. John's University – Queens, Stetson University, The University of Alabama, The University of Georgia, The University of West Georgia, Tulane University, Union University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Mississippi, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Cumberlands, Valdosta State University, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2013

Dallas James Beal, Stuart Chase Blitch, Aulden Mitchell Bynum, Slayten McKenna Carter, Gri�n Tygart Clyatt, Jerome Franklin Collins, Jr., Mary Kate Crump, DaShon Rashad Day, Amanda Nicole Eaves, Eliza Carpenter Elliott, Haley Lane Flythe, Thomas James Hawthorne, Haley Jane Holland, Holden Zackery Holley, John Kenneth Lastinger, Ian Darby Mashburn, Kendall Rashad Mathis, Khary Antwon Paige, Ajay Bipin Patel, Jackson Randall Pegg, Holly Jean Querin, Kaitlin Denise Rasmussen, Dakota Marie Runnels, Emily Carol Sands, Zachary Vincent Savino, Jourdan Danielle Shackelford, Robert Austin Skipper, Golden Costner

Smith, Raymond Craig Smoot, Allan Hampton Taylor, Hannah Evelyn Waller, Austin Ted Wilkes, Gerrick Michael Williams, Stephen Tyler Williamsand Colin Sy Wilson.

Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Eliza Elliott placed �rst in Argumentative Essay, Holly Querin placed �rst in Rhetorical Essay, Dakota Runnels placed �rst for Dramatic Interpretation and Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won �rst place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region �nishers were Haley Flythe for Girls Solo, Craig Smoot for Boys Solo and Hannah Waller for Personal Essay. At the State competition Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won �rst place in the Girls Trio, Hannah Waller placed second for Personal Essay and Haley Flythe �nished third for Girls Solo.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition

U P P E R S C H O O L N E W S







Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2013. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of up to $2,500 of state income tax liability to a quali�ed student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based �nancial assistance. In 2012-2013 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 57 Valwood students. Students receiving GOAL dollars were enrolled in Lower, Middle and Upper School. Without your support, these students would be unable to experience the bene�ts of a Valwood education.

Brooks and Michelle AkinsRon and Jennifer AllenVallye BlantonAntoine and Cecile BrenierBarbara BrowningSteve and Lynn BrowningJonathan and Elizabeth Burns and familyBrad and Vicki BynumPat Cochran and Karyn KunzelmanLex and Donna Culbreth Jeremy and Charlotte DavisSue DennardMarvin and Jacquelyn DickeyWalter and Laura ElliottEMTT, Inc.Rob and Stacy EvansGene and Marcia FeltsFresh BeginningsEric and Stephanie Gee

Ronald and Beverly GilesWendell and Ann GodbeeJim and Julie GodbeeRhonda HammanHugh and Judy Hathcock and familyJeff HelmsJack and Lisa HenryHeritage BankJames and Josette IngramPope and Evelyn LangdaleBill and Beverly LangdaleJohn and Suzanne LastingerAlex and Rudell LawrenceLee and Amy Mackey and family Mac and Susan MackeyMary Catherine MackeyChris and Pam ManwellEdward and Rhonda MarkBrett and Tracyee Martin

Dutton and Donna MillerMartin and Laura Lynn Miller Doug and Stephanie MossJonathan and Katie ParrottDarren and Andrea PascavageBipin and Kristi PatelWilliam and Nancy PeggKim and Laura PerlmanBill and Sally QuerinMark and Laura RogersChip and Tia SanderlinDaniel and Heather SchertFerrell and April ScruggsFerrell and Pam ScruggsJames and Deann ScruggsSue Nell ScruggsJay and Amy SmithLarry Smith and Charlene BlacheRobert Stark and Maria Castellano

Jodie and Vickie StevensDaniel and Dana SwilleyJohnny and Wanda SwilleyTimothy and Tonya SwilleyJames and Carly ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceHarrison Tillman and Jan Loef�erLoyce and Ingrid TurnerMala VallottonRouse and Lynn VallottonWesley and Maggie VallottonShawn and Wendy VandemarkNick and Ginger ValentiEric and Kre WardRobert and Janice WigleyRichard and Hylda WilsonSteve and Patty WilsonBo and Pam Woodward

Valwood School’s Headmaster, Dr. Darren Pascavage and Athletic Director, Brett Martin announced the addition of a girls volleyball program beginning competition this fall. Martin said, “Bringing volleyball to Valwood gives us the opportunity to expand our women’s sports programs and give more female athletes access to a competitive athletic experience. As middle and high school volleyball becomes more popular statewide, we want to stay ahead of the curve while keeping our athletic offerings current and exciting.” The Lady Valiants will be coached by former Valdosta State Blazer, Val Gallahan. "I am beyond excited to coach volleyball at Valwood," Gallahan said. "When I moved to Valdosta several years ago, I was surprised to �nd that the local high schools did not offer volleyball, so this really feels like it has been a long time coming. Being a part of something from the ground up is truly a special experience.” Gallahan was recruited from Texas to join the Lady Blazer Volleyball program in 2005.

In the fall, Valwood will be one of 18 schools to compete in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA division. The GISA has sponsored volleyball since the early 2000’s, and although volleyball is gaining popularity across the country, it is still scarce in South Georgia.

“In establishing this program at Valwood, our most valuable asset has been Coach Val Gallahan. The college playing experience gives her instant credibility with the players, and her gift for establishing an immediate, positive, and encouraging rapport with students makes this an exciting opportunity – even for girls who are new to the game. It is unlikely that we would be in a position to talk about a volleyball program at Valwood without Coach Gallahan’s enthusiastic involvement,” said Dr. Pascavage.

Valwood will begin their season on August 16th as they travel to Grif�n, Georgia to take on the 2012 State Runner-Up Lady Crusaders.

Volleyball Comes to Valwood


GEORGIA GOAL

A T H L E T I C S N E W S

Girls Trio – Best in State!

By Holly Querin




Valedictory AddressPerhaps you have talents that you’ve just never really shared

with anyone. Or maybe you have talents that you don’t even know exist yet. There are so many parts of you that haven’t even been tested. You are going to realize that the person you have become in high school, with all the skills that you have honed and the success that you have experienced is just a tiny part of the person who you are going to become. I am wholeheartedly convinced that you are all going to be blown away by the amount of success that you are going to have, at college and beyond. I urge you to act on the talents that you possess in such massive quantities. Don’t let them go to waste. There’s a parable for that, you know. The master gives the servants coins and some of them invest them and make more money while the other tries to keep his safe by burying them. Then the master gets really mad at this servant because he’s not making good use of his coins. The same applies to all of you with your talents! Do not hide away your talents! It is such a waste to not use the skills you are given.




By Golden Smith














Alex Waldron returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Alex received the award last year and this year the honor went to Holly Querin and Golden Smith. The award is given to the senior who best exempli�es the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall Holly will attend Davidson College and Golden will attend New York University.

Valiant Award

Emily Sands was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Anne Rankin Cannon returned to bestow the honor. This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who embodies the spirit of the School in all areas of school life. Emily will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Spirit Award

In keeping with the school’s motto of Academics, Character, Service, each year Upper School students are required to perform 20 hours of community service. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” working over 100 hours of community service for the year: Aulden Bynum, Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, Jackson Pegg, Golden Smith, and Brenna Wilson. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Hailee Hathcock and Hannah Waller. Additionally the following students were members of the Club for a third consecutive year: Mary Kate Crump, Eliza Elliott, Kate Evans, Grace Flemer, Thomas Hawthorne, Holley Querin, and Kaitlin Rasmussen. Seniors Haley Flythe and Danielle Shackelford were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Academics, Character, Service

815







SPECIAL EVENTS

Homecoming Festivities

Seniors Slayten Carter, Colin Wilson, Zack Savino and Eliza Elliott pose on Nerd Day

Joyce Ro, Emma Parrott, and Hollis Waldronon Pop Culture Day!

