visions 2014

www.valwood.org

VISIONSVolume 14 - Number 1

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

2014

4380 Old U.S. Highway 41 NHahira, Georgia 31632

Valwood School does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its

policies, practices or procedures.

VISIONS

ParentPRE-KINDERGARTEN83% Parent ParticipationJason and Tabitha BarberEric and Jessica CastorC.C. and Donna ChaitramMichael and Christy ClarkPaul and Lisa Day*Jose Deocon and Jackie DayJason and Shelley HollowayHoward Hsu and Tamara Hardesty*Steve and Cathy JohnsonLarry and Oleysa KenzelWright and Stephanie Kimbro^Kim and Alyson Lerstang ’94 Tony and Shannon MacklinJennifer MassotSamuel and Dorothy OforiTerry and Shelly PersaudDaniel ’94 and Heather Schert Micah ’94 and Ashley ShapiroBrad and Sarah SoshnikTrey and Sheya Taylor

KINDERGARTEN87% Parent ParticipationFernando and Caryn Alvarado**Ben and Dwan BroombergDavid and Angela Burnett*Josh and Jenny CarrollTripp ’97 and Ava Castleberry Eric and Jessica CastorSherre ChevesHoward and Cristie Dasher Jose Deocon and Jackie DayKristen and Ashley FieldingKemp and Mary Carol GreeneJason and Shelley HollowayPatrick and Rose Kerns ’94 Kim and Alyson Lerstang ’94^Rich and Lezlie MarascoSteve and Christy MusgroveBen and Wendy NealJustin and Jennifer PriceBen and Trina RegisterMaura Respess ’94 Jason and Katy ShawKevin and Gayla Shaw**Justin and Haynes StudstillJames ’91 and Carly Thomas*^James and Jessica WarrenRyan and Robyn Williams*

FIRST GRADE87% Parent ParticipationCurtis and Monique Alexander*Freddie and Shayla BajaliaPat and Karyn CochranMike and Kelly Drumheller Alberto and Vera Garcia*Eric and Stephanie Gee*Terry and Leanne Grif�n**Ryan and Alexandra Hat�eldSteve and Cathy JohnsonCarlos and Tan Jones*Patrick and Rose Kerns ’94 Russell and Elbonee LissimoreSteve and Cathy MatchettKyle and Wanda McQuitty**Ashley and Melanie MoormanDoug and Stephanie Moss*Samuel and Dorothy OforiKarl and Ronda Paoletti*Jim and Jill PaulkTerry and Shelly PersaudScott and Kerri Routsong ’91

Chip and Tia Sanderlin***Micah ’94 and Ashley ShapiroKevin and Mindy SparrowTrent and Holly Taylor Tim and Kim WadeEric and Kre Ward

SECOND GRADE99% Parent ParticipationMichael AndersonDavid and Angela Burnett*Jonathan and Elizabeth BurnsMichael and Christy ClarkJeffrey and Sonya CollinsJohn and Tammi DawsonJ.D. and Kerri DeanGracie Douglas ’02*James and Latasha GatlinEric and Stephanie Gee*Jim and Julie Godbee***Clay and Mendi Griner ’94 Chip and Cindy Gregory*Dickie and Amber HamiltonJason and Shelley HollowayHoward Hsu and Tamara Hardesty*Michael and Nikki Illges**James and Jacqueline Lilly^Blake and Anne McLeod*Casey and Brooke MusicTodd and Deidre Parramore***Ben and Trina RegisterJason and Lindsay ScarpateAmanda Shapard*Kevin and Gayla Shaw**Max and Jennifer ShuteClint Smith***Larry Smith and Charlene Blache*Rodney and Robin ThomasTrent and Shonie ThomasMatthew and Amy Wells

THIRD GRADE 100% Parent ParticipationFernando and Caryn Alvarado**^Steve and Lynn Browning***Paul and Lisa Day*Mike and Heidi Fafard**Kristen and Ashley FieldingGabe FisherKevin and Donna GiddensKeith and Cynthia HarrisDan and Spring HenryCraig and Holly Hutchinson*Larry and Oleysa KenzelPatrick and Rose Kerns ’94 Wright and Stephanie KimbroJohn and Crystal LaHood*Tommy ’89 and Wendy Miller*Kevin and Sheila MolandCasey and Brooke MusicJason and Beth MusserJeremy and Mikki OshaBen and Joy Owens***Bipin and Kristi PatelTerry and Shelly PersaudMicah ’94 and Ashley ShapiroJames ’91 and Carly Thomas*Rouse and Lynn VallottonTim and Kim WadeJulie Williams

FOURTH GRADE100% Parent ParticipationPaul AlvaradoMichael AndersonJaret ’92 and Leigh BroombergJonathan and Elizabeth Burns

Tyler and Karen CarsonSheree ChevesPat and Karyn CochranNic ’94 and Catherine Daugharty ’94 Roberto and Jenny GarciaEric and Stephanie Gee*Kemp and Mary Carol GreeneChip and Cindy Gregory*Clay and Mendi Griner ’94 Ryan and Alexandra Hat�eldChris and Pam Manwell**Chris and Laura Michael ’84*^Craig and Mitzi Parrish**Greg and Holly ReidMaura Respess ’94 Jason and Lindsay ScarpateWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer

Lawrence**Rachel Velez**Eric and Kre WardJames and Jessica WarrenRyan and Robyn Williams*

FIFTH GRADE 87% Parent ParticipationGreg and April Carter**Eric and Jessica CastorMichael and Christy ClarkMarcus and Tondra CloseGabe FisherJames and Latasha GatlinJohn and Debbie GreenHaley HarvellBubba and Kim Highsmith*Michael and Nikki Illges**Wright and Stephanie Kimbro Russell and Elbonee LissimoreBrett and Traycee Martin***Ashley and Melanie Moorman Travis and Jennifer NorrisBipin and Kristi PatelPat and Buffy PattersonJohn ’81 and Jane Peeples***Terry and Shelly Persaud Raymond and Lorie Sable**Michael and Amy Sharon**^Kevin and Gayla Shaw**Jay and Amy Smith*Justin and Haynes StudstillTrent and Holly TaylorTed and Heather Wilkes

SIXTH GRADE 88% Parent ParticipationBruce and Leslie Beal ’77 Tonya BrookhouserBen and Dwan BroombergJaret ’92 and Leigh Broomberg Steve and Lynn Browning***Tom and Kelly Call*Tyler and Karen CarsonLex and Donna Culbreth***John and Tammi DawsonGlenn and Wendi EvansDan and Spring HenryJohn and Crystal LaHood*Jason and Tracy LuongBill and Robin McLendonGreg and Mary Ann MillerTommy ’88 and Debbie Nijem**Todd and Deidre Parramore***Craig and Mitzi Parrish**Chip and Tia Sanderlin***^Heath ’93 and Joanie StricklandWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer

Lawrence**Jean and Mimi Valcourt

James and Jessica WarrenKenneth and Susan WhiteKevin and Cynamon WillisBarry and Candace WitherspoonShane and Wendy Wood

SEVENTH GRADE 78% Parent ParticipationBrooks and Michelle Akins**Tim and Mindy Bland James and Carmella BraswellSteven ’90 and Mary Ellen BrogdonJoe and Kathi Clifton**^Jeff and Tammi Creamer***Glenn and Wendi Evans Rob and Stacy Evans***Paul and Sunny Everett**Louis and Kelly GalloBubba and Kim Highsmith*Pope and Evelyn Langdale*** Tripp LesterChris and Pam Manwell**Michael and Wanda MashburnKyle and Wanda McQuitty**Jim and Kim MegowAshley and Melanie MoormanDoug and Stephanie Moss*Pat and Buffy PattersonMelissa Peavy*Terry and Shelly PersaudScott and Debra Petermann**Raymond and Lorie Sable**Robert Stark and Maria Castellano**Regina SurielJames ’91 and Carly Thomas*Trent and Shonie ThomasShawn and Wendy VandemarkDeidra WhiteDavid and Cheryl Wolfson**

EIGHTH GRADE 76% Parent ParticipationMika and Paivi AlakulppiCarmen Booth*Tom and Kelly Call*Joe and Kathi Clifton**Mike and Heidi Fafard**Lisa GilchristTim Harris*Hugh and Judy Hathcock***^John and Crystal LaHood*Brett and Traycee Martin***Bill and Jenny McLendonDan and Jackie McLeodChris and Laura Michael ’84*Greg and Mary Ann MillerKarl and Ronda Paoletti*Jonathan and Katie Parrott*Bipin and Kristi PatelJohn ’81 and Jane Peeples***Bill and Cindy Pegg***Chip and Tia Sanderlin***Anthony Schef�er and Kelly

HeckamanMichael and Amy Sharon**Matt and Maria SmithRobert Stark and Maria Castellano**Rob and Jackie VeulemanRachel Velez** Deidre White

NINTH GRADE78% Parent ParticipationJoe and Meghan BarnardSteven ’90 and Mary Ellen BrogdonMark and Cathy Buescher*Don and Karen Crump**

Pramod and Sridevi DasyamChuck and Suzie Dunmon***Rob and Stacy Evans***Terry and Cindy FaucetteDavid and Melanie Ferrell Louis and Kelly Gallo Jim and Julie Godbee***Mike and Jayne Godwin***^Rhett and Christine Holmes*Michael and Beverly ImonPope 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**Scott and Kay RetterbushJeff and Amy SmithWill and Leigh SmithJames ’91 and Carly Thomas*Shawn and Wendy VandemarkDanny and Beth WallerShane and Wendy Wood

TENTH GRADE 82% Parent ParticipationLee BarrettSteve and Lynn Browning***Jeff and Tammi Creamer***Lex and Donna Culbreth***James and Belinda Davis*Keith and Donna DimickChad and Kim FranksTim Harris*Jeff and Cathy Helms**^Thad and Stephanie HughesAmber KimbrellJames and Ashley KnightonJason and Tracy LuongFrank and Mary Morman**Doug and Stephanie Moss*Ben and Joy Owens***Jonathan and Katie Parrott*Ashok and Falguni PatelTrav and Sally PaulkSun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro**Frankie and Bobette SappFerrell and April Scruggs***Rusty and Kim Trancygier***Archie and Star Waldron ’82***Steve and Patty Wilson***

ELEVENTH GRADE 83% Parent ParticipationRon and Jennifer Allen***Joe and Meghan BarnardJohn and Corky BonnerMark and Beth CargileFred and Ellen CarloJohn and Vicy CarrollClayton and Shannon ChandlerTim and Nan DameBob and Sandra DeCesareKeith and Donna DimickSteve and Trish EdmondsonPaul and Sunny Everett**Terry and Cindy FaucetteJohn Folkerts and Catherine WelshKevin and Donna GiddensLisa Gilchrist^Tim and Ellen GoldenTodd and Julie Guilliams**Pilar HansleyFred and Neasa HapiakBrad and Keylee HartleyHugh and Judy Hathcock***Keith and Mary Hawthorne**Rhett and Christine Holmes*Pope and Evelyn Langdale***Jeff and Lori LovellJerry and Terri Lupo**Michael and Teresa Maxwell*

Larry and Shannon McGlothlin*Charles and Chris MerineGinger Moritz***Darren and Andrea Pascavage*Matt and Maria SmithRobert Stark and Maria Castellano**^Regina SurielAndrew and Jeniffer ThompsonEric and Kre WardTed and Heather Wilkes

TWELFTH GRADE 74% Parent ParticipationJames and Carmella BraswellFred and Ellen CarloDavid and Renee CribbMarvin and Pam DobsonChuck and Suzie Dunmon***Jim and Susan Elliott***Vincent and Jacqueline ErvinRob and Stacy Evans***Andrew and Shannon FlemerAlberto and Vera Garcia*Michael and Beverly ImonThomas KimbleJohn and Crystal LaHood*Shantell LambertDoug and Derrith McQuaigTom and Kellie McTier*Charles and Chris MerineJonathan and Katie Parrott*Bipin and Kristi PatelFerrell and April Scruggs***Todd and Alice Smoot*Rob and Jackie VeulemanTim and Kim WadeMatthew and Amy WellsKenneth and Susan WhiteRick and Emily Williams**Shane and Wendy Wood