The junior class traveled and visited colleges last winter. The group posed for a photo in front of the library at Samford University.



Class Trips

By Golden Smith







Salutatory Speech




149







S P E C I A L E V E N T S



Robin Rodgers Moore ’83 is the Chief of Internal Audit for The Coca-Cola Company headquartered in Atlanta. She began her career with the company in 1995 and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility including Senior Audit Manager in Corporate Audit and Director of Financial Reporting in the Controller’s Group. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Moore held positions with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Equitable Real Estate Investment Management Inc. and the Bank of North Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Emory University.

John Cordova ’88 and his wife, Lenka, live in Washington, D.C. where John works as a Senior Architectural Expert and Consultant for Computer Sciences Corporation. John earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.

Joe Vallotton ’93 and wife Quinn are the proud parents of Francis Luke born February 25, 2013.

Sara Bowers Tintle ’01 is Physical Therapist for Visiting Nurse. Sara and her husband, Sean, live in Smyrna with their daughter Maddie who was born July 28, 2012.

Katelan Kendrick Davis ’02 married Tyler Davis on May 4, 2013.

Alice Thrasher Popielarz ’02 and husband Joshua welcomed son, Jaxon Eli to their family last November.

John Alday ’04 and Ashley McGahee were married on April 20, 2013.

Ashley Eldridge ’04 graduated for Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashley is the school counselor at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rachel Thrasher Noles ’04 graduated in 2009 from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management. Rachel is an Advertising Executive for the Valdosta Daily Times and South Georgia Media Group. Rachel and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of daughters MacKenzie and Holly Anne.

Lauren Bailey '06 graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and in Psychology. Last May Lauren received her Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lauren works as a Pediatric Genetics Counselor at Duke University Medical Center.

Will Elliott ’06 graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Last May Will received his Jurist Doctor from Wake Forest University.

Maggie Karras ’08 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Auburn University in May of 2012 and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Valdosta State University in May of this year. She works for Life Line Children’s Services as the Georgia Social Worker.

Reel Howell ’08 and Christie Boomeyer were married in March of this year.

Carter Karras ’09 graduated cum laude from Auburn University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Carter is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accounting at Auburn University.

In May Cady Minor ’10 graduated summa com laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders. She is currently enrolled at Auburn pursing her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders.

Katie Querin ’10 and her father Bill Querin celebrated Father’s Day on top of Mt. Ranier, the highest peak in Washington. After months of training, the pair celebrated reaching the summit by watching a beautiful Father’s Day sunrise. Katie is a senior at the University of Montana pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design/Technology.

Yasmin Utterback ’10 is a student at SCAD in Atlanta where her artwork was chosen for two art shows – “The Lost Art” and “Beyond the Dot.”

Class of ’02 Holds ReunionLast Homecoming, the Class of 2002 held a 10 year reunion. The weekend began with a cookout at Goddard Field before the Valiant – Sherwood Christian Homecoming football game. The following day the alumni went to a Habitat for Humanity building site and rolled up their sleeves helping with the construction of a new home. Later that night the class celebrated with a dinner at the home of Chris and John Roan.

ALUMNI NEWS

Luke Vallotton

Katie and Bill summitMt. Ranier

Class of 2002 poses for a group photo

Keep in Touch!!!

Email: Laura Elliott at [email protected] Phone: 229-242-8491Online: www.valwood.org subscribe to Alumni Email Friend us on facebook We look forward to catching up on all your news!

Homecoming Football Game! Valiants vs. Terrell Academy on Friday, October 11. Make plans to join the fun.

Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Aulden Bynum, Grif�n Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Khary Paige, Jackson Pegg, Allan Taylor and Austin Wilkes received All-region recognition. Aulden Bynum, Grif�n Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Allan Taylor and Khary Paige also received All-state recognition. Dallas Beal received All-region recognition for cross country and track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. For the girls and boys basketball teams Ginnie Bree Hunter, DeAndre Lambert, Rashad Mathis, and Zack Savino received All-region honors. J.C. Carroll, Jake Chandler and Mack Davis received All-region recognition for baseball. Emma Layton earned All-state recognition in swimming. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Hailee Hatchcock, Ashley Manwell, Joyce Ro, Maggie Scruggs, Thomas Hawthorne, Golden Smith, Grayson Thomas and Colin Wilson received the All-region honor. Gary Cannon, Jake Lastinger, Ajay Patel and Peyton Trancygier were All-region golfers and Ajay Patel received All-state recognition. Chase Blitch, Carter Elliott, Charlie Dunmon, Gabe Garcia, DeAndre Lambert, Ty Petermann and Zack Savino were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Gabe Garcia and Zack Savino for boys soccer. Sarah Matney, Holly Querin, Kaitlin Rasmussen, Mary Alice Smoot and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team and the All-state honor was awarded to Mary Alice Smoot.

Region and State Athletes

The Valwood Valiant football team closed out its �rst-ever undefeated season, �nishing with an unscathed 14-0 record, with a 48-13 rout of the Westwood Wildcats in the GISA Class AA State Championship Game at Goddard Field on November 30, 2013. The state championship was Valwood’s fourth all-time, and �rst since 1999.

“It is awesome,” Valwood head coach Ashley Henderson said, just minutes after hoisting the championship trophy. “Our players have been through the 6 a.m. workouts and everything they have done goes to show that coaches are not as crazy as we look. There is a method behind the madness.”

2013 Valwood Valiants AA Football State Champions

Boys and Girls Tennis Teams 2013 Region Runner Ups.

VALWOOD ATHLETICS

2013 AA State Champions

1013

In March construction work was completed on Valwood’s new Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility. Located at Browning Field, the building is incorporated into the �eld as 100 feet of the out�eld wall and houses three Astroturf batting tunnels with portable cages, the Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball locker rooms, and a coach’s of�ce. The project was designed and built by Vulcan Steel and RST Construction. The design allows for the cages to be moved, creating a large space for other training activities. The storage space in the building opens directly to the baseball �eld allowing easy access for the �eld maintenance equipment.

Baseball and So�ball Hitting Facility Opens

A member of Valwood’s class of 2000, Bucky is returning to Valwood to teach Science in the Upper School. Bucky has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and he will complete a Master’s of Science in Biology from Valdosta State University this summer. Between his undergraduate and graduate work Bucky spent 5 years in the business world as an internet marketing consultant and instructor. During his graduate work, Bucky taught freshman Biology and Anatomy and Physiology labs at VSU. Bucky is excited to return to Valwood as an Upper School Science instructor and the Debate coach. In his spare time Bucky enjoys basketball, �shing, and hunting.

Bucky ShiverUpper School Science

Lynn Vallotton has joined Valwood’s faculty as the Upper School Art teacher. Lynn graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Graphics and Merchandising. Lynn also holds a degree in European Floral Arts from Leon Forma�eur in Leon, France and is known for her accomplishments in the art of �oral design. Lynn is thrilled to be a part of the Vallotton family legacy at Valwood. Her husband Rouse attended Valwood and his two brothers, Joe and Wesley are Valwood graduates. Lynn’s mother-in-law Mala Vallotton is currently a Valwood Trustee and served as a tireless parent volunteer at Valwood for 28 years. Lynn and her husband are the parents of Valwood third grader, Rouse. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, traveling, and geo-caching.

Lynn VallottonUpper School Art

F A C U L T Y N E W S

O T H E R N E W S

Last April more than 275 grandparents visited the campus for Valwood’s annual Grandparents Day. The grandparents enjoyed breakfast, meeting our Headmaster, classroom visits, touring the facility and student performances. Save the date! Grandparents Day March 28, 2014.

Grandparents Day

Gracie Williamson with her grandfather Rex Williamson

Jackson Pegg with his grandfather Buck Pegg

Valwood’s art teacher of 16 years, Patricia Ann Smith, passed away on June 15, 2013. Her love, joy, enthusiasm and perseverance through life’s challenges made a profound impact on all who knew her.