Faculty & FriendsSarah Adler ’07*Peter Allen*Ashley Ammons**Astro Exterminating ServicesAXA Foundation*Teresa Bailey***Tabitha BarberJulie Barr***BattelleMrs. Lou S. BlantonVallye Blanton**Rosemary Brannen***Angela Burnett*Buz and Nancy Carpenter**Traci Carver**Norma Cloud*Colonial Group Inc.Susan ColsonEd and Mary Crane***Dale Crane***Karen Crump**Holly DickersonMike and Martha Dover*Susanna Dover ’00 Michelle Edwards*Laura Elliott***Susan Elliott***Steve and Lucy Enniss ’87 Stacy Evans***Marcia Felts***Fran Fuller**Chad ’03 and Val Gallahan**David and Cindy Gallahan*Rumi Garbett-ChaitramGeorgia Power CorporationTom and Mary Gooding***Joey GregosLeanne Grif�n**Charles Grimes***

Mendi Griner ’94 Julie Guilliams**Lisa Hale***Rhonda Hamman***Avonne Hartshorn***Ashley HendersonLisa Henry*** Wade Henry ’05**Zac Henry ’08**Hester and Morris OrthodonticsMr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman*Alfred HiersCindee Hiers***David K. Hollis ’79Katie Houseman**Beth Howell Dr. and Mrs. Leonard R. Howell, Jr.*Carlos Jones*DeAndre Lambert ’14The W.P. “Billy” Langdale, Sr. Family

Foundation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lastinger***John and Suzanne Lastinger ’85***Kim LerstangMichele LuedkeKaren Marcellus**Calvin R. MarshallLaVie Marshall***Brett Martin***Jennifer MassotMicrosoft Corporation**Dutton and Donna Miller**Adam MurphySteve NettlesDebbie Nijem**Meredith NuckolsJoy Owens***Ronda Paoletti*Deidre Parramore***Mitzi Parrish**Darren Pascavage*Kayla PickrenPublix Super Markets, Inc **Bill and Sally Querin***Jennifer Rasmussen***Trina RegisterDianne Rigoni***Lorie Sable**Marti Schert**The Ferrell Scruggs FoundationHeather ShawRobert ShipmanBucky Shiver ’00 Jay SizemoreBriggs and SmithClint Smith***Southern OB/GYNDon and Dee Dee Stanley**Bobby Stephenson*Emily StracenerTarget***Charles and Betty Dow TempletonCharlotte Thomas ’74**Yasmin Utterback ’10* Valdosta Orthopedic Associates Lynn VallottonJoe WalkerDennis WallFred Ware ’83 Runa Ware ’89 David WilliamsRobyn Williams*Troy Woodward ’12

GrandparentsRobert and Joan AllabeenDr. and Mrs. Romulo AlvaradoJoan Bell�owerShirlee CarrollMr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr.*Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman**Scott and Dale Crane***Julian and Sue Creamer**

Bobby and Ann DasherMike and Mary Ann DrumhellerDick and DeDe DudgeonMr. and Mrs. Fred Durand, III**Gene and Marcia Felts***Janie Smith Fink**Jeanne A. Fisher**Jerry and Sherry FisherJohn E. Green III**Rick and Kathy GreenJim and Shirley GuilliamsLea and Julia HollidayMr. and Mrs. D.K. Hollis, Jr.Bobby and Laney HopkinsLadye Hughes**Terry and Tish JohnsonLinda Kittleson**Nick and Patricia LaceyMr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.***George and Martha Lawrence**Bobbie LesterArmin and Alden MaierPhil and Ellice Martin**William and Gloria McMurrayTom and Sue Miller*Donald and Marilyn NicholsRichard and Claudia Nijem**Emelynn C. Odom**Lynn PetermannBob and Pat PriceVicki Ray*Jerry ScarpateDan and Marti Schert**Sue Nelle ScruggsGene and Brenda SimpsonHenry and Linda SparrowBill and Cathy Tidmore*Wright and Betsy Turner**Mala Vallotton**Hoyt and Becky VanceDr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.*Willard and Margaret WellsMr. and Mrs. Barry WhildenNick and Mary Brown Whitehurst**Don and Toni WilliamsRichard and Hylda Wilson***

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

AnonymousEric and Stephanie Gee*Hugh and Judy Hathcock***John and Suzanne Lastinger ’85***Microsoft Corporation**Kim and Laura Perlman***The Ferrell Scruggs FoundationWilliam Tidmore and Jennifer Lawrence**

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

Brooks and Michelle Akins**Ron and Jennifer Allen***Fernando and Caryn Alvarado**BattelleJoe and Kathi Clifton**Colonial Group, Inc.John Folkerts and Catherine WelshJim and Julie Godbee***Mike and Jayne Godwin***Hester Morris OrthodonticsJason and Shelley HollowayTerry and Tish JohnsonPope and Evelyn Langdale***The W.P. “Billy” Langdale, Sr. Family

FoundationJeff and Lori LovellJerry and Terri Lupo**Chris and Pam Manwell**Tom and Kellie McTier*

Valwood Graduation 2014In its history, Valwood School has graduated 742 seniors. 164 of those graduates moved their tassels from the right to the left, under the leadership of Mrs. Emily Anderson, who presented her remarks to the graduating Class of 2014. Her in�uence on Valwood is signi�cant: she joined the faculty in 1978 as a social studies teacher, served as Middle School Dean, then served as Valwood School’s Director from 1988 to 1997. A bit of trivia: Mrs. Anderson holds the distinction of being the only head of school in Valwood’s institutional history to hold a title other than Headmaster. As Headmaster Dr. Pascavage remarked during his introduction of Mrs. Anderson: “Her contribution to Valwood continues to the present day: not only does she serve as a vocal and enthusiastic advocate for Valwood School throughout Valdosta and all of South Georgia, but my of�ce is named in her honor and an inspirational prayer which she wrote is posted outside of my of�ce door. As such, I am in�uenced and inspired by her every single day.” It is a pleasure to share her speech with you in this issue of Visions.

From the Headmaster

Continued on Page 16Continued on Page 17

By James B. Braswell, III

First, I am compelled to give honor to God, for without Him, I would not have the privilege and pleasure of standing before you this morning. Good Morning and welcome Dr. Pascavage, Mrs. Felts, Coach Allen, faculty and staff, distinguished guests, family, and guests to Valwood’s Commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2014.

Fellow graduates, we were challenged to go beyond, shatter and exceed boundaries and set new ones, and that is exactly what we have done. The past four years have been full of exciting experiences for all of us. Although I missed out on the Valwood Experience as a freshman, I have watched, participated in and bene�tted from Valwood’s growth both physically and intellectually over the course of three years. Valwood’s main mission of instilling and facilitating academic excellence has guaranteed that its talent pool reaches higher heights and deeper depths than ever before. We were able to watch and participate with the Valiant football team’s transformation into a championship caliber team. In fact, Valwood has also had the pleasure of realizing state championship designations from girl’s trio, tennis, wrestling, and other teams both athletic and academic. In addition to athletics, our student body has not failed to disappoint; we’ve had Governor’s Honors nominees and we even had a junior score a 2240 on the SAT! Our Valwood faculty and staff along with parental support has successfully molded and produced the best of the best in our school and community. We have also had many interesting experiences, such as Coach Jones’ famous “Incredible Hulk” Gatorade and Mr. Nettles’ lip lock with a piglet, and while we couldn’t make pigs �y, we did place one in the Upper School; and who will ever forget the nertzing in Ms. Dickerson’s class? Yeah, Valwood has de�nitely been interesting and at times entertaining. Unfortunately, we have also had some sad ordeals, such as the horrors of AP Calculus and receiving essays that appeared bloody from the editing suggestions and much needed corrections of Coach Allen and Ms. Carver. Valwood has been full of varying experiences, but all of them have consolidated to serve a monumental purpose – our successes, evidenced here today, embodied in this graduating class.

Every affair has played a positive role in the growth and preparation of our senior class for the dynamic transition to the next life-level. The transition that we are now experiencing will begin the next and most important stage of our lives. Why? Because it will ultimately determine our �nal destinations in life. Success is a combination of quali�cation and opportunity; the

phase of becoming quali�ed has arrived, and the decisions to employ what we’ve learned and to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities presented rests on our shoulders. However, contrary to popular belief, these credentials include more than just academic prowess; in addition to academics, a student also needs esteemed character. Character consists of the moral and ethical qualities of a person that are actively demonstrated by his or her life and lifestyle habits. These qualities are based on one’s values, and are used to create a person’s reputation. A strong and honorable character will be essential to meet and conquer challenges on life’s journey to success. However, the chapters that are about to unfold will, for certain, test our character.

Freedom, independence, and peer pressure have and will continue to present us with temptations that may be hard to resist without strong core values. The only way to remain true to the values that have been instilled in us is to have a thorough understanding of who we are as individuals. I stumbled upon a Latin phrase a couple of months ago. The phrase is “Nosce Te Ipsum”; it means know thyself. At �rst, the phrase seemed extremely simple, but the more that I thought about it, the more profound it became. What does knowing oneself really mean? The great philosopher, Socrates once said, “To �nd yourself, think for yourself.” The ability to think for ourselves will prove to be a useful and invaluable tool during our journeys to success. We are too valuable to become copies or cheap imitations when we were created as a magni�cent original – a “master piece.” Our thoughts can be just as powerful and renowned as Plato, Socrates, and Confucius’, but it’s up to us to refuse to conform to the thinking patterns of others. Once we are competent and content with thinking for ourselves, we will be able to employ self-re�ection and truly discover who we are. Self-re�ection will allow us to establish a connection between our thinking patterns and our reactions in certain situations, and eventually allow us to recognize which values we will stand on without compromise.

Once knowledge and character have been coupled and then framed with faith, all that is left to do is to speak success into your life, and act upon your words. A.L. Kitselman, a pioneer in Cognitive Therapy, once said, “The words ‘I am…’ are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you.” Speaking success into existence is an important part in achieving it. The proclamations work differently for everyone. For some, it serves as an incentive to do the best work that they possibly can, while for others, it’s simply a reminder to persevere in the face of obstacles. However, speaking success alone is not enough. Once spoken, our statements have to be acted upon. Success is like a butter�y and we are like kids; if we want to catch the butter�y, we must chase it with an undying fervor. Although we may fail at times, conceding or giving up cannot be an option.

Our mindset as well as our heart’s desire must be to aim and shoot for the stars and if and when we land on clouds, shoot for the stars again. We can no longer afford to become complacent. The world ahead is competitive and full of people who refuse to take no for an answer. We should leave here with the same attitude. We should leave with an insatiable desire to show the world the potential of every single Valwood alumnus. We have been equipped with the knowledge and resources to accomplish anything that our minds can concoct. Somewhere in this room lies the cure to cancer. Somewhere in this room lies the blueprint for the HUVR board that Dr. P showed us in morning assembly before he found out that it has not been invented as of yet. If anyone can achieve greatness, a Valwood alumnus can. We have to believe that we are the crème de la crème of the world’s student population, and then behave accordingly. Each and every person in this graduating class is destined for greatness; today is just the �rst of�cial step on our journeys.

In closing, it would be remiss of me not to formally salute my parents: Thank you for your examples, encouragements, support and discipline. I am grateful and indeed so very blessed to have you present and actively engaged in my life. You have been excellent role models throughout this journey, and I could not have asked for a better support system. You, mom and dad, are the real MVPs. To all of the other parents, guardians, and family members, the graduating class of 2014 would like to thank you as well. Thanks for your support, your donations, and your cooperation with the Valwood faculty to make the 2013-2014 school year a year of preeminence.

James Braswell, the Valwood Class of 2014 Valedictorian, is the son of James and Carmella Braswell. He will attend North Carolina A&T State University in the fall.

Good morning! Welcome to the Senior Class of 2014, and to Dr. Darren Pascavage, Headmaster, Dr. Billy Tidmore, Chairman of the Trustees, Deans, dedicated members of the faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, trustees, alumni, family, friends and guests. We are here today to congratulate and honor you, 38 Valwood Valiant seniors. It is my hope that you will leave inspired and encouraged. Recently I had the opportunity to have lunch with your Headmaster. We visited and talked for two and a half hours. I left that day with a wonderful feeling that he is doing a great job and is continuing to pursue worthy endeavors for Valwood. Dr. Pascavage has clearly breathed new life into the vision for Valwood. Thank you for that, Dr. P.