Mrs. Smith welcomed students and visitors who entered her art studio with a sparkle in her eye and spirited words of encouragement and humor. She taught over 3000 students over her 56 year career and was a favorite among her students whom she called her “cherubs.”

Works of art created by Valwood students are displayed in the rooms and hallways throughout campus, now memorializing Mrs. Smith’s extraordinary talent as a teacher. A gifted artist in her own right, Mrs. Smith’s commissioned drawings and paintings hang in many homes and businesses.

Her loss leaves a deep void at Valwood but her words will echo in our hearts always, “Life is a battle, but a good knowledge of the arts helps one balance out beauty and tough times successfully.”

Patricia Ann Smith

Carter Sharon and his grandparents Wayne and Jerri

Sandifer.

1211

Valwood Varsity athletes whose academic performance placed them on the Headmaster’s List during the quarter they were playing a varsity sport received the Scholar Athlete medal. Compiled at the end of each grading period, the Headmaster’s List is Valwood’s most prestigious academic recognition for it highlights extraordinary academic achievement among the school’s Upper and Middle School student body. To be named to the list, students must have a 90 or better average in all academic subjects. This award, modeled on the NCAA’s Academic All-American recognition, honors those varsity student-athletes who maintain high academic and athletic performance at Valwood. Winner of this award for the fall sports season was Brenna Wilson. Winter scholar athlete award winners were Mary Kate Crump, Amanda Eaves, Haley Flythe, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emma Parrott, Holly Querin, and Zack Savino. Pictured below are the winners of the spring scholar athlete medal.

Scholar Athletes

Athletic Schedules2013 Varsity Football

Aug 23 Windsor Academy Away 7:30

Aug 30 Edmund Burke Academy Home 7:30

Sept 6 Flint River Academy Away 7:30

Sep 13 Memorial Day School Home 7:30

Sep 27 Mount De Sales Academy Home 7:30

Oct 4 Sherwood Christian Academy Away 7:30

Oct 11 Terrell Academy (Homecoming) Home 7:30

Oct 18 Westwood School Away 7:30

Oct 25 Brookwood School Home 7:30

Nov 1 Southwest Georgia Academy Home 7:30

Aug 16 Grif�n Christian Academy Away 5:00

Aug 17 Lafayette Christian Academy Away 11:00

Aug 22 Grace Christian Academy Home 4:00

Aug 26 Sherwood Christian Academy Away 5:00

Aug 29 First Presbyterian Christian Away 5:00

Sep 7 Lafayette Christian Academy Home 12:00

Sep 16 Grace Christian Academy Away 4:00

Sep 20 Stratford Academy Away 6:00


Sep 28 Grif�n Christian Academy Home 2:00

Sep 30 Sherwood Christian Academy Home 6:00

Oct 1 Mount De Sales Academy Away 6:00

Oct 7 First Presbyterian Christian Home 4:30

Oct 16 Stratford Academy Home 6:00


Sep 19 Tiftarea Academy Home 6:00

Sep 26 Fullington Academy Home 6:00

Oct 3 Tiftarea Academy Away 6:00

Oct 10 Windsor Academy Away 5:00

Oct 17 Windsor Academy Home 5:00

Aug 24 Loganville Christian Academy Away -

Sep 7 West�eld School Away -

Sep 14 Loganville Christian Academy Away -

Sep 21 Covenant Academy Away -

Sep 28 Southland Academy Away -

Oct 12 Deer�eld Windsor School Away -

Oct 19 Region Meet Away -

Oct 26 State Meet Away -

2013 Varsity Volleyball

2013 JV Football

2013 Cross Country

Olivia Cox, Carter Elliott, Katherine Godbee, Hannah Hutchinson, Addy Perlman, Ty Petermann, Holly Querin, Zack Savino, Maggie Scruggs,

Golden Smith and Brenna Wilson – not pictured – Kush Patel, Joyce Ro, and Emily Sands.

Join the Valiant Club! Support Valwood Athletics! For your $100 membership fee you will receive two Valiant Club passes which allow free admission to all home* athletic events. Call the school o�ce for more details 229-242-8491. See you at the games!

*not including Region and State Playo� Games Mark your calendars! The Valwood School Reverse Car Auction is Saturday, January 25, 2014. Come out for an evening of fun and you may drive home in a new vehicle! Please call the school o�ce for details 229-242-8491.

V A L W O O D A T H L E T I C S

A native of Hahira, Tabitha graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and volunteered at Lowndes County schools and is thrilled to be joining the Valwood faculty. Tabitha will also support the Varsity Cheerleaders as an Assistant Coach. Tabitha and her husband, Jason, are the parents of Paisley who will join Valwood’s kindergarten class this fall. In her free time Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, cooking and coaching gymnastics and cheerleading.

Tabitha BarberLower School 3rd Grade, Assistant Cheerleading Coach

Jennifer is from St. Maarten and came to the United States to attend college on a community service scholarship. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and is currently completing her Master’s in International Relations. Jennifer is �uent in English, Spanish and French. Jennifer is the mother of Jayden who will be joining Valwood’s Pre-Kindergarten class in the fall. Jennifer enjoys water sports, cooking/baking, and spending time with her son. Additionally she travels extensively as her family lives abroad and is spread across the globe.

Jennifer MassotUpper School Spanish

Adam joined the Valwood Middle School faculty in January of last year and is looking forward to moving to the Lower School this fall. Adam grew up in Nashville and graduated from Berrien County High School and Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Adam will continue his coaching duties with the Middle School soccer and basketball teams. Adam and his wife, Jenna are the parents of Bailie and Ansen. In his free time Adam enjoys researching scienti�c and historical topics, outside activities including camping, playing the guitar and exercising.

Adam MurphyLower School 5th Grade

Valwood School is proud to introduce our new faculty. We are excited to have such quali�ed, talented, and enthusiastic faculty joining us at Valwood.

FACULTY NEWS

Kayla is originally from Brunswick, Georgia where she has been teaching at Golden Isles Elementary School for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and she earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Troy University. Kayla will be helping with Homework Hour and will sponsor the new Computer Club in the Lower School. In her free time Kayla enjoys playing softball and volleyball as well as cheering for the UGA football team.

Kayla PickrenLower School 4th Grade

A South Carolina native, Kim graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and from Kennesaw State University with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing. Kim worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Kennesaw before moving to Valdosta where he worked in real estate and most recently as Marketing Director for Greenleaf Center. Kim and his wife, Alyson, Valwood Class of 1994, are the parents of �rst grader Talley and pre-kindergartener Jack. Kim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports and keeping up with South Carolina Gamecock athletics.

Kim LerstangUpper School Faculty

Continued on the next page...

1211

Valwood Varsity athletes whose academic performance placed them on the Headmaster’s List during the quarter they were playing a varsity sport received the Scholar Athlete medal. Compiled at the end of each grading period, the Headmaster’s List is Valwood’s most prestigious academic recognition for it highlights extraordinary academic achievement among the school’s Upper and Middle School student body. To be named to the list, students must have a 90 or better average in all academic subjects. This award, modeled on the NCAA’s Academic All-American recognition, honors those varsity student-athletes who maintain high academic and athletic performance at Valwood. Winner of this award for the fall sports season was Brenna Wilson. Winter scholar athlete award winners were Mary Kate Crump, Amanda Eaves, Haley Flythe, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emma Parrott, Holly Querin, and Zack Savino. Pictured below are the winners of the spring scholar athlete medal.