Seniors, your generation has been inundated with information: some facts, knowledge and hopefully some wisdom through the internet. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, changed the way the world lives, works, plays and communicates. With his innovative products, today, the world is at your �ngertips through the use of iphones, ipads, and itunes. We can communicate without leaving home or business through Skype, Facebook, Twitter, email and teleconferencing. Pew Research did a national study of technology use in 2013. Their group included 803 teens ages 12-17 and their parents. This study revealed these trends:

• 95% of teens are online. 78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) own smart phones. That is up from 23% in 2011.

• 93%of teens have a computer or have access to one (desktop or laptop).

• 71% of teen computer users say the computer they use most often is shared with family members.

A few years ago, I was making an admissions presentation to a group of prospective parents. After several minutes of prepared remarks – which coordinated quite intentionally with the Power Point slides projected on the screen behind me – I opened the �oor to questions. One especially enthusiastic father wasted little time in engaging me with a series of questions which seemed oriented toward uncovering the manner in which the school would compel his son to become the student, athlete, and young man that his father wanted him to be.

I could tell from the body language of the father, mother, and son that the question of who the son was supposed to become was one which had remained uncomfortably unresolved for some time. The father clearly hoped that my school would, once and for all, resolve the matter to his satisfaction by admitting his son and subjecting him to our program. I’m not clear where he got the idea that this was something that we did, or that I thought was a good idea, but I ended the exchange (and our chance of having the student enrolled) by observing that good schools, and good teachers, do not thrive at turning young men and women into someone else, but rather at helping students to become the best possible versions of themselves.

This exchange was brought to mind recently as I read comments made by Keith Evans, who began as President of The Westminster Schools in Atlanta on July 1, 2014 after serving as President and Head of School for 15 years at The Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia. Keith and I served together as Trustees of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and he is one of the brightest and most inspiring individuals I have ever met. Keith was asked about the impact of his leadership in helping Collegiate to rise to prominence in the independent school world during his tenure, and he wrote:

“What you quickly realize is that you can’t make a school something that it doesn’t want to be. You have to get a sense of what it wants to be and unlock that. Collegiate wants to be the �rst adopter…a place that’s trying out new things, going to the new place, entrepreneurial. You tap into that piece of the school’s DNA that goes back to its founding in 1915. You tap into this huge reservoir of energy that makes good things happen. Had I tried to impose some other vision that wasn’t in concert with that, it wouldn’t have worked. That’s the secret of school leadership. It sometimes looks like you showed up with a vision, but it’s really discovering the vision the school has for itself.”

• 23% of teens have a tablet computer, a level comparable to the adult population.

My point is that you, teens, represent the leading edge of mobile connectivity. The patterns of your technology use will signal future changes for us adults. You are the trailblazers in technology. My grandchildren taught me how to use my iphone. Parents, teens have more ways than ever to stay connected throughout the day and night. The down side is that 87% of teachers report that these technologies are creating an “easily distracted generation with short attention spans and 65% say today’s digital technologies do more to distract students than to help them academically.” On the positive side, the internet gives students access to a greater depth and breadth of information. Students become more self-reliant researchers. The internet has certainly changed the process of research. The main objective the teachers pointed out is today’s classrooms should be teaching students how to “judge the quality of online information.” Yes, there is good online information but there is a lot of trash out there too. Anybody can put anything on the internet.

My speech will be a little nostalgic as I talk about Valwood. Seniors, I want you to leave with some timeless pointers on how to cope with the big, wide, wonderful, “real world” that you are facing perhaps for the �rst time on your own. Using the words of my favorite actress, Meryl Streep, of Mamma Mia fame, I quote her: “This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There is only change, and resistance to it and then more change.” Think of the changes you have faced since you started school. Perhaps we all have mixed emotions about that. Four years ago, you entered Upper School. Today I am certain that you have some of those same feelings as you did then or perhaps on your very �rst day of school. For you it has been a long and short twelve plus years. Long because of all the drama in your lives with class work, homework, required reading, projects, exams and of course all your extracurricular activities. Short because of the friendships you have enjoyed, the lasting memories you have made and the truly amazing things you have learned. How was this possible? You have been a part of the Valwood experience. What does that mean? Valwood is:

• a school with high academic standards and a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, a safe environment with small classes.

• a school with a rich history that is poised for growth.• a school where you had multiple opportunities to participate

in extracurricular activities: sports, literary events, music, drama, community service, leadership development, debate, academic competitions, and education through travel.

• a school that has a spacious and beautiful campus with excellent facilities.

• a school with quality teachers, deans and administrators.• a school that is sequential in curriculum and development.• a school that is a family.

Thank you, parents for giving your children this opportunity. Seniors, you owe your parents gratitude for providing for you as they have loved and supported you in this journey. They have given you an insurance policy for your future by providing you the opportunity to get the best education possible in our area. No one will ever be able to take that away from you. My wish is that Valwood has made a difference in your lives by giving you the foundation that will enable you to think critically, speak �uently and write effectively. At Valwood you had opportunities to learn about the values of integrity, responsibility, fair play, and service

I was speaking about how a school relates to its students, while Keith was commenting on how a leader relates to his or her school, but we both were addressing the same notion: that of uncovering the latent, unre�ned, and possibly unrecognized potential which already exists within our students and our institutions. The idea that a leader could appear on campus one day and remake a school into something that it can’t be, or doesn’t want to be, and that this effort would be seen as positive and worthwhile in such a way that those changes would sustain over the course of years, even after the leader had moved on, is dif�cult to support. It does not work with schools, any more than it works with students.

Any school that takes seriously the challenge of helping students to become the best possible version of themselves will have no trouble in attracting other students eager for the same opportunity to realize their unique potential. As you read through this issue of Visions, please keep in mind that the success which has been enjoyed by our students, our graduates, and our school over the last several years is best understood as the result of talented, capable professionals working with bright, motivated students with a diverse range of talents, skills, and interests to bring out the very best that each of them has to offer.

Kind Regards,Darren J. Pascavage Ph.D.

to others. Nurture and re�ne those values with Valiant Pride! Those are life skills that you need to enjoy a good life. Love and support comes from family. Family can give stability to this modern world of instant everything. Valwood has worked with your family as an integral part of your education.

The diploma you receive today is really just your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through life. Valwood has been a starting point where your minds and bodies were challenged. Why did Dr. P. ask me to speak to you today? I assume it was for two reasons. First, I am much older than you-much older- it has been �fty four years since I graduated from High School. (That makes me old as dirt.) Secondly, I have been road-tested in real life-life situations especially at Valwood for twenty �ve years.

Let me digress by telling you a real, personal story. Fred, my husband of �fty years, and I have three sons- Jeff, Mixson and Justin. As an educator, I researched the best possible place for their schooling. Valwood was that place. All three went K through 12 at Valwood and graduated from Valwood. My initial involvement with their school was as a parent and volunteer under the �rst Headmaster, Ferrell Singleton. The second headmaster, Al Barrett, asked me to join the Valwood faculty. After teaching for a few years, he asked me to be the Dean of the Middle School. There is a special place in heaven for Middle School teachers! In 1987, I experienced the challenge of a lifetime, perhaps the most monumental of my life. The Board of Trustees asked me to become the Head of Valwood. Valwood was at a crossroads. The debt incurred by the school was a sizable one at that time. The bank gave the ultimatum that unless that debt was paid in a timely fashion, the doors of Valwood School would close-perhaps forever. The courage of my heart led me to accept the offer but not without a lot of prayer and research. I do believe God is a wonderful power source and when you get in the valley, the only place to look is up. My research included interviewing twenty seven community leaders. I asked each person three questions:1. Do you think Valdosta and our surrounding area need a

premiere college preparatory independent school? 27 said yes!2. Would you support Valwood School if the school continues?

27 again said yes!3. Do you think I should take the position as Headmaster of

Valwood? 27 said no!They said no for these reasons:

• That would be too stressful for you.• That would be an overwhelming challenge for you.• That seems to be an impossible task for you.• That is an insurmountable goal and job!

That was all I needed to hear! I love challenges and I love Valwood School. My inner voice said, “Emily Anderson, Valwood is worth it. Take the position and give it all that you have.” I have never regretted that decision. We worked tirelessly for ten years, parents, students, grandparents, faculty and staff and we retired the debt, burned the mortgage and laid the foundation for Valwood to begin the journey of selling the 1903 Gornto Road campus. We had a vision of a new campus out from town in an idyllic, pastoral setting. Our dream came true when through the generosity of the Howard Dasher family, forty �ve acres of land was given for a new campus on Highway 41 North, the present location of Valwood. The words of Ralph Waldo Emerson rang in my ears as we went through that process. “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is not a path and leave a

Dutton and Donna Miller**Samuel and Dorothy Ofori Bipin and Kristi PatelScott and Debra Petermann**Bill and Sally Querin***Sun Kyu and Mi Yun Ro**Ferrell and April Scruggs***Michael and Amy Sharon**Kevin and Gayla Shaw**Southern OB/GYNJames ’91 and Carly Thomas*Valdosta Orthopedic AssociatesHoyt and Becky VanceJames and Jessica WarrenSteve and Patty 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 Dover*Michael and Kelly DrumhellerMike and Mary Ann DrumhellerGeorgia Power CompanyTom and Mary Gooding***Frederic and Neasa HapiakKeith and Mary Hawthorne**Jeff and Cathy Helms**Mr. and Mrs. E. Cameron Hickman*Nick and Patricia LaceyGeorge and Martha Lawrence**Bobbie LesterMichael and Teresa Maxwell*Doug and Stephanie Moss*Richard and Claudia Nijem**Bill and Cindy Pegg***Publix Super Markets, Inc.**Chip and Tia Sanderlin***Daniel ’94 and Heather SchertSue Nelle ScruggsLarry Smith and Charlene Blache*Robert Stark and Maria Castellano**Mala Vallotton**Rachel Valez**Richard and Hylda Wilson***

Valwood Sponsor(Gi�s of $500 to $999)

Dr. and Mrs. Romulo AlvaradoTom and Kelly Call*Pat and Karyn CochranChuck and Suzie Dunmon***Steve and Trish EdmondsonAndrew and Shannon FlemerRoberto and Jenny GarciaChip and Cindy Gregory*Bubba and Kim Highsmith*Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Hollis, Jr.Rhett and Christine Holmes*Frank and Mary Morman**Emelynn C. Odom**John ’81 and Jane Peeples***Vicki Ray*Frankie and Bobbie SappJason and Katy ShawBrad and Sarah SoshnikTarget***Rusty and Kim Trancygier***Wright and Betsy Turner**Archie and Star Waldron ’82***Willard and Margaret WellsDeidre WhiteKenneth and Susan WhiteKevin and Cynamon Willis

Valwood Supporter(Gi�s up to $499)

Sarah Adler ’07 Mika and Paivi AlakulppiCurtis and Monique AlexanderRobert and Joan AllabenPaul AlvaradoMichael AndersonAnonymousFreddie and Shayla BajaliaJoe and Meghan BarnardLee BarrettJoan Bell�owerTim and Mindy BlandMrs. Lou S. BlantonJohn and Corky BonnerCarmen Booth*James and Carmella BraswellSteven ’90 and Mary Ellen BrogdonTonya BrookhouserBen and Dwan BroombergJaret ’92 and Leigh BroombergMark and Cathy BuescherJonathan and Elizabeth BurnsMark and Beth CargileFred and Ellen CarloBuz and Nancy Carpenter**John and Vicy CarrollJosh and Jenny CarrollShirlee CarrollTyler and Karen CarsonGreg and April Carter**Tripp ’97 and Ava CastleberryEric and Jessica CastorC.C. and Donna ChaitramClayton and Shannon ChandlerMr. and Mrs. Robert W. Chasteen, Jr.Sheree ChevesMichael and Christy ClarkMarcus and Tondra CloseMr. and Mrs. Buddy Coleman**Jeff and Sonya CollinsEd and Mary Crane***Jeff and Tammi Creamer***Julian and Sue Creamer**David and Renee CribbTim and Nan DameBobby and Ann DasherHoward and Cristie DasherPramod and Sridevi DasyamNic ’94 and Catherine Daugharty ’94 James and Belinda Davis*John and Tammi DawsonJ.D. and Kerri DeanBob and Sandra DeCesareKeith and Donna DimickMarvin and Pam DobsonGracie Douglas ’02*Susanna Dover ’00 Dick and DeDe DudgeonMr. and Mrs. Fred Durand, III**Steve and Lucy Enniss ’87 Vincent and Jacqueline ErvinGlenn and Wendi EvansPaul and Sunny Everett**Mike and Heidi Fafard**Terry and Cindy FaucetteDavid and Melanie FerrellJanie Smith Fink**Gabe FisherJeanne A. Fisher**Jerry and Sherry FisherChad and Kim FranksDavid and Cindy Gallahan*Louis and Kelly GalloRumi Garbett-ChaitramAlberto and Vera Garcia*James and Latasha GatlinKevin and Donna GiddensLisa GilchristTim and Ellen GoldenJohn and Debbie Green