Scholar Athletes

Athletic Schedules2013 Varsity Football

Aug 23 Windsor Academy Away 7:30

Aug 30 Edmund Burke Academy Home 7:30

Sept 6 Flint River Academy Away 7:30

Sep 13 Memorial Day School Home 7:30


Oct 4 Sherwood Christian Academy Away 7:30

Oct 11 Terrell Academy (Homecoming) Home 7:30

Oct 18 Westwood School Away 7:30

Oct 25 Brookwood School Home 7:30

Nov 1 Southwest Georgia Academy Home 7:30

Aug 16 Grif�n Christian Academy Away 5:00

Aug 17 Lafayette Christian Academy Away 11:00

Aug 22 Grace Christian Academy Home 4:00

Aug 26 Sherwood Christian Academy Away 5:00

Aug 29 First Presbyterian Christian Away 5:00

Sep 7 Lafayette Christian Academy Home 12:00

Sep 16 Grace Christian Academy Away 4:00

Sep 20 Stratford Academy Away 6:00


Sep 28 Grif�n Christian Academy Home 2:00


Oct 1 Mount De Sales Academy Away 6:00

Oct 7 First Presbyterian Christian Home 4:30

Oct 16 Stratford Academy Home 6:00


Sep 19 Tiftarea Academy Home 6:00

Sep 26 Fullington Academy Home 6:00

Oct 3 Tiftarea Academy Away 6:00

Oct 10 Windsor Academy Away 5:00

Oct 17 Windsor Academy Home 5:00

Aug 24 Loganville Christian Academy Away -

Sep 7 West�eld School Away -

Sep 14 Loganville Christian Academy Away -

Sep 21 Covenant Academy Away -

Sep 28 Southland Academy Away -

Oct 12 Deer�eld Windsor School Away -

Oct 19 Region Meet Away -

Oct 26 State Meet Away -

2013 Varsity Volleyball

2013 JV Football

2013 Cross Country

Olivia Cox, Carter Elliott, Katherine Godbee, Hannah Hutchinson, Addy Perlman, Ty Petermann, Holly Querin, Zack Savino, Maggie Scruggs,

Golden Smith and Brenna Wilson – not pictured – Kush Patel, Joyce Ro, and Emily Sands.

Join the Valiant Club! Support Valwood Athletics! For your $100 membership fee you will receive two Valiant Club passes which allow free admission to all home* athletic events. Call the school o�ce for more details 229-242-8491. See you at the games!

*not including Region and State Playo� Games Mark your calendars! The Valwood School Reverse Car Auction is Saturday, January 25, 2014. Come out for an evening of fun and you may drive home in a new vehicle! Please call the school o�ce for details 229-242-8491.

V A L W O O D A T H L E T I C S

A native of Hahira, Tabitha graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and volunteered at Lowndes County schools and is thrilled to be joining the Valwood faculty. Tabitha will also support the Varsity Cheerleaders as an Assistant Coach. Tabitha and her husband, Jason, are the parents of Paisley who will join Valwood’s kindergarten class this fall. In her free time Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, cooking and coaching gymnastics and cheerleading.

Tabitha BarberLower School 3rd Grade, Assistant Cheerleading Coach

Jennifer is from St. Maarten and came to the United States to attend college on a community service scholarship. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and is currently completing her Master’s in International Relations. Jennifer is �uent in English, Spanish and French. Jennifer is the mother of Jayden who will be joining Valwood’s Pre-Kindergarten class in the fall. Jennifer enjoys water sports, cooking/baking, and spending time with her son. Additionally she travels extensively as her family lives abroad and is spread across the globe.

Jennifer MassotUpper School Spanish

Adam joined the Valwood Middle School faculty in January of last year and is looking forward to moving to the Lower School this fall. Adam grew up in Nashville and graduated from Berrien County High School and Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education. In addition to teaching 5th grade, Adam will continue his coaching duties with the Middle School soccer and basketball teams. Adam and his wife, Jenna are the parents of Bailie and Ansen. In his free time Adam enjoys researching scienti�c and historical topics, outside activities including camping, playing the guitar and exercising.

Adam MurphyLower School 5th Grade

Valwood School is proud to introduce our new faculty. We are excited to have such quali�ed, talented, and enthusiastic faculty joining us at Valwood.

FACULTY NEWS

Kayla is originally from Brunswick, Georgia where she has been teaching at Golden Isles Elementary School for the past 4 years. She is a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, and she earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Troy University. Kayla will be helping with Homework Hour and will sponsor the new Computer Club in the Lower School. In her free time Kayla enjoys playing softball and volleyball as well as cheering for the UGA football team.

Kayla PickrenLower School 4th Grade

A South Carolina native, Kim graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and from Kennesaw State University with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing. Kim worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Kennesaw before moving to Valdosta where he worked in real estate and most recently as Marketing Director for Greenleaf Center. Kim and his wife, Alyson, Valwood Class of 1994, are the parents of �rst grader Talley and pre-kindergartener Jack. Kim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports and keeping up with South Carolina Gamecock athletics.

Kim LerstangUpper School Faculty

Continued on the next page...

Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Aulden Bynum, Grif�n Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Khary Paige, Jackson Pegg, Allan Taylor and Austin Wilkes received All-region recognition. Aulden Bynum, Grif�n Clyatt, Rashad Mathis, Char Merine, Allan Taylor and Khary Paige also received All-state recognition. Dallas Beal received All-region recognition for cross country and track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. For the girls and boys basketball teams Ginnie Bree Hunter, DeAndre Lambert, Rashad Mathis, and Zack Savino received All-region honors. J.C. Carroll, Jake Chandler and Mack Davis received All-region recognition for baseball. Emma Layton earned All-state recognition in swimming. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Hailee Hatchcock, Ashley Manwell, Joyce Ro, Maggie Scruggs, Thomas Hawthorne, Golden Smith, Grayson Thomas and Colin Wilson received the All-region honor. Gary Cannon, Jake Lastinger, Ajay Patel and Peyton Trancygier were All-region golfers and Ajay Patel received All-state recognition. Chase Blitch, Carter Elliott, Charlie Dunmon, Gabe Garcia, DeAndre Lambert, Ty Petermann and Zack Savino were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Gabe Garcia and Zack Savino for boys soccer. Sarah Matney, Holly Querin, Kaitlin Rasmussen, Mary Alice Smoot and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team and the All-state honor was awarded to Mary Alice Smoot.

Region and State Athletes

The Valwood Valiant football team closed out its �rst-ever undefeated season, �nishing with an unscathed 14-0 record, with a 48-13 rout of the Westwood Wildcats in the GISA Class AA State Championship Game at Goddard Field on November 30, 2013. The state championship was Valwood’s fourth all-time, and �rst since 1999.

“It is awesome,” Valwood head coach Ashley Henderson said, just minutes after hoisting the championship trophy. “Our players have been through the 6 a.m. workouts and everything they have done goes to show that coaches are not as crazy as we look. There is a method behind the madness.”

2013 Valwood Valiants AA Football State Champions

Boys and Girls Tennis Teams 2013 Region Runner Ups.

VALWOOD ATHLETICS

2013 AA State Champions

1013

In March construction work was completed on Valwood’s new Baseball and Softball Hitting Facility. Located at Browning Field, the building is incorporated into the �eld as 100 feet of the out�eld wall and houses three Astroturf batting tunnels with portable cages, the Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball locker rooms, and a coach’s of�ce. The project was designed and built by Vulcan Steel and RST Construction. The design allows for the cages to be moved, creating a large space for other training activities. The storage space in the building opens directly to the baseball �eld allowing easy access for the �eld maintenance equipment.

Baseball and So�ball Hitting Facility Opens

A member of Valwood’s class of 2000, Bucky is returning to Valwood to teach Science in the Upper School. Bucky has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and he will complete a Master’s of Science in Biology from Valdosta State University this summer. Between his undergraduate and graduate work Bucky spent 5 years in the business world as an internet marketing consultant and instructor. During his graduate work, Bucky taught freshman Biology and Anatomy and Physiology labs at VSU. Bucky is excited to return to Valwood as an Upper School Science instructor and the Debate coach. In his spare time Bucky enjoys basketball, �shing, and hunting.