John E. Green III**Rick and Kathy GreenKemp and Mary Carol GreeneJim and Shirley GuilliamsDickey and Amber HamiltonPilar HansleyKeith and Cynthia HarrisTim Harris*Brad and Keylee HartleyAvonne Hartshorn***Ryan and Alexandra Hat�eldDan and Spring HenryWade Henry ’05**Zac Henry ’08**Alfred HiersLea and Julia HollidayDavid K. Hollis, III ’79 Bobby and Laney HopkinsDr. and Mrs. Leonard R. Howell, Jr.*Howard Hsu and Tamara Hardesty*Ladye Hughes**Thad and Stephanie HughesCraig and Holly Hutchinson*Michael and Nikki Illges**Michael and Beverly ImonSteve and Cathy JohnsonLarry and Olesya KenzelPatrick and Rose Kerns ’94 Thomas KimbleAmber KimbrellWright and Stephanie KimbroLinda Kittleson**James and Ashley KnightonJohn and Crystal LaHood*DeAndre Lambert ’14Shantell LambertMr. and Mrs. Alex Lawrence, Jr.***Darrin and Ann LaytonTrip LesterJames and Jacqueline LillyRussell and Elbonee LissimoreJason and Tracy LuongTony and Shannon MacklinArmin and Alden MaierRich and Lezlie MarascoCalvin MarshallDavid and Debra MartinPhil and Ellice Martin**Michael and Wanda MashburnSteve and Cathy MatchettLarry and Shannon McGlothlin*Bill and Jenny McLendonBill and Robin McLendonBlake and Anne McLeod*Dan and Jackie McLeodWilliam and Gloria McMurrayDoug and Derrith McQuaigKyle and Wanda McQuitty**Jim and Kim MegowCharles and Chris MerineChris and Laura Michael ’84*Greg and Mary Ann MillerTommy ’89 and Wendy Miller*Tom and Sue Miller*Kevin and Sheila MolandAshley and Melanie Moorman Ginger Moritz***Steve and Christy MusgroveCasey and Brooke MusicJason and Beth MusserBen and Wendy NealSteve NettlesDonald and Marilyn NicholsTravis and Jennifer NorrisJeremy and Mikke OshaJonathan and Katie Parrott*Ashok and Falguni PatelPat and Buffy PattersonJim and Jill PaulkTrav and Sally PaulkMelissa Peavy* Terry and Shelly PersaudLynn PetermannBob and Pat Price

Justin and Jennifer PriceGreg and Holly ReidMaura Respess ’94 Scott and Kay RetterbushScott and Keri Routsong ’91Jason and Lindsay ScarpateJerry ScarpateAnthony Schef�er and Kelly HeckamanAmanda Shapard*Micah ’94 and Ashley ShapiroMax and Jennifer ShuteGene and Brenda SimpsonBriggs and Lane SmithJay and Amy Smith*Jeff and Amy SmithMatthew and Maria SmithWill and Leigh SmithTodd and Alice Smoot*Henry and Linda SparrowKevin and Mindy SparrowHeath ’93 and Joanie StricklandJustin and Hayes StudstillRegina SurielTrent and Holly Taylor Trey and Sheya TaylorCharles and Betty Dow TempletonTrent and Shonie ThomasRodney and Robin ThomasAndrew and Jeniffer ThompsonBill and Cathy Tidmore*Yasmin Utterback ’10*Jean and Mimi ValcourtShawn and Wendy VandemarkRob and Jackie VeulemanTim and Kim WadeDanny and Beth WallerDr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.*Fred Ware ’83 Runa Ware ’89Matthew and Amy Wells Mr. and Mrs. Barry WhildenNick and Mary Brown Whitehurst**Ted and Heather WilkesDavid WilliamsDon and Toni WilliamsJulie WilliamsRick and Emily Williams**Barry and Candace WitherspoonDavid and Cheryl Wolfson*Shane and Wendy WoodTroy Woodward ’12

*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 Jeff and Cathy HelmsDoug and Stephanie MossSaft America, Inc.

Fortis Club Jeff and Tammi CreamerJ.D. and Kerri DeanJim and Susan ElliottHoward Hsu and Tamara HardestyPope and Evelyn LangdaleMichael and Teresa MaxwellKyle and Wanda McQuittyDoug and Stephanie MossSamuel and Dorothy OforiJohn ’81 and Jane PeeplesRobert and Sharon PlummerChip and Tia SanderlinJim ’89 and Deann ScruggsLarry Smith and Charlene BlacheLinda SparrowDr. and Mrs. Fred Ware, Jr.Deidra White

Continued from Page 8 (James Braswell)

At the direction of the Valwood School Board of Trustees the formation of the Valwood Alumni Council formally began this spring. The purpose of the Alumni Council is to promote and foster the spirit of fellowship and community among the alumni in support of the mission and advancement of Valwood School. The of�cers and elected members of the council will extend their time and talents by hosting events and establishing a presence both on and off the campus in order to engage current alumni and inspire students to become active alumni. A social event in the fall, in its planning stages, will be the kickoff event for the Alumni Council. Please visit our website at www.valwood.org to update you contact information. Please also visit and friend us on Facebook: Valwood School Alumni and follow us on Twitter @ValwoodSchool. We look forward to seeing you back!

Brad Douthit ’99 and Caroline Metcalf were married in April.

Stephanie King Kurrie '95, husband Thompson and big brother Cort welcomed daughter and sister Penelope Belle "Penny Belle" to the family in March. Trent Matthews ’00 and his wife Courtney are the proud parents of a daughter, Peyton Hadley born January 3, 2014. Trent is the Regional Operations Manager for Second Harvest of South Georgia in Valdosta.

Leah Catherine Swindle Brake ’01 and her husband, Joel are the proud parents of daughters Isla (2 ½) and Asher, born on March 13, 2014. Leah Catherine and Joel live in Missoula, Montana where Leah Catherine stays at home with her daughters and Joel is a radiologist with Missoula Radiology.

Maggie Carroll Ferguson ’02, husband Michael and big brother Jack welcomed son and brother, James Michael “Bo” to the family on March 25, 2014. Maggie is a speech language pathologist at TherapyWorks Pediatric Center and Michael is the pharmacist at AmeriMed Long-Term Care Packaging. The family lives in Valdosta.

Katie Harrell ’02 and Ben Wood are planning to marry in October. Katie is the Logistics Manager for the United States Air Force at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. Ben is a pilot in the United States Air Force. Katie manages supply chain operations and weapons system support for avionics equipment used by the U.S Air Force, the U.S. Army, and numerous foreign militaries. In February 2011, Harrell was one of seven civilians in a class of 450 selected to attend the Air Force Squadron Of�cer’s School, a professional military education program offered through Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Mercer University in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. In 2012, she received her Masters degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Georgia College and State University. Curry Thomas Anderson ’02, husband Brian and big brother Brooker welcomed a son and brother, Paxton Thomas to the family on January 10, 2014. Brian is the Pastor of Perimeter Road Baptist Church in Valdosta.

Brooks Thomas Vizzini ’02 and her husband Jamey are the proud parents of Lanier Jane born May 30, 2014. Brooks

is the Account Manager for Cooper, Simms & Mosley Insurance Agency and Jamey is the Pastor of Cross Pointe Church. They live in Winter Springs, Florida.

Eric Reissiger ’04 and his wife Adrienne welcomed Paisley Nichole to their family on May 28, 2014. Adrienne was the music director at Pine Grove Middle School for the past few years and is staying home with Paisley this year where she will be teaching private voice and piano lessons. Eric has been working at Blue Summit Waters with his father since graduating from Georgia Tech in May of 2008. Blue Summit just recently purchased Culligan Water in Tifton, Georgia and the Reissigers hope to continue their expansion in this region.

Ramsey Sumner ’04 married Dustin Hughes in April 2014. Classmates present to share in the event were Robert Tillman ’04, Eric Reissiger ’04, Katie Allen ’04 and Rick Colman ’04.

Carter Harrison Tillman, the son of Robert Tillman ’04 and his wife Anne, was born on September 27, 2013. Robert and Anne will be moving to Houston, Texas in June 2015 where Robert will begin his Fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology at the Texas Children's Hospital in the Baylor Medical Center.

Will Elliott ’06 joined the law �rm, Elliott Blackburn & Gooding in April. Will 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. Will is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Ben Perry ’07 graduated from Troy University in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. In May of this year he graduated from Valdosta State University with his Master of Business Administration.

Emily Perry Guerrero ’08 married Jon Paul Guerrero in 2011. Emily graduated from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in May 2014 with a degree in Health Information Technology from the Business Education School. The Guerreros currently reside in Montgomery, Alabama.

Stephanie Tillman ’08 graduated in June 2013 magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Human Services. She had an internship with Campus Christian Ministries at Georgia Tech for a year and is now working toward returning to Santiago, Chile for two years through Geo Scope to assist with campus ministry work with college students at the University of Santiago and other colleges in the area. She spent a year in Santiago during college as part of an internship doing similar work.

Carter Karras ’09 and Cady Minor ’10 are engaged and plan to marry in May of 2015. Carter will graduate with his Master of Accountancy from Auburn University this August and move to Birmingham to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Cady is pursuing a Master of Communication Disorders at Auburn University.

Last December Gus Elliott ’09 graduated cum laude with Honors from

trail.” Graduates, let this remind you of your uniqueness as well as your ability to create your own path in the world!

As a history teacher, I often turned to Sir Winston Churchill as a source of wisdom. He was a British statesman and prime minister who led Great Britain and the globe through World War II. His quote is timely for you to remember as you leave graduation. He said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” As a Valwood graduate, you face your own unlimited potential as you embark into higher education. However, failures and setbacks are inevitable! It is in those TOUGH TIMES that you really have to maintain personal motivation. Education is when you read the �ne print. Experience is what you get when you don’t read the �ne print.

If this statistic has continued to hold fast, 97% of Valwood graduates have gone on to colleges and universities. Today, we have several alumni here from the Valwood Class of 1994. I am going to ask you to stand if you were in that class or taught that class or were a parent or grandparent. I recognize them today because they are planning their 20th class reunion for October in the fall. All alumni are invited to participate and join them for the fun. You will receive information about that celebration. The proof of a great school is the product! You look at the students after graduation and access how they earn their living and the contributions they are making to our world after their graduation. I am happy to report that this class of 1994 has become a vital part of society and our community. They are making me proud as they are teachers, social workers, physical therapists, lawyers, commercial real estate developers and salesmen, owners of small businesses, and hotel managers. Others serve in �elds of economics, linguistics, language arts, and technology. Their journey has been the best of times and the worst of times. You’ve heard the best; I will give you three examples of the worst. 1. Would you believe that one of the students drank sulfuric acid

in a chemistry lab and lost all the enamel on his teeth before I could call 911?

2. Would you believe that one student streaked through the Prom at the Valdosta Country Club wearing a raincoat and a sock? As he was running to escape, he �ed to the golf course and tripped over the chain on the 9th hole. The next day at school he could hardly walk due to the injuries on his knees from his encounter with those chains on a dark night.

3. Would you believe a male student showed up for the senior photo dressed as a woman wearing heels and makeup? Yes, he is not in that senior group photo.

I tell you these stories because that class did give me some grief. However, they were an outstanding class. Today, they are helping people, writing budgets, using innovative ideas, and they are technology savvy. And yes, they are smart, good parents, diplomatic and generous.

Now, for the capstone of the speech, I will give you some gems of wisdom and timeless values. These came from my research of �fteen of the most famous commencement speeches given in recent years. Many of these I learned through my own failures. Failure is a great teacher if you learn from your mistakes.

Fifteen Life Lessons and Values for the Class of 20141. Find and follow your passion. If you don’t know it, keep

searching.

2. Get better at trusting yourself and learn to be bold but with humility.

3. Don’t let others de�ne who you are. Be your own person.4. Go for the big dreams. (Remember my story about Valwood

at the crossroads.)5. Take initiative and get in the game. Do not just be a

bystander or spectator.6. Be as persistent as you can and do not give up. Winston

Churchill, “Never, never, never give up!”7. Don’t be afraid to fail. Fear and failure can sharpen you, it

can make you stronger; and when you run away from fear and failure, you also run away from opportunity.

8. You do not need to be perfect. Remember that!9. Use your imagination and creativity.10. Read all the time as a principle, a matter of self-respect and

self-improvement.11. If you think and believe you can, you can. Remember The

Little Engine That Could.12. Encourage yourself to take risks.13. If you cannot embrace change, at least give it a hug once in

a while.14. Work hard and keep taking the “road less traveled and that

will make all the difference,” Robert Frost.15. Try sel�essness and give back to others, give to your

community and give to your country.

In conclusion, I want to tell you a story with a strong moral. It is about Woody Hayes who was the Head Coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes for 28 years. His team:

• won 5 National Championships, won 6 out of 6 Bowl Games,

• captured 13 Big Ten Championship titles,• amassed a record of 238 wins, 72 losses, and 10 ties.

Hayes was a legendary coach known for this quote, “You’ll �nd that nothing that comes easy is worth a dime. As a matter of fact, I never saw a football player make a tackle with a smile on his face. Never.” Despite Coach Hayes’ achievements, his football coaching career ended when he was �red after punching an opposing player during the 1978 Gator Bowl. His temper-actually his inability to control it- ended his coaching career. Integrity and character are imperative to becoming an effective leader. It is who you are not what you do. Leadership challenges you to a higher level of responsibility. A person with integrity makes sound decisions, especially when faced with moments of indecision, temptation and con�ict. Without integrity, no leader can be successful. Many ethical lapses and/or character �aws have sunk people as well as destroyed organizations and institutions.

Today, I urge you to follow your dreams and remember that dreams can change. If we all pursued our �rst dreams, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses today. Get busy— get up—get out—explore! Grab life with both hands! Climb that mountain! Exercise your free will and independent thought. I wish to conclude with a blessing for you – The Valwood Class of 2014 –May you leave looking.May you leave laughing.May you leave loving.God, watch over and bless this Class of 2014 and bless us, too.Amen

Emily Shaw Anderson

Gi�s to The Legacy Campaign for Valwood School Ron and Jennifer AllenJim and Julie GodbeeJeff and Cathy HelmsHoward Hsu and Tamara HardestyJohn and Suzanne Lastinger ’85 Jerry and Terri LupoDutton and Donna MillerKim and Laura PerlmanBill and Sally QuerinChip and Tia SanderlinFerrell Scruggs FoundationSue Nelle ScruggsMala Vallotton

Gi�s in Kind Elaine BiskupiakVallye Blanton

the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and he also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, Gus earned an undergraduate certi�cate in Global Studies. This fall Gus will be returning to UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

In May, Lindsey Megow ’09 graduated magna cum laude with High Honors from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion. At the same time, she received a Master’s degree in Public Health in Gerontology. She will attend medical school this fall at the Medical College of Georgia, at Georgia Regents University in Augusta. She is planning to pursue a career in Geriatrics and Palliative Care.

Jessie Davis Stanley ’09 married Matthew Stanley on December 22, 2012. She graduated magnum cum laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. She is currently at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine pursuing a DVM where she is specializing in equine medicine and upon graduation hopes to work in the area of equine theriogenology and neonatology.

In June, John Elliott ’10 graduated from Dartmouth College cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion with a minor in Anthropology. John will attend the University of Virginia School of Law in the fall.

Lily Waldron ’10 graduated in May from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a double major in Marketing and Management. In August she will move to Dallas, Texas to begin working as a Client Advocate for TWG Insurance.

Citizens Community BankBob LangdaleMr. and Mrs. Johnny B. LastingerDick McGaugheyLowe’s Home Improvement Distribution CenterDr. and Mrs. Richard NijemKaren Reissiger

Memorial and Restricted Gi�s Colonial Bag CompanyColony BankAnthony CoursonKenny and Susan CragoDavid and Renee CribbMichelle EdwardsTim and Ellen GoldenGuardian BankNed and Kelly HansonDaryle W. HardawayLangdale FordDrs. Dennis and Patricia MarksMr. and Mrs. Martin Miller

Dr. and Mrs. Richard NijemPackaging Corporation of AmericaThe Ferrell Scruggs FoundationSue Nelle ScruggsTommy J. ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceDr. and Mrs. Owen YoulesEric and Kre Ward

Murphy Johnson, Christabel Ofori and FelicityRedmond enjoy a treat to celebrate 75% LowerSchool Parent Participation in the Annual Fund.

1 22

Continued from Page 14 (Alumni News)

Members of the Class of 2013 at the Homecoming Football Game – Haley Flythe,Danielle Shackleford, Slayten Carter, Dakota Runnels,

and Amanda Eaves.

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L G I V I N G R E P O R T

Last fall Mrs. Brannen and Mr. Murphy’s �fth grade students studied the great Explorers and conducted their annual ship building project. Each student chose a European Explorer and researched the regions they explored, who commissioned the exploration, and the purpose of the expedition. The students then constructed a ship with information pertaining to the voyage and the Explorer displayed on the sails. Students wrote persuasive letters to the king or queen requesting funding for the voyages and drew maps to illustrate the routes on which the Explorers embarked. Each year the eagerly anticipated launching of the ships is the highlight of the project. The students, having followed detailed criteria for the speci�cations of their vessels, launched their ships as classmates and teachers stood by to observe. Cheers and a collective sigh of relief were heard as the ships proved to be seaworthy.

Fi�h Grade Ship Builders

































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 sixteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year three Primary teams performed the solution to the problem – “The World’s First Art Festival.” The kindergarten team was coached by Christy Musgrove and the team members were Liam Eddy, Will Greene, Annabel Musgrove, Ryleigh Reister, Anne Harvey Shaw and Lauren Alden Studstill. The �rst grade team was coached by Cathy Johnson with team members Kate Cochran, Kendall Drumheller, Murphy Johnson, Jake Kerns and Jaxson Routsong. The second grade team was coached by Jacqueline Lilly with team members John Laurent Dean, Kennedy Lilly, Lacy Ann McLeod, John Scarpate, Emma Shapard and Lawrence Smith.




















































^Class chairman





























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson











2

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Mrs. Barr’s kindergarteners went on a “Bug Parade!” The fourth graders entertained the audience by “Going West!”

21


3

































Extreme Team DayLower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition last fall. 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-KidsOn October 25, 2013 the K-Kids hosted their 2nd Annual Lower School Dance at Valwood School – “Rev-ing Up for Research” to bene�t Pediatric Cancer Research through CureSearch and Ronnie Newsome Racing. This year, admission to the dance was a new stuffed animal, small game, or hat to be donated to the children’s cancer wing of our two local hospitals. The K-Kids club also sold t-shirts and donated the proceeds from those sales to Pediatric Cancer Research. This was done in honor of Victoria Newsome, a Valwood Valiant who succumbed to cancer in November, 2005 at the age of 8 and whose brother, Ronnie races to raise money to fund research grants. The total amount of money donated to this incredible group was $1,300 and over $1,000 worth of gifts were given to the hospitals. Members of the K-Kids, which is sponsored by our local Valdosta Kiwanis Club, delivered and donated the items collected to Smith Northview Hospital and South Georgia Medical Center.

Field Day 2014!

Celebrating Dr. Suess!




















































^Class chairman



Continued on Page 21



























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson



For the second project of the year, the K-Kids organized a loose change collection. The students used the collected money to purchase books from the Book Fair to give to the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.









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

K-kids pose for a photo with Ronnie Newsome’s race car!

K-kids get ready to load the truck with goodiesfor the Sheri�’s Boys Ranch

Kindergarteners Presley Morgan, Isabella Castleberry, Ella Grace Neal,and Lauren Alden Studstill celebrate in style!

3

Lower Schoolers pose with Seniors a�er a great day of fun in the sun!Kennedy Lilly, Sienna Persaud, James Godbee, Ryleigh Reister and Luke Register work together

to carry the ball.

20

2013-2014 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

Thank you so much for your support of the 2013-2014 Annual Fund. We raised more than $197,000 with 80% 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 2013-2014 Annual Fund Chairman

































The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on March 24, 2014 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Dr. Darren Pascavage welcomed the inductees, their parents, Middle School students and faculty. 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. Valwood Middle School welcomes the following Middle School Students into the National Junior Honor Society: Jaakob Benjamin Alakulppi, Abigail Taylor Bland, Grantham Parker Brogdon, Emily Crosby Clifton, Madelyn McGill Clyatt, Sarah Elizabeth Creamer, Caroline Graham Evans, Marc Davison Evans, Bailey Lane Everett, Andrew James Heckaman, Madison Lane Highsmith, Mary Patrice Lacey, William McMorris Lester, Thomas Grant McLendon, William Cole McLendon, Kasey Erin McQuitty, Robert Ashton Moorman, Erin Patrice Moss, Gabrielle Bernice Moss, Lucas Papadopoulos, Ashka Janak Patel, Preston Neil Persaud, Lynn Talley Petermann, Sarah Abigail Sable, Cole Griffen Schmidt, Carter James Sharon, Karsten Edward Smith, Robert Francis Stark, Caleb Nicholas Vandemark, and Isabella Julian White. Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

National Junior Honor Society

Last February, Valwood students in �fth through eighth grades gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's seventh annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the effects of caffeine on heart rates to the effects of temperature on magnets to discovering the most effective paper towel. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Andrew Heckaman, 2nd Place Karsten Smith and 3rd Place Taylor Sanderlin. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Colby Thomas, 2nd Place Will Parrish and 3rd Place Robert Stark. In the sixth grade the awards went to Josie Tidmore 1st Place, Trey Henry 2nd Place and Eli Beal 3rd Place. The �fth grade winners were Smith Shaw 1st Place, Ellie Smith 2nd Place and Carsen Jane Carter 3rd Place.

Valwood’s Seventh Annual Science Fair








































In January the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in literature class. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of his or her 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!













^Class chairman





























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson











4

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Andrew Heckaman with his winning project

Gabby Moss, Sarah Sable, Robert Stark and Preston Persaud in costume.

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 – donned in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

Geography Fair








































For the �rst time in February, our 6th and 7th grade students participated in the Middle School Science Olympiad and the students placed fourth in the region with every one of the 11 participants taking home at least two medals. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Can’t Judge a Powder – Cole Broomberg and Bailey Everett, Entomology – Dalen Strickland and Maddox Wood, Metric Mastery – Erin Moss and Gabby Moss, Rocks and Minerals – Cole Broomberg and Maddox Wood, and Water Quality – Cole Broomberg and Erin Moss. Second place medalists were Caroline Evans and Mary Lacey – Anatomy, Marc Evans and Lucas Papadopoulos – Boomilever, Caroline Evans and Bailey Everett – Disease Detectives, Mary Lacey and Gabby Moss – Meteorology, and Cole Broomberg and Lucas Papadppoulos – Shock Value. Third place �nishers were Cameron Jones and Mary Lacey – Heredity and Dalen Strickland and Maddox Wood – Simple Machines. In fourth place were Caroline Evans and Marc Evans – Crime Busters and Cameron Jones – Road Scholar.

Science Olympiad Team Finishes Fourth in the Region



























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson






Valwood Middle School took �rst place in the Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition in February. Team members were Hope Hathcock, Grant McLendon, Pavan Patel, Avi Patel, William Pegg, and Lucas Papadopoulos.

MATHCOUNTS

Continued from Page 17 (Emily Shaw Anderson)

5

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

Eli Beal with his presentation on India

The 6th graders at Path�nders!

Eighth Graders Terrell Belcher, Avi Patel and Jaakob Alakulppi were Splishing and

Splashing for the 8th grade play,“At the Bandstand.”

The 8th graders posed at Mount Vernonwhile visiting Washington, D.C.

last February.