Bucky ShiverUpper School Science

Lynn Vallotton has joined Valwood’s faculty as the Upper School Art teacher. Lynn graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Graphics and Merchandising. Lynn also holds a degree in European Floral Arts from Leon Forma�eur in Leon, France and is known for her accomplishments in the art of �oral design. Lynn is thrilled to be a part of the Vallotton family legacy at Valwood. Her husband Rouse attended Valwood and his two brothers, Joe and Wesley are Valwood graduates. Lynn’s mother-in-law Mala Vallotton is currently a Valwood Trustee and served as a tireless parent volunteer at Valwood for 28 years. Lynn and her husband are the parents of Valwood third grader, Rouse. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, traveling, and geo-caching.

Lynn VallottonUpper School Art

F A C U L T Y N E W S

O T H E R N E W S

Last April more than 275 grandparents visited the campus for Valwood’s annual Grandparents Day. The grandparents enjoyed breakfast, meeting our Headmaster, classroom visits, touring the facility and student performances. Save the date! Grandparents Day March 28, 2014.

Grandparents Day

Gracie Williamson with her grandfather Rex Williamson

Jackson Pegg with his grandfather Buck Pegg

Valwood’s art teacher of 16 years, Patricia Ann Smith, passed away on June 15, 2013. Her love, joy, enthusiasm and perseverance through life’s challenges made a profound impact on all who knew her.

Mrs. Smith welcomed students and visitors who entered her art studio with a sparkle in her eye and spirited words of encouragement and humor. She taught over 3000 students over her 56 year career and was a favorite among her students whom she called her “cherubs.”

Works of art created by Valwood students are displayed in the rooms and hallways throughout campus, now memorializing Mrs. Smith’s extraordinary talent as a teacher. A gifted artist in her own right, Mrs. Smith’s commissioned drawings and paintings hang in many homes and businesses.

Her loss leaves a deep void at Valwood but her words will echo in our hearts always, “Life is a battle, but a good knowledge of the arts helps one balance out beauty and tough times successfully.”

Patricia Ann Smith

Carter Sharon and his grandparents Wayne and Jerri

Sandifer.

By Golden Smith







Salutatory Speech




149







S P E C I A L E V E N T S



Robin Rodgers Moore ’83 is the Chief of Internal Audit for The Coca-Cola Company headquartered in Atlanta. She began her career with the company in 1995 and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility including Senior Audit Manager in Corporate Audit and Director of Financial Reporting in the Controller’s Group. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Moore held positions with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Equitable Real Estate Investment Management Inc. and the Bank of North Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Emory University.

John Cordova ’88 and his wife, Lenka, live in Washington, D.C. where John works as a Senior Architectural Expert and Consultant for Computer Sciences Corporation. John earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.

Joe Vallotton ’93 and wife Quinn are the proud parents of Francis Luke born February 25, 2013.

Sara Bowers Tintle ’01 is Physical Therapist for Visiting Nurse. Sara and her husband, Sean, live in Smyrna with their daughter Maddie who was born July 28, 2012.

Katelan Kendrick Davis ’02 married Tyler Davis on May 4, 2013.

Alice Thrasher Popielarz ’02 and husband Joshua welcomed son, Jaxon Eli to their family last November.

John Alday ’04 and Ashley McGahee were married on April 20, 2013.

Ashley Eldridge ’04 graduated for Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashley is the school counselor at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rachel Thrasher Noles ’04 graduated in 2009 from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management. Rachel is an Advertising Executive for the Valdosta Daily Times and South Georgia Media Group. Rachel and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of daughters MacKenzie and Holly Anne.

Lauren Bailey '06 graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and in Psychology. Last May Lauren received her Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lauren works as a Pediatric Genetics Counselor at Duke University Medical Center.

Will Elliott ’06 graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Last May Will received his Jurist Doctor from Wake Forest University.

Maggie Karras ’08 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Auburn University in May of 2012 and earned her Master’s of Social Work from Valdosta State University in May of this year. She works for Life Line Children’s Services as the Georgia Social Worker.

Reel Howell ’08 and Christie Boomeyer were married in March of this year.

Carter Karras ’09 graduated cum laude from Auburn University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Carter is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accounting at Auburn University.

In May Cady Minor ’10 graduated summa com laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders. She is currently enrolled at Auburn pursing her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders.

Katie Querin ’10 and her father Bill Querin celebrated Father’s Day on top of Mt. Ranier, the highest peak in Washington. After months of training, the pair celebrated reaching the summit by watching a beautiful Father’s Day sunrise. Katie is a senior at the University of Montana pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design/Technology.

Yasmin Utterback ’10 is a student at SCAD in Atlanta where her artwork was chosen for two art shows – “The Lost Art” and “Beyond the Dot.”

Class of ’02 Holds ReunionLast Homecoming, the Class of 2002 held a 10 year reunion. The weekend began with a cookout at Goddard Field before the Valiant – Sherwood Christian Homecoming football game. The following day the alumni went to a Habitat for Humanity building site and rolled up their sleeves helping with the construction of a new home. Later that night the class celebrated with a dinner at the home of Chris and John Roan.

ALUMNI NEWS

Luke Vallotton

Katie and Bill summitMt. Ranier

Class of 2002 poses for a group photo

Keep in Touch!!!

Email: Laura Elliott at [email protected] Phone: 229-242-8491Online: www.valwood.org subscribe to Alumni Email Friend us on facebook We look forward to catching up on all your news!

Homecoming Football Game! Valiants vs. Terrell Academy on Friday, October 11. Make plans to join the fun.

By Holly Querin




Valedictory AddressPerhaps you have talents that you’ve just never really shared

with anyone. Or maybe you have talents that you don’t even know exist yet. There are so many parts of you that haven’t even been tested. You are going to realize that the person you have become in high school, with all the skills that you have honed and the success that you have experienced is just a tiny part of the person who you are going to become. I am wholeheartedly convinced that you are all going to be blown away by the amount of success that you are going to have, at college and beyond. I urge you to act on the talents that you possess in such massive quantities. Don’t let them go to waste. There’s a parable for that, you know. The master gives the servants coins and some of them invest them and make more money while the other tries to keep his safe by burying them. Then the master gets really mad at this servant because he’s not making good use of his coins. The same applies to all of you with your talents! Do not hide away your talents! It is such a waste to not use the skills you are given.




By Golden Smith














Alex Waldron returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Alex received the award last year and this year the honor went to Holly Querin and Golden Smith. The award is given to the senior who best exempli�es the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall Holly will attend Davidson College and Golden will attend New York University.

Valiant Award

Emily Sands was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Anne Rankin Cannon returned to bestow the honor. This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who embodies the spirit of the School in all areas of school life. Emily will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Spirit Award

In keeping with the school’s motto of Academics, Character, Service, each year Upper School students are required to perform 20 hours of community service. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” working over 100 hours of community service for the year: Aulden Bynum, Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, Jackson Pegg, Golden Smith, and Brenna Wilson. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Hailee Hathcock and Hannah Waller. Additionally the following students were members of the Club for a third consecutive year: Mary Kate Crump, Eliza Elliott, Kate Evans, Grace Flemer, Thomas Hawthorne, Holley Querin, and Kaitlin Rasmussen. Seniors Haley Flythe and Danielle Shackelford were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Academics, Character, Service

815







SPECIAL EVENTS

Homecoming Festivities

Seniors Slayten Carter, Colin Wilson, Zack Savino and Eliza Elliott pose on Nerd Day

Joyce Ro, Emma Parrott, and Hollis Waldronon Pop Culture Day!

The junior class traveled and visited colleges last winter. The group posed for a photo in front of the library at Samford University.