18

The 7th graders enjoyed a class trip to Rock Eagle inEatonton, Georgia with a stop o� at the Atlanta History Center.









































The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team placed second at the regional competition held last February in Swainsboro and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Materials Science – Amanda Lupo and Jason Papadopoulos, Technical Problem Solving – Will Hawthorne and Jason Papadopoulos; 2nd Place: Chemistry Lab – Will Hawthorne and Jason Papadopoulos, Anatomy & Physiology – Jason Papadopoulos and Kush Patel, Compound Machines – Lanier Langdale and Amanda Lupo; 3rd Place: Entomology – Bryce Everett and Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Mission Possible – Connor Barnard and Gabe Garcia, Dynamic Planet – Carter Elliott and Mitchell Wood; 4th Place: Circuit Lab – Gabe Garcia and Will Hawthorne, Forensics – Amanda Lupo and Jason Papadopoulos, Scrambler – Bryce Everett and Will Hawthorne. Other team members were Jake Chandler, Carly Eaves, Elizabeth Giddens, Hailee Hathcock, Arabi Luke, Allie Maxwell, Joe Stark and Brenna Wilson. The team was coached by faculty members Joy Owens, and Bucky Shiver and Brandon Bradford ’06.

Science Olympiad

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on March 24, 2014 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Dr. Darren Pascavage welcomed the inductees, their parents, Upper School students and faculty. 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: William Vann Allen, Austin Cole Asbell, Connor Bradley Barnard, Jacob Aaron Chandler, Colby Bell�ower DeCesare, Lawrence Carter Elliott, Bryce Taylor Everett, Elizabeth Holland Giddens, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Grace Elizabeth Guilliams, William Bailey Hawthorne, Daniel Micah Hodum, Evelyn Lanier Langdale, Garrett Scott Lovell, Amanda Lee Lupo, Alexandria Tierney Maxwell, Jason Hermes Papadopoulos, Emily Jane Pascavage, Madelynn Lisa Phan, Joseph Paul Stark, and Meghan Louise Veuleman.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members



























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson






Golden Smith returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Golden and Holly Querin received the award last year, and this year the honor went to James Braswell. The award is given to the senior who best exempli�es the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall James will attend North Carolina A&T State University.

Valiant Award Kate Evans was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Emily Sands 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. Kate will attend the Valdosta State University in the fall.

Spirit Award

6

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

17








By Lisa Garcia

Good Morning, students, parents, faculty, family, and friends. When Coach Allen �rst called me Tuesday morning with the announcement that I was Salutatorian and would consequentially have to speak in front of all of you, my head started spinning. And then my next though was: Oh my God, what do I talk about? Rather than a million ideas rushing into my head at once, my thoughts were just blank. So, I resolved to start more simply. I started to wonder about what my school meant to me. What had Valwood, my home for the last eleven years, taught me when all was said and done?

This question was still a tall order, so I took another baby step. Well, what is my favorite thing about Valwood? With ease, I could answer this time. Without a doubt, the de�ning trait of a Valwood education lies within the skillfully composed faculty. It’s fact. Valwood teachers are the best. To the parents in the audience, I ask: has your French teacher ever told you wild stories about her love life? Or has your history teacher ever taken you camping to sit around the �re? Has your drama teacher ever gone to the lengths of baking you a cake worthy of being on Cake Boss? Has your English teacher ever made you a breakfast casserole or provided a spread of fresh fruit and Starbucks coffee to get you through the dreadful torture that is AP Exams? Yes, we are a pampered bunch. But our teachers do not only aim to �ll our stomachs. Every day they aim to sculpt our minds. Our brains were nothing but moldable putty the day we walked through the doors freshman year. The faculty wasted no time, though, when it came to hitting the books. I remember my �rst epiphany, sitting in Coach Allen’s class with the realization that not all checks at the top of a page are a good thing. Ms. Carver’s infamous alter-ego performance on the �rst day of school always scares the freshman babies into doing their work and leaving excuses at the door. With her tough-love tactics, Ms. Carver exempli�es the true spirit of a Valwood teacher. In her words, “A friend will make allowances and give you a free pass; a teacher will hold your feet to the �re.” Unfortunately, Ms. Carver will be leaving us this year, but her parting words distinctly embody the honest work ethic instilled at Valwood. She says, “…The technical term I should use to label you is students. But you’ve rarely been my students to me. Soon after I began teaching here, I started calling you my kids. And you are. My hope is that one day you’ll know why I’ve been so hard on you. Why I made your high school years a trial by �re. Why I came down on you like a sack of hammers. I did it because I want you to live beautiful lives. I want you to meet life’s problems with tenacity. I want you to soar. And when you do, I’ll be smiling.”

Ms. Carver’s ideals resonate with each and every faculty member at Valwood. They are the mentors who make us who

we are today. The Class of 2014 stands before you, parents, because of your hard work and sacri�ce, but the end product of these efforts ultimately arises from the teachers. So to the faculty of Valwood School, thank you for all you do, and thank you for serving as the heart of our Valiant community.

So, having de�ned what I cherished most about my school, I then sought to de�ne what Valwood had taught me. As a rising alumna, I asked myself what I could take away from all these years. Our school, I resolved, was not simply a place to learn how to �nd a derivative, or to conjugate the verb être into all its different forms. Valwood has taught me how to keep the balance. It’s an art of �nding the thin line between working hard and playing hard.

I always joke with my parents that high school consists of a trifecta of three activities, but in order to preserve your sanity, you can only chose two. The options are Good Grades, Sleep, and Social Life. When looking at the big picture, it is possible to maintain all three, but it involves making choices day by day. On a Tuesday night I would get home around 12:30 from cheerleading at a football game and I would have to decide: Do I want sleep or do I want good grades? (I had already picked social life so I only had one option left.) Sometimes, I would pick to stick it out, make some coffee, and write my essay. Others, I found myself the next morning sprawled over the comforter before ever really having the chance to decide between the two. Although this lifestyle did prove to be a bit hectic, I loved it every step of the way. I didn’t want to kill myself studying or lock myself away from the world staring at a Chemistry book while my friends were out having fun and making memories. But I also tried my best in the classroom, knowing that there was so much to learn from the mentors who stood before me. Looking back, I can say that I learned a lot, and I had fun doing it. My time at Valwood has provided me with the skills I need to take the next step, and I can honestly say that I have never been more excited.

With the little bits of wisdom I’ve gathered throughout my high school career, I now look forward to the obscure path that lies ahead. I am prepared and ecstatic about the changes that await me this fall. I’m ready for the cramped living spaces, the crazy roommates, the all-nighters, and the loud football games; I’m ready for that crazy professor that curses during his lecture because he’s so passionate about what he teaches. I’m ready for inevitably locking myself out of my dorm room because I’m not yet responsible enough to keep track of the room key. I’m ready for ramen noodles. I’m ready for the new friendships I’ll make. These new adventures lie ahead not only for me, but for everyone in the Class of 2014, and we will be ready to face each and every obstacle with the con�dence that we are ahead of the curve and the belief that we are prepared to face the world head on. Our solid foundations are in place. All of the preparation has �nally paid off. And at last, we are ready to begin.

I think I speak for all of my classmates when I say we are all ready for this next step! To the Class of 2014, I wish each and




Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)








every one of you the best of luck for wherever life takes you next. Remember that no matter how far we may branch away from each other, we still hold the lifelong bond of all being the peculiar mascot that is the Valwood Valiant. I cannot wait to see what we do next. Thank You and Godspeed.

Lisa Garcia, the Valwood Class of 2014 Salutatorian, is the daughter of Alberto and Vera Garcia. She will attend Mercer University in the fall.

Continued from Page 9 (Lisa Garcia)























Congratulations once again to the Class of 2014! The �nal acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Berry College, Carson-Newman University, College of Charleston, Clarkson University, Clemson University, Colgate University, College of Coastal Georgia, Columbus State University, Converse College, Darton College, Florida Southern College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Regents University, Georgia Southern University, Guilford College, High Point University, Huntingdon College, Kennesaw State University, LaGrange College, Louisiana State University, Mercer University, North Carolina A&T State University, Oglethorpe University, Presbyterian College, Samford University, South Georgia College, St. Thomas University, University of Alabama, University of Colorado, University of the Cumberlands, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Mississippi, University of North Georgia, University of South Alabama, University of Tampa, University of Utah, Valdosta State University, Wingate University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2014

James Bernard Braswell III, Gary Neil Cannon, Seth Joseph Carlo, Carmen Denise Carter, Daniel Jay Costello Jr., Allison Nicole Cribb, Connor James Criscuola, Marvin Xavier Dobson, Charles Harold Dunmon III, Lawrence Carter Elliott, Vincent Bernard Ervin II, Sara Katharine Evans, Grace Elizabeth Flemer, Gabriel

Garcia Jr., Lisa Cecilia Garcia, Garrett Thomas Kimble, George John LaHood V, DeAndre Jerell Lambert, Spencer John McQuaig, John Thomas McTier III, Charvunta Antonio Merine, Jonathan Rutledge Parrott Jr., Aakash Bipin Patel, Madelynn Lisa Phan, Jacob Cyrus Richards, Zachary Vincent Richards, Reginald

Lamar Robinson, Margaret Alyson Scruggs, Katherine Abigail Skipper, Mary Alice Smoot, Meghan Louise Veuleman, Sara Ashley Wells, Ryan Milton White, Kyle Curtis Wilkes, Matthew Denman Williams, Hannah Louise Willis, Jordan Miguel Winston, and Mitchell Bryant Wood.

Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2014. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of state income tax liability to a quali�ed student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based �nancial assistance. In 2013-2014 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 75 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 AllenCraig and Jennifer BishopVallye BlantonBarbara BrowningSteve and Lynn BrowningJonathan and Elizabeth BurnsPat Cochran and Karyn KunzelmanJeremy and Charlotte DavisMarvin and Jacquelyn DickeyGene and Marcia FeltsFirst America Home Medical Equipment CompanyFresh BeginningsEric and Stephanie GeeRonald and Beverly GilesJim and Julie GodbeeJohn and Rhonda HammanGage HathcockHugh and Judy Hathcock and family

Jeff and Cathy HelmsJack and Lisa HenryHeritage Bank Thad and Stephanie HughesJames and Josette IngramPope and Evelyn LangdaleJohn and Suzanne LastingerAlex and Rudell LawrenceLee and Amy MackeyMac and Susan MackeyMary Catherine MackeyEdward and Rhonda MarkBrett and Tracyee MartinDutton and Donna MillerMartin and Laura MillerGreg and Megan MorrisDoug and Stephanie MossJonathan and Katie ParrottBipin and Kristi Patel

William and Nancy PeggKim and Laura PerlmanTerry and Shelly PersaudScott and Debra PetermannDavid and Cecilia PierceBill and Sally QuerinChip and Tia SanderlinFerrell and April ScruggsFerrell and Pam ScruggsJames and Deann ScruggsSue Nell ScruggsJay and Amy SmithJeff and Amy SmithLeon and Valerie SmithLarry Smith and Charlene BlacheJodie and Vickie StevensJustin and Haynes StudstillJohnny and Wanda SwilleyTrey and Sheya Taylor

Trent and Holly TaylorJames and Carly ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceHarrison Tillman and Jan Loef�erLoyce and Ingrid TurnerMale VallottonRouse and Lynn VallottonShawn and Wendy VandemarkEric and Kre WardStewart and Barbara WilliamsRichard and Hylda WilsonSteve and Patty WilsonDavid and Cheryl WolfsonBo and Pam WoodwardTim Wright and Julie Nijem

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: Sara Barrett, James Braswell, Regina Carson, Colby DeCesare, Hank Evans, Christian Gaytan, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Grace Guilliams, Will Hawthorne, Garrett Kimble, Victoria Maxwell, Shana Morman, Emily Pascavage, Addy Perlman, Fran Plummer, Megan Smith and Joe Stark. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, and Brenna Wilson. Additionally Hailee Hathcock was a member of the Club for a third consecutive year. Seniors Kate Evans and Grace Flemer were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Academics, Character, ServiceSeniors Honored withAcademic Scholarships

The following students were awarded academic scholarships by the colleges and universities which they will be attending in the fall: Carter Elliott – Mercer

University, Vincent Ervin – University of the Cumberlands, Gabe Garcia – Mercer University, Lisa Garcia – Mercer University, Ruddy Parrott – Berry

College, Jake Richards – LaGrange College, Zack Richards – LaGrange College, Mary Alice Smoot – University of Tampa, Meghan Veuleman – Mercer

University, and Ryan White – Samford University.

GEORGIA GOAL

7

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

16

GEORGIA GOAL

Attention all Valwood Alumni and Valwood Supporters!!

The class of 1994 is celebrating its 20th class reunion and NEEDS YOUR HELP!!! Not only will this be a 1994 class celebration, but ALL ALUMNI are invited to join in the fun!! During homecoming weekend, October 10-11, 2014 we will celebrate with a tailgate Friday night and party on Saturday!

How can you help? Please share this information with any alumni, friends of alumni or anyone who may know alumni of Valwood School! Go to the Facebook reunion page "Valwood '94 and before reunion" and LIKE the page to receive updates and enter your contact info either on the Facebook page or email Mendi Ray Griner at [email protected]. You can also stay connected by following us on twitter @valwood94. We will be posting updates through Facebook and Twitter and sending information via email as well.





Valedictory Addressphase of becoming quali�ed has arrived, and the decisions to employ what we’ve learned and to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities presented rests on our shoulders. However, contrary to popular belief, these credentials include more than just academic prowess; in addition to academics, a student also needs esteemed character. Character consists of the moral and ethical qualities of a person that are actively demonstrated by his or her life and lifestyle habits. These qualities are based on one’s values, and are used to create a person’s reputation. A strong and honorable character will be essential to meet and conquer challenges on life’s journey to success. However, the chapters that are about to unfold will, for certain, test our character.



By Lisa Garcia















SPECIAL EVENTS























Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Lisa Garcia placed �rst in Humorous Interpretation, Maggie Scruggs placed �rst in Rhetorical Essay, Will Allen, Daniel Costello, Marvin Dobson and Vincent Ervin placed �rst in Boys Quartet and Lisa Garcia, Shana Morman and Fran Plummer won �rst place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region �nishers were Jason Papadopoulos for Piano, Evan Creamer and Isabel Langdale for Duo Interpretation, Madelynn Phan for Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Gabe Garcia for International Extemporaneous Speaking. Finishing third were Vincent Ervin for Boys Solo and Grace Guilliams for Dramatic Interpretation. In fourth place were Lisa Garcia for Girls Solo, Savannah-Jane Gilchirst for Argumentative Essay, and Will Allen for Personal Essay.

At the State competition Lisa Garcia, Shana Morman and Fran Plummer won �rst place in the Girls Trio for the second year in a row. Maggie Scruggs placed �rst for Rhetorical Essay and Gabe Garcia �nished fourth for International Extemporaneous Speaking.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition

Last March close to 300 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 April 24, 2015.

Grandparents Day


O T H E R N E W S

Girls Trio – Second Year in a row Best in the State!

Ginnie Bree Hunter with her watercolor, The Swing,the Upper School Art Show “Best in Show” winner.

Celebrating raising over $15,000 for the Children’s Miracle Networkat the Upper School Dance-A-Thon.

Valwood’s Mock Trial Team competed last Januaryand both Allie Maxwell and Zach Barnard received

Outstanding Witness awards.

Thomas Griner with his grandmother Vicki Ray Howell Burns with hisgrandfather Mac Mackey

SPECIAL EVENTS

15 8

By Lisa Garcia




Salutatory Speech


























ALUMNI NEWS






9 14

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


Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Marvin Dobson, Carter Elliott, Spencer McQuaig, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Reggie Robinson and Zane Edmundson received All-region recognition. Marvin Dobson, Carter Elliott, Char Merine and Reggie Robinson also received All-state recognition. Ryan White received All-region recognition for track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. In Valwood’s inaugural year of Volleyball, Chole Harris and Sara Wells received All-region recognition and Sara also received All-state recognition. For the girls and boys basketball teams Hollis Waldron, Carter Elliott, DeAndre Lambert and Char Merine received All-region honors. Miles Parramore was honored as an All-region and All-state wrestler. Parker Bonner, Eli Carlo, Tyler Richards and Kyle Wilkes received All-region recognition for baseball and Parker Bonner also received All-state honors. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Olivia Cox, Grace Flemer, Hailee Hatchcock, Hope Hathcock, Isabel Langdale, Maggie Scruggs, and Grayson Thomas received the All-region honor. Maggie Scruggs also received All-state recognition for tennis. Gary Cannon, Avi Patel and Ben Trancygier were All-region golfers. Carter Elliott, Gabe Garcia, Andrew Heckaman, Ty Petermann and Carter Sharon were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Carter Elliott for boys soccer. Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Ashley Manwell and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team.

Region and State Athletes

Mary Alice Smoot was awarded the Senior Women’s Athlete Award at the senior banquet last May. Her athletic accomplishments are extensive including placing �rst or second at the GISA AA State Track and Cross Country meets in each of her four years of high school. She currently holds the GISA state record for the 1600 meter and the Valwood School record for the fastest times in the 3 mile and 5K Cross Country events and the school record for the fastest times in the 800 meter, 1500 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter races. Mary Alice has been recognized nationally as a member of the US Elite team in both cross country and track. Mary Alice will attend the University of Tampa in the fall where she has been awarded the Minaret Academic Scholarship and the Achievement Award in addition to an athletic scholarship.

Senior Athlete Mary Alice Smoot

Last March, a year after the dedication of Browning Field, the school celebrated the Lighting of the Field. Thanks to the generosity of the following supporters, the Valiant Baseball team is now able to host both day and night games: Steve and Lynn Browning, Wade Coleman, Georgia Power Company, Tim and Ellen Golden, Heritage Bank, John and Suzanne Lastinger, Phil and Ellice Martin, the Packaging Corporation of America, Southwest Georgia Bank and Steve and Patty Wilson.

Turning on the Lights at Browning Field

A teaching legend, Betty Googe passed away on November 13, 2013. Mrs. Googe taught at Valdosta High School from 1963 to 1971 and at Valwood from 1973 to 2000. For the over thirty years of her teaching and mentoring career, Betty Googe taught and led at Valwood, inspiring a generation of students and teachers with her compassion, wisdom and unwavering commitment to high academic standards. The impact she had on the school and on all the students and faculty who came to Valwood to learn and work each day during her tenure is nothing short of profound. It is in honor of this legacy that the Betty Googe Academic Scholarship was established in 2005. These half-tuition merit scholarships are available to a limited number of middle and upper school students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and strong character. Individuals who will at graduation, as Betty Googe encouraged, “inspire and serve others and explode outward the boundaries of what is achievable on this earth.” Googe Scholars whose ongoing work demonstrates a continued commitment to high achievement and integrity are able to retain their scholarships through to graduation. Donations fund the Betty Googe Scholarships and allow Valwood to pass on Betty Googe’s love of learning. Please visit our web site if you are interested in donating in honor and memory of Betty Googe. We appreciate your part in continuing her legacy of academic excellence.

We thank the following families for their 2013-2014 support of the Betty Googe Scholarship Fund: A.R. and Janice Baker, Charles and Conoly Barker, Henry, Eddie and David Bentley, Buzz and Mary Bowers, W.D. and Jane Burgsteiner, W.M. Burnham, Roy and Donna Cannon, Shirlee Carroll, Colman Talley LLP, Sandra Connell, Marvin and Lyn Dickey, Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Edwards III, Emil and Patti Girardin, Clay and Mendi Griner, Bill and Jeannie Grow, Michael and Maureen Gunsolus, Dick and Bernita Hall, Jeff and Cathy Hanson, Jeff and Cathy Helms, Robert and Fran Johnson, Walker Kendrick, Darrin and Ann Layton, Dutton and Donna Miller, Evan and Shirley Miller, Margot Pearlman, Charlie and Jerry Powers, Maura Respess, Kay and Rheuma Robinson, Briggs and Lane Smith, Southwest Georgia Bank, Charles Templeton Family, Eric and Katherine Trickett, Mala Vallotton, Roger and Cynthia Walker, Steve Wansley, Scott and Susan Wilson, Young, Thagard, Hoffman, Smith, Lawrence & Shelton, and Gary Zeigler.

Betty Googe

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the 42nd Annual Valwood Parents Association Spring Auction a huge success. The Kentucky Derby themed A Day at the Derby continued to be a hugely successful and fun evening. VPA President Melanie Moorman is thrilled to announce that thanks to all our generous donors we raised more than $100,000 for the school! Thank you to all of the many volunteers without whom the evening would not have been so successful! Thanks as well to all of you who donated items for auction and who so generously participated that night.

Valwood Parents Association

Last May Valwood honored the Jefferson Cup seniors and their families at a reception at the home of Rob and Stacy Evans. The Jefferson Cup is awarded to members of the graduating class who have spent their entire school career at Valwood. This year’s award winners were Gary Cannon, Charlie Dunmon, Carter Elliott, Kate Evans, Thomas McTier, Maggie Scruggs and Hannah Willis.

Je�erson Cup Reception

Max is from Nahunta, Georgia and is a graduate of the College of Coastal Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Math and Science. The during past two years Max has spent time in Glynn County schools with three semesters of practicum experience and one semester of student teaching. He is the youngest of three brothers and a fourth generation teacher from his family. Max enjoys visiting historical sites and museums, traveling, exploring the Satilla River, gol�ng, playing tennis, and rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Max Stieve Middle School Science

Genny is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Technical Theatre. She also earned her Master’s of Fine Arts in Lighting Design from Florida State University. Genny is a Professional Lighting Designer and has been an Assistant Professor in Theatre at Christopher Newport University and Boise State University. Locally Genny has worked with Peach State Summer theatre for the past 5 seasons. Genny will be joining the Valwood family with her daughter, Zoe who will be a Kindergartener. In her free time Genny loves spending time with Zoe going to Disney World and playing princesses.

Genny Wynn Middle/Upper School Drama and Upper School Speech

O T H E R N E W S

13

Cristie Dasher and Anne McLeodshow o� their Derby Hats!

VALWOOD ATHLETICS

Mary Alice Smoot

Tim Golden tosses out the �rst pitch tocelebrate the Lighting of Browning Field

Region Champion JV Boys Basketball team went undefeated on the season �nishing 10-0 and winning the JV region tournament.

10

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. The scholar athlete award, modeled on the NCAA’s Academic All-American recognition, honors those varsity student-athletes who maintain high academic and athletic performance at Valwood. Winners of this award for the fall sports season were Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Sara Knighton, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emily Pascavage, Addy Perlman, Madelynn Phan, Zack Richards, Joyce Ro, Ellie Stark, Meghan Veuleman and Ryan White. Winter scholar athlete award winners were James Braswell, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Sara Knighton, Lanier Langdale, Allie Maxwell, Emily Pascavage, Addy Perlman, Madelynn Phan, Maggie Smith and Collin Vandemark. Pictured below are the winners of the spring scholar athlete medal.

Scholar Athletes

Athletic Schedules

2014 Varsity FootballAug 22 Memorial Day School Home 7:30

Aug 29 West�eld School Away 7:30

Sept 5 North Florida Christian School Home 7:30

Sept 12 Frederica Academy Away 7:30

Sept 19 Tiftarea Academy Away 7:30

Oct 3 Southland Academy Away 7:30

Oct 10 Westwood Schools (Homecoming) Home 7:30

Oct 17 Terrell Academy Away 7:30

Oct 24 Brookwood School Home 7:30

Oct 31 Deer�eld-Windsor School Home 7:30

Aug 14 Veterans High School Away 6:00

Aug 14 Tift County High School Away 7:00

Aug 19 Brooks County High School Home 5:30

Aug 22 First Presbyterian Christian Away 5:30

Aug 23 Frederica Academy Away 12:00

Aug 28 Sherwood Christian Academy Home 6:00

Sept 4 Sherwood Christian Academy Away 6:00

Sept 6 Memorial Day School Home 11:00

Sept 9 Grace Christian Academy Home 5:30

Sept 11 North Florida Christian Academy Home 6:00

Sept 16 Tift County High School Home 5:30

Sept 20 Memorial Day School Away 1:00

Sept 23 Brooks County High School Away 5:30

Oct 2 Grace Christian Academy Away 5:30

Oct 4 Frederica Academy Home 12:00

Oct 9 North Florida Christian Academy Away 6:00

Oct 11 First Presbyterian Christian Home 12:00

Aug 23 Brookwood Jamboree Away TBD

Sept 4 Brookwood School Home 6:15

Sept 18 Tiftarea Academy Away 6:00

Sept 23 Georgia Christian Academy Home 6:00

Oct 2 Deer�eld-Windsor School Away 6:00

Oct 9 Georgia Christian Academy Away 6:00

Oct 23 Tiftarea Academy Home 6:00

Aug 7 Southland Academy Home 4:30

Aug 12 Tiftarea Academy Away 4:30

Aug 14 Westwood Schools Away 4:30

Aug 19 Brookwood School Home 4:00

Aug 21 Deer�eld-Windsor School Home 4:30

Aug 28 Terrell Academy Away 4:30

Sept 2 Southland Christian Academy Away 4:30

Sept 4 Tiftarea Academy Home 4:30

Sept 9 Westwood Schools Home 4:30

Sept 11 Brookwood School Away 4:00

Sept 16 Deer�eld-Windsor School Away 4:30

Sept 23 Terrell Academy Home 4:30

2014 Varsity Volleyball

2014 JV Football

2014 Varsity So�ball

Carter Sharon, William Pegg, Hope Hathcock, Olivia Cox, Grace Guilliams and Savannah-Jane Gilchrist – not pictured – Allie Maxwell,

Kush Patel and Brenna Wilson.