Class Trips

By Holly Querin








By Golden Smith













167

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2013! The �nal acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Auburn University, Berry College, Brenau University, Clemson University, Coffeyville Community College, College of Coastal Georgia, College of William and Mary, Davidson College, Daytona State College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mercer University, New York University, Presbyterian College, Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Southern Polytechnic State University, St. John's University – Queens, Stetson University, The University of Alabama, The University of Georgia, The University of West Georgia, Tulane University, Union University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Mississippi, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Cumberlands, Valdosta State University, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2013

Dallas James Beal, Stuart Chase Blitch, Aulden Mitchell Bynum, Slayten McKenna Carter, Gri�n Tygart Clyatt, Jerome Franklin Collins, Jr., Mary Kate Crump, DaShon Rashad Day, Amanda Nicole Eaves, Eliza Carpenter Elliott, Haley Lane Flythe, Thomas James Hawthorne, Haley Jane Holland, Holden Zackery Holley, John Kenneth Lastinger, Ian Darby Mashburn, Kendall Rashad Mathis, Khary Antwon Paige, Ajay Bipin Patel, Jackson Randall Pegg, Holly Jean Querin, Kaitlin Denise Rasmussen, Dakota Marie Runnels, Emily Carol Sands, Zachary Vincent Savino, Jourdan Danielle Shackelford, Robert Austin Skipper, Golden Costner

Smith, Raymond Craig Smoot, Allan Hampton Taylor, Hannah Evelyn Waller, Austin Ted Wilkes, Gerrick Michael Williams, Stephen Tyler Williamsand Colin Sy Wilson.

Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Eliza Elliott placed �rst in Argumentative Essay, Holly Querin placed �rst in Rhetorical Essay, Dakota Runnels placed �rst for Dramatic Interpretation and Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won �rst place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region �nishers were Haley Flythe for Girls Solo, Craig Smoot for Boys Solo and Hannah Waller for Personal Essay. At the State competition Haley Flythe, Shana Morman, and Lisa Garcia won �rst place in the Girls Trio, Hannah Waller placed second for Personal Essay and Haley Flythe �nished third for Girls Solo.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition








Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2013. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of up to $2,500 of state income tax liability to a quali�ed student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based �nancial assistance. In 2012-2013 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 57 Valwood students. Students receiving GOAL dollars were enrolled in Lower, Middle and Upper School. Without your support, these students would be unable to experience the bene�ts of a Valwood education.

Brooks and Michelle AkinsRon and Jennifer AllenVallye BlantonAntoine and Cecile BrenierBarbara BrowningSteve and Lynn BrowningJonathan and Elizabeth Burns and familyBrad and Vicki BynumPat Cochran and Karyn KunzelmanLex and Donna Culbreth Jeremy and Charlotte DavisSue DennardMarvin and Jacquelyn DickeyWalter and Laura ElliottEMTT, Inc.Rob and Stacy EvansGene and Marcia FeltsFresh BeginningsEric and Stephanie Gee

Ronald and Beverly GilesWendell and Ann GodbeeJim and Julie GodbeeRhonda HammanHugh and Judy Hathcock and familyJeff HelmsJack and Lisa HenryHeritage BankJames and Josette IngramPope and Evelyn LangdaleBill and Beverly LangdaleJohn and Suzanne LastingerAlex and Rudell LawrenceLee and Amy Mackey and family Mac and Susan MackeyMary Catherine MackeyChris and Pam ManwellEdward and Rhonda MarkBrett and Tracyee Martin

Dutton and Donna MillerMartin and Laura Lynn Miller Doug and Stephanie MossJonathan and Katie ParrottDarren and Andrea PascavageBipin and Kristi PatelWilliam and Nancy PeggKim and Laura PerlmanBill and Sally QuerinMark and Laura RogersChip and Tia SanderlinDaniel and Heather SchertFerrell and April ScruggsFerrell and Pam ScruggsJames and Deann ScruggsSue Nell ScruggsJay and Amy SmithLarry Smith and Charlene BlacheRobert Stark and Maria Castellano

Jodie and Vickie StevensDaniel and Dana SwilleyJohnny and Wanda SwilleyTimothy and Tonya SwilleyJames and Carly ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceHarrison Tillman and Jan Loef�erLoyce and Ingrid TurnerMala VallottonRouse and Lynn VallottonWesley and Maggie VallottonShawn and Wendy VandemarkNick and Ginger ValentiEric and Kre WardRobert and Janice WigleyRichard and Hylda WilsonSteve and Patty WilsonBo and Pam Woodward

Valwood School’s Headmaster, Dr. Darren Pascavage and Athletic Director, Brett Martin announced the addition of a girls volleyball program beginning competition this fall. Martin said, “Bringing volleyball to Valwood gives us the opportunity to expand our women’s sports programs and give more female athletes access to a competitive athletic experience. As middle and high school volleyball becomes more popular statewide, we want to stay ahead of the curve while keeping our athletic offerings current and exciting.” The Lady Valiants will be coached by former Valdosta State Blazer, Val Gallahan. "I am beyond excited to coach volleyball at Valwood," Gallahan said. "When I moved to Valdosta several years ago, I was surprised to �nd that the local high schools did not offer volleyball, so this really feels like it has been a long time coming. Being a part of something from the ground up is truly a special experience.” Gallahan was recruited from Texas to join the Lady Blazer Volleyball program in 2005.

In the fall, Valwood will be one of 18 schools to compete in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA division. The GISA has sponsored volleyball since the early 2000’s, and although volleyball is gaining popularity across the country, it is still scarce in South Georgia.

“In establishing this program at Valwood, our most valuable asset has been Coach Val Gallahan. The college playing experience gives her instant credibility with the players, and her gift for establishing an immediate, positive, and encouraging rapport with students makes this an exciting opportunity – even for girls who are new to the game. It is unlikely that we would be in a position to talk about a volleyball program at Valwood without Coach Gallahan’s enthusiastic involvement,” said Dr. Pascavage.

Valwood will begin their season on August 16th as they travel to Grif�n, Georgia to take on the 2012 State Runner-Up Lady Crusaders.

Volleyball Comes to Valwood


GEORGIA GOAL

A T H L E T I C S N E W S

Girls Trio – Best in State!

617

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Jeff Jackson)

By Holly Querin








By Golden Smith





























The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team �nished third at the regional competition held last February in Macon and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Remote Sensing – Hannah Waller and Ginnie Bree Hunter, Thermodynamics – Golden Smith and Ian Mashburn; 2nd Place: Dynamic Planet – Golden Smith and Holly Querin, Rocks and Minerals – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Anatomy and Physiology – Hannah Waller and Golden Smith, Water Quality – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin, Write It/Do It – Dallas Beal and Colin Wilson; 3rd Place: Chemistry Lab – Matt Williams and Austin Thompson, Forestry – Eliza Elliott and Holly Querin; 4th Place: Robot Arm – Austin Thompson and Gabe Garcia. Other team members were Will Hawthorne, Lanier Langdale, Amanda Lupo and Allie Maxwell. The team was coached by David Cano and Joy Owens.

Science Olympiad

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. Honor Society members are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The following Upper School students were inducted into the National Honor Society: James Braswell, Mary Kate Crump, Charlie Dunmon, Lisa Garcia, Haley Jane Holland, DeAndre Lambert, Ian Mashburn, Ruddy Parrott, Jackson Pegg, Maggie Scruggs, Mary Alice Smoot, Austin Thompson and Matt Williams.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS







The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Currently there are active ITS troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools. In 2012, under the direction of Drama teacher, Holly Dickerson, Valwood School re-instated Thespian Troupe 5159 and inducted 10 Upper School students. With the help of the Fortis Club, these students had the unique opportunity to attend the 2013 Georgia Thespian Confer-ence last February. This was a chance for the students to interact with other theatre students from across the state. At the conference the Troupe members had the opportunity to take classes and workshops taught by trained professionals, see a number of performances, and speak with college representatives. Troupe 5159 also took a trip across town to see a performance of Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman at Valdosta State University. The students had the chance to speak with cast members after the show about their experiences and performing. Our students also welcomed Professor Eric Brandt Nielsen from VSU's Dance Department for a 2-day Swing Dancing workshop before prom. Moving forward into 2013-2014 many social and performance opportunities are in the works: Middle School One-Act Competition – Cricket County Academy, Upper School One-Act Competition Show – The Red Velvet Cake War, Middle and Upper School Spring Play – The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Middle and Upper School Spring Musical – Seussical the Musical and VEXT - Valwood Experi-mental Theatre.

Thespian Troupe 5159


185

By Holly Querin








By Golden Smith





























Once again and for the �fth year in a row, Valwood Middle School students honored local veterans in a Veterans Day performance and celebration. Under the direction of co-dean and teacher Vallye Blanton the students presented the veterans, family, and friends a program of appreciation with the singing of patriotic musical selections. Over 100 veterans attended the celebration including several World War II veterans along with veterans from the Korean Con�ict, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Also in attendance were several active duty personnel from Moody Air Force Base. The morning event was a celebration and an opportunity for the Middle Schoolers to honor the veterans and to learn �rsthand the importance of the military, and how the veterans’ service has shaped our country and allows us all to continue to live in freedom.

Veterans Day Celebration

Veteran Bill Ator and Caroline Evans

Last Spring, the Valwood School Board of Trustees approved the dedication of the baseball �eld, and on March 11, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held to name the �eld in honor of the W. Steven Browning Family. During the ceremony Headmaster, Darren Pascavage thanked the family for their commitment and leadership. Trustee Billy Tidmore, Athletic Director Brett Martin and Coach Robert Shipman also expressed their appreciation for the Browning Family support.

Browning Field

Steve Browning Family

M I D D L E S C H O O L N E W S

The 8th graders posed in front of the National Cathedralwhile visiting Washington, D.C. last February.

OTHER NEWS


This year Valwood inaugurated two new support organizations. The Fidens Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for academics and technology. The Fortis Club provides resources, volunteers, and supplemental funding for the arts. Last May both the Fortis and Fidens Clubs celebrated our students’ achievements in academics, technology and the arts.

Fortis and Fidens Clubs

2013 SW Georgia Regional American Chemical Society Test Winners Austin Thompson, Golden Smith and Matt

Williams receive recognition at the Fidens Club Celebration







The 7th graders on the way to Rock Eagle!Eighth Graders Hannah Hutchinson and Grayson Thomas as Sonny and

Cher for the 8th Grade Play “Destination Rock’n Roll”

Continued from Page 8 (Holly Querin)

Continued from Page 9 (Golden Smith)


4

Thank you so much for your support of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund. We raised more than $200,000 with 70% of our parents participating! Revenue raised through the Annual Fund enhances all aspects of our school from additions to the curriculum to the expansion of enrichment programs and athletics. Your generosity was crucial to our success. Thank you!

Tia Sanderlin 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairman































The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on February 11, 2013 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center with the inductees, their classmates, faculty and parents present to celebrate the honor. The National Junior Honor Society seeks candidates from the seventh and eighth grades who demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, service, character, leadership, and citizenship. New inductees were awarded certi�cates, pins, and membership cards. Valwood Middle School welcomes Georgia Booth, Juliette Brenier, William Clifton, Will Cox, Carrington Douglas, Dane Fafard, Hannah Ferrell, Hope Hathcock, Addison LeBoutillier, Sam Martin, Avi Patel, Mary Peeples, William Pegg, Taylor Sanderlin, Ellie Stark and Collin Vandemark. Middle School co-dean Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

National Junior Honor Society

Last February, Valwood students in �fth through eighth grade gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's sixth annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the biometrics of swimsuits to measuring the effect of temperature on elastic bands to whether or not the presence of earthworms in soil effect the growth of plants. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Addy Perlman, 2nd Place Emma Layton and 3rd Place Grayson Thomas. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Taylor Sanderlin, 2nd Place Avi Patel and 3rd Place Addison Le Boutillier. In the sixth grade the awards went to Robert Stark 1st Place, Kasey McQuitty 2nd Place and Will Parrish 3rd Place. The �fth grade winners were Trey Henry 1st Place, Lindsey Browning 2nd Place and Clare Nijem 3rd Place.

Valwood’s Sixth Annual Science Fair

Mrs. Sable’s 6th grade Geography students participated in a Geography Fair last December. Each year the 6th graders select a country to research and to present to their peers. The culmination of the unit of study is the Fair where the students are immersed in the culture of the country, dressing in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

Geography Fair

















MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

In January, the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in their literature classes. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of their subject, presenting themselves to the audience including a fact about who they were and why the character was interesting. Following the assembly, the students mingled among parents and guests staying “in character.”

Middle School Biography Blitz!

Madison Highsmith, Emily Cli�on, Nicole Manwell, Emily Wolfson, and Talley Petermann in costume.

2012-2013 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT








^Class chairman









Ashton Moorman with his presentation on Mexico

203































Extreme Team DayLower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work last fall as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition. Multi-grade level teams were required to move through stations in which they had to solve puzzles, maneuver through obstacle courses, manipulate materials, and test their knowledge of academic subjects. Cooperation and teamwork were encouraged. Valwood Parent Association volunteers and teachers provided the games and guidance to make this a challenging and fun way to learn and grow academically.

K-KidsK-Kids is a new service club in the Lower School. The group is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta and is a student-led community-service organization of 30 members who are in the third, fourth, and �fth grades. The charter ceremony was held on Novem-ber 2, 2012 inducting 30 charter members and student of�cers. Members included Marleigh Broomberg, Jimmy Garcia, Jack Greene, Ellie Griner, Anna Alvarado, Joe Cochran, Mary Claire Griner, Evan LeBoutillier, Ruby Parrish, Allison Gates, Harris Sharon, Ellie Smith, Grayson Spell, Nate Williams, Kennedy Caldwell, Jordan Green, Dalton Norris, Hannah Sable, Anjali Patel, Kennedy Stevens, Cole Broomberg (Sergeant at Arms), Lindsey Browning (President), Gavin Dunsby, Elizabeth Evans (Vice President), Millie Hollis, Ansley Nijem, Clare Nijem (Treasurer), Lilly Parrish (Secretary), Gracyn Sanderlin, Josie Tidmore, and Vann Witherspoon. The faculty advisors were Mrs. Rebecca Goff and Mrs. Debbie Nijem. The group had two service projects lasts year. “Project Backpack” was a K-Kids sponsored dance for the Lower School. The price for admission to the dance was either a new or gently used backpack or canned goods and the Kids also sold t-shirts. Over 50 backpacks were donated to the local organization Hungry at Home along with a check for $350 from the sale of the t-shirts. The canned goods were donated to Valdosta’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The second service project was “All for Books” in which the Kids worked with the 5th grade class, Librarian Leanne Grif�n, and the Scholastic Book Fair. For two weeks, all grades in the Lower School collected pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars in containers supplied and decorated by K-Kids. With over $800 dollars raised, the group bought and delivered books for the Georgia’s Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Mrs. Nijem said, “We had a wonderful year and are looking forward to even more members and more activities during our second year in 2013-2014!”

Field Day 2013!

Read Across AmericaOur Lower Schoolers spent a week “Reading Across America.” Once every day, Librarian Leanne Grif�n, walked through the halls ringing a bell so the students knew it was time to “drop everything and read.” One day everyone dressed as their favorite Dr. Suess character to celebrate his birthday.

Kindergarteners Ella Grace Neal and Jaxson Routsoung celebrate in style!

















L O W E R S C H O O L N E W S

Mills Moorman, Ash Patel, Charlotte Illges and MacKenzie

Collins work together to carry the ball.

Field Day Hoola Hoop fun for Ella Burnett, Isabella Holloway and Emma Burnett!

Kindergarteners and Pre-Ker’s take a break to

pose with their Dads

K-Kids are ready for the dance!








^Class chairman










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Valwood's 5th graders traveled to Kennedy Space Center for an overnight adventure. The students studied about the space program in preparation for the trip. The �rst evening the students built their own air rockets which were then launched in the Rocket Garden. NASA Astronaut Ed Gibson, addressed the students about his mission as science-pilot of Skylab 4 and �elded questions from the group. Following dinner, the students were treated to a 3D Space Film about the Hubel Telescope which included incredible pictures of space. The students slept under the 363 foot long Apollo/Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever built. Students awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the marsh with a launch pad visible in the distance. Their adventure ended with a Lunar Theater Show and a Sunrise tour of the Center. The students enjoyed the Shuttle Launch Experience which is a realistic simulator of an actual shuttle launch before returning to Valwood.

Fi�h Grade Blasts O� to Kennedy































Lower School Class PlaysEach year every Lower School class performs a play for their parents and the other Lower School students. The performances are a variety of themes from holiday celebrations to character lessons, but they are always an amazing display of creativity and accomplishment!

Odyssey of the Mind For the �fteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year two Primary teams, a Division I team and a Division II team competed in Savannah on February 23rd. The Division I team solved the problem “It’s How You Look at It” and won 2nd place! The team was coached by Kimberly Caldwell and included fourth graders Kennedy Caldwell and Hannah Sable and �fth graders Lilly Parrish, Cole Broomberg, Chris Haworth, Trey Henry and Vann Witherspoon. The team traveled to Columbus in April to compete at the state level.

















LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Odyssey of the Mind Division I team memberswith their second place ribbons.

Mrs. Register’s �rst graders “Rumble in the Jungle!”Alexandra Peeples and John Lissimore reign over “The Best Month Ever” in the 4th Grade

Play!








^Class chairman









2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L G I V I N G R E P O R T

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Valwood Graduation 2013Dr. Jeff Jackson is the President of the Georgia Independent School Association. Dr. Jackson received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Louisville, and his M.A. degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University in 1994 and his MBA from Shorter College in 2008. Dr. Jackson is also an Ordained Baptist Minister. Before coming to GISA in July 2009, Dr. Jackson served as Headmaster at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta; at Deer�eld-Windsor School in Albany as Head of The Middle/Upper School; and prior to that, he was Headmaster at First Baptist School in Shreveport, Louisiana and Assistant Headmaster at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon. It is a pleasure to share his speech with you in this issue of Visions.

From the Headmaster

Continued on Page 22Continued on Page 17

Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)





Once upon a time, when I was a little boy of about �ve years of age, my mother took me along with her on a shopping trip to Woolworth’s department store in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. I suspect that the store was not nearly as large as a modern-day Wal-Mart or Super Target, but at the time it seemed dif�cult to imagine that there ever was, or ever could be, a store as grand as Woolworth’s. Despite my mother’s admonition to remain close to her, I was overwhelmed by the desire to �nd the toy section in hopes that the store might have, in stock and on the shelf, the toy that I most wanted Santa to bring to me that Christmas. If so, I reasoned, I could show it to my mother and she could make sure that Santa was not confused (as he often seemed to be when Christmas morning came) about exactly which toy I wanted. Mine was a noble quest, motivated by the purest intentions that a �ve-year old could muster. I made my way through the aisles with an odd combination of focused activity and wandering attention, soon to realize that I…was…lost. My mother was nowhere to be found, and I was terri�ed. I quickly lost enthusiasm for my pursuit and immediately began searching for my mother, the strategy for which soon became standing in the middle of the aisle and crying. I was quickly reunited with my mother, who was understandably not happy about my having wandered off so irresponsibly. Fortunately for me, her heart was far better at carrying love than anger, and I was soon soothed with a warm hug and quiet words of comfort spoken only as a mother can speak them.

Looking back on that episode, it is easy to see that what happened to me is something which happens to many children and even to adults and institutions: our enthusiastic, focused pursuit of some goal, however noble, leads to problems as we lose sight of important, guiding principles that would otherwise have kept us safe and on course. The “problem” is not the goal, itself; rather, it is the careless manner in which we seek the goal that leads to unintended and problematic results.

One important, personal goal that I established early in my tenure as Valwood’s Headmaster was to grow our enrollment. The social, educational, and demographic indicators for our region all support the concept of a healthy, college-preparatory independent school like Valwood, with enrollment in the range of 450-500 students, and our campus was designed to serve a student population of that size. Despite this potential, only once in our 45 year history has enrollment exceeded 410 students.

In anticipation of the most recent admissions season, I took several weeks last winter to revisit a series of “guiding principles” that I wrote several years ago, encapsulating my








modus operandi (not to mention my modus cogitandi) regarding the role, purpose, and function of schools as institutions. I hoped that this personal quasi-retreat, intermittently executed in 10-20 minutes bursts over the course of several weeks, would provide me with much-needed focus and keep me on course through what I expected to be a very busy time.

The results will speak for themselves in the coming months and years. I anticipate that our 2013-2014 Opening Day enrollment will be in excess of 440 students, which represents an almost 20% increase in enrollment over the prior year. Exciting news, no doubt, but also cause for careful examination in respect of the manner in which the results were achieved and the impact that growth will have on the school as a whole. One could simply decide to accept every student who applied for admission, but it is likely the case that some of those decisions would be wrong: a poor �t between the student’s academic interests and the school’s academic expectations, for example. Healthy enrollment growth requires that decisions be made about prospective students and the expected bene�ts that will accrue to them, and to the school, should they attend Valwood. Past academic success is no guarantee of future success, so the process must be more involved than merely examining a report card or transcript to see that a prospective student has earned grades which are suggestive of success in a college-preparatory atmosphere. Furthermore, there is more that occurs at Valwood School – rightfully so, in my opinion – than just academic work, and it is not unreasonable to expect that a prospective student make additional contributions to the school community through formal involvement in the arts, service organizations, athletic teams and through informal involvement as a good friend, compassionate classmate, respon-sible campus citizen, and overall positive presence. Having reviewed every �le myself, and having interviewed most of the students and/or parents personally, I can tell you that I am con�dent each new student that we have added makes us a better school. Some are new to Valwood, while others attended previously and are returning, yet every newly enrolled student brings something vital to our school community, and we are stronger as a result.

In that spirit, then, I would like to offer the following six guiding principles upon which Valwood School has functioned since I arrived, and will function so long as I am Headmaster. Space and time do not permit me to fully expand on each, but I will make it a point to do so throughout the 2013-2014 school year in some manner: letter, blog posting, or through spoken remarks.

1. Students will be admitted to Valwood School based on potential for academic growth, personality, character, and desire to be a positive part of the Valwood community.

2. Participation and involvement will be encouraged in all areas, with special emphasis placed on new experiences, towards the goal of helping students �nd areas of endeavor about which they are passionate.

3. The academic, social, and emotional growth and develop-ment of each student will be closely monitored, and regular communication with parents will be maintained to ensure that home and school work cooperatively as allies on behalf of every Valwood student.






4. Valwood School will advocate for an appropriate balance between academic work, athletics, extracurricular clubs, employment, and outside-of-school activities - including family time - recognizing that each contributes to the overall development of a well-rounded individual.

5. Every member of the Valwood School community will be treated with respect by all other members of the school community at all times.

6. The resources of the institution – human, �nancial, historical, social, and educational - will focus on ful�lling the school’s mission.

I invite you to review these principles and share your thoughts and comments with me. As I begin my 20th year in education, I can say with great certainty that they are by no means complete, nor exhaustive. I look forward to re�ning them in the coming years as I gather input from parents, students, faculty, alumni, and Trustees and as my perspective on the “big picture” changes with the experiences I will be fortunate to have as Headmaster of Valwood School.

Kind Regards,Darren J. Pascavage, Ph.D.

Dr. Je� Jackson

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A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Valwood School

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Visions 2013