Drew is a member of Valwood’s class of 2002. He received his Bachelor of Art degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a minor in Political Science and History from Piedmont College in 2007. He earned his Master’s degree in Teacher Education from the University of Tennessee in 2009 and has taught history, geography and civics at Crisp Academy, Tiftarea Academy and most recently at Edmund Burke Academy. In his free time Drew enjoys running, reading and cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Drew is looking forward to returning to Valwood to teach and coach.

Drew Bailey Upper School History/Varsity Boys Basketball Coach

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.

Congratulations to freshman Miles Parramore who won the State Championship in the 106 lb. weight class last February at the State Individual Wrestling tournament in Macon. Daniel Costello placed third, Blake Holley �nished �fth and Anthony Gallo also �nished �fth in his weigh class. Valwood �nished eighth out of 32 teams in the competition.

2014 Varsity Wrestling

Ashley is from Statesboro, Georgia and graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. For the past 16 years she has taught lower school students at Bulloch Academy. Ashley and her husband Jamie are the parents to Ashley Ann a sophomore at the University of Alabama, Lindsey a freshman at the University of Georgia and Alec who will be joining Valwood’s sixth grade class. In her free time Ashley likes to play tennis, read, go to the beach and spend time with her family and friends. Ashley is excited about her family’s move to Valdosta and looking forward to being a part of the Valwood community.

Ashley Brannen Lower School 5th Grade

Cheryl grew up in Florida before coming to Valdosta State University for college where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts. After 30 years, Cheryl recently retired from the Lowndes County School system where she taught math, AP math courses and wrote curriculum for Analytic Geometry, Math II and Math IV at Lowndes High. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Cheryl and her husband, Greg are the parents of Trace and in her free time Cherly enjoys traveling, watching sports, reading, crafts and Pinterest.

Cheryl Colson Upper School Mathematics

Jeanna received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University and her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. Jeanna has been a Kindergarten teacher at W.G. Nunn Elementary School for the past 7 years. She is a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the Georgia Reading Association and the Georgia Association of Educators. Jeanna and her husband Andy are the parents of Anna Rose and Grif�n. When Jeanna is not busy keeping up with her active toddlers she enjoys reading, traveling and watching a good movie.

Jeanna Ganas Lower School Pre-Kindergarten

Justin is a native of Valdosta and a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Art degree in Mathematics. Justin earned a Master of Science in Education from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the Georgia Association of Educators. Justin taught Mathematics at Valdosta High School as well as being the Wildcat Varsity football team defensive end coach and the head Varsity golf coach.

Justin Henderson Upper School Mathematics/Assistant Football Coach/Varsity Golf Coach

Mike is returning to Valwood after a �ve year absence. Mike is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a degree in Business. A native of Quitman and a graduate of Westbrook School, Mike has over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA). Most recently Mike was the Athletic Director and Middle School Principal of Tiftarea Academy as well as the Head Softball Coach, Head Golf Coach, and Head Girls Basketball Coach. Mike is also the GISA Region 3 AAA Secretary. In his free time he enjoys softball, bowling and �shing.

Mike Patrick Lower School P.E./Middle School Weight Training/Varsity and JV Softball Coach/Varsity and JV Girls Basketball Coach/JV Golf Coach

A native of Thomasville, Georgia, Heather is joining the Middle School faculty as a mathematics teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Math and Language Arts from Valdosta State University. For the past �ve years she has worked as a private tutor while staying home with her daughter, Maddie, who will be joining Valwood’s Kindergarten class in the fall. In her free time Heather enjoys spending time with Maddie and her husband Brant, as well as reading, gardening, playing tennis and working with the youth at her church.

Heather Pickard Middle School Mathematics

Kelley is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Language Education with a minor in Sociology and an ESOL Endorsement. Kelley has taught Spanish at the Valdosta State Continuing Education program and Crossroads Baptist School. Kelley’s passion is to teach Spanish to young children. She has traveled to South and Central America and this summer is a member of a medical mission trip to a Mexican orphanage where she will serve as a medical translator in the operating room and as a pharmacy technician. Kelley loves to travel and is active in her local church.

Kelley Simms Lower School Spanish

FACULTY NEWSFACULTY NEWSV A L W O O D A T H L E T I C S

11 12

Congratulations to all of our Valiant Athletes! In football, Marvin Dobson, Carter Elliott, Spencer McQuaig, Char Merine, Marik Merine, Reggie Robinson and Zane Edmundson received All-region recognition. Marvin Dobson, Carter Elliott, Char Merine and Reggie Robinson also received All-state recognition. Ryan White received All-region recognition for track and Mary Alice Smoot received All-region and All-state recognition for cross country and track. In Valwood’s inaugural year of Volleyball, Chole Harris and Sara Wells received All-region recognition and Sara also received All-state recognition. For the girls and boys basketball teams Hollis Waldron, Carter Elliott, DeAndre Lambert and Char Merine received All-region honors. Miles Parramore was honored as an All-region and All-state wrestler. Parker Bonner, Eli Carlo, Tyler Richards and Kyle Wilkes received All-region recognition for baseball and Parker Bonner also received All-state honors. Additionally, Valwood tennis players Olivia Cox, Grace Flemer, Hailee Hatchcock, Hope Hathcock, Isabel Langdale, Maggie Scruggs, and Grayson Thomas received the All-region honor. Maggie Scruggs also received All-state recognition for tennis. Gary Cannon, Avi Patel and Ben Trancygier were All-region golfers. Carter Elliott, Gabe Garcia, Andrew Heckaman, Ty Petermann and Carter Sharon were honored as All-region soccer players and the All-state honor was awarded to Carter Elliott for boys soccer. Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Ashley Manwell and Hollis Waldron were named to the All-region girls soccer team.

Region and State Athletes

Mary Alice Smoot was awarded the Senior Women’s Athlete Award at the senior banquet last May. Her athletic accomplishments are extensive including placing �rst or second at the GISA AA State Track and Cross Country meets in each of her four years of high school. She currently holds the GISA state record for the 1600 meter and the Valwood School record for the fastest times in the 3 mile and 5K Cross Country events and the school record for the fastest times in the 800 meter, 1500 meter, 1600 meter and 3200 meter races. Mary Alice has been recognized nationally as a member of the US Elite team in both cross country and track. Mary Alice will attend the University of Tampa in the fall where she has been awarded the Minaret Academic Scholarship and the Achievement Award in addition to an athletic scholarship.

Senior Athlete Mary Alice Smoot

Last March, a year after the dedication of Browning Field, the school celebrated the Lighting of the Field. Thanks to the generosity of the following supporters, the Valiant Baseball team is now able to host both day and night games: Steve and Lynn Browning, Wade Coleman, Georgia Power Company, Tim and Ellen Golden, Heritage Bank, John and Suzanne Lastinger, Phil and Ellice Martin, the Packaging Corporation of America, Southwest Georgia Bank and Steve and Patty Wilson.

Turning on the Lights at Browning Field

A teaching legend, Betty Googe passed away on November 13, 2013. Mrs. Googe taught at Valdosta High School from 1963 to 1971 and at Valwood from 1973 to 2000. For the over thirty years of her teaching and mentoring career, Betty Googe taught and led at Valwood, inspiring a generation of students and teachers with her compassion, wisdom and unwavering commitment to high academic standards. The impact she had on the school and on all the students and faculty who came to Valwood to learn and work each day during her tenure is nothing short of profound. It is in honor of this legacy that the Betty Googe Academic Scholarship was established in 2005. These half-tuition merit scholarships are available to a limited number of middle and upper school students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and strong character. Individuals who will at graduation, as Betty Googe encouraged, “inspire and serve others and explode outward the boundaries of what is achievable on this earth.” Googe Scholars whose ongoing work demonstrates a continued commitment to high achievement and integrity are able to retain their scholarships through to graduation. Donations fund the Betty Googe Scholarships and allow Valwood to pass on Betty Googe’s love of learning. Please visit our web site if you are interested in donating in honor and memory of Betty Googe. We appreciate your part in continuing her legacy of academic excellence.

We thank the following families for their 2013-2014 support of the Betty Googe Scholarship Fund: A.R. and Janice Baker, Charles and Conoly Barker, Henry, Eddie and David Bentley, Buzz and Mary Bowers, W.D. and Jane Burgsteiner, W.M. Burnham, Roy and Donna Cannon, Shirlee Carroll, Colman Talley LLP, Sandra Connell, Marvin and Lyn Dickey, Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Edwards III, Emil and Patti Girardin, Clay and Mendi Griner, Bill and Jeannie Grow, Michael and Maureen Gunsolus, Dick and Bernita Hall, Jeff and Cathy Hanson, Jeff and Cathy Helms, Robert and Fran Johnson, Walker Kendrick, Darrin and Ann Layton, Dutton and Donna Miller, Evan and Shirley Miller, Margot Pearlman, Charlie and Jerry Powers, Maura Respess, Kay and Rheuma Robinson, Briggs and Lane Smith, Southwest Georgia Bank, Charles Templeton Family, Eric and Katherine Trickett, Mala Vallotton, Roger and Cynthia Walker, Steve Wansley, Scott and Susan Wilson, Young, Thagard, Hoffman, Smith, Lawrence & Shelton, and Gary Zeigler.

Betty Googe

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the 42nd Annual Valwood Parents Association Spring Auction a huge success. The Kentucky Derby themed A Day at the Derby continued to be a hugely successful and fun evening. VPA President Melanie Moorman is thrilled to announce that thanks to all our generous donors we raised more than $100,000 for the school! Thank you to all of the many volunteers without whom the evening would not have been so successful! Thanks as well to all of you who donated items for auction and who so generously participated that night.

Valwood Parents Association

Last May Valwood honored the Jefferson Cup seniors and their families at a reception at the home of Rob and Stacy Evans. The Jefferson Cup is awarded to members of the graduating class who have spent their entire school career at Valwood. This year’s award winners were Gary Cannon, Charlie Dunmon, Carter Elliott, Kate Evans, Thomas McTier, Maggie Scruggs and Hannah Willis.

Je�erson Cup Reception

Max is from Nahunta, Georgia and is a graduate of the College of Coastal Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Math and Science. The during past two years Max has spent time in Glynn County schools with three semesters of practicum experience and one semester of student teaching. He is the youngest of three brothers and a fourth generation teacher from his family. Max enjoys visiting historical sites and museums, traveling, exploring the Satilla River, gol�ng, playing tennis, and rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Max Stieve Middle School Science

Genny is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Technical Theatre. She also earned her Master’s of Fine Arts in Lighting Design from Florida State University. Genny is a Professional Lighting Designer and has been an Assistant Professor in Theatre at Christopher Newport University and Boise State University. Locally Genny has worked with Peach State Summer theatre for the past 5 seasons. Genny will be joining the Valwood family with her daughter, Zoe who will be a Kindergartener. In her free time Genny loves spending time with Zoe going to Disney World and playing princesses.

Genny Wynn Middle/Upper School Drama and Upper School Speech

O T H E R N E W S

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Cristie Dasher and Anne McLeodshow o� their Derby Hats!

VALWOOD ATHLETICS

Mary Alice Smoot

Tim Golden tosses out the �rst pitch tocelebrate the Lighting of Browning Field

Region Champion JV Boys Basketball team went undefeated on the season �nishing 10-0 and winning the JV region tournament.

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By Lisa Garcia




Salutatory Speech


























ALUMNI NEWS






9 14

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






Valedictory Addressphase of becoming quali�ed has arrived, and the decisions to employ what we’ve learned and to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities presented rests on our shoulders. However, contrary to popular belief, these credentials include more than just academic prowess; in addition to academics, a student also needs esteemed character. Character consists of the moral and ethical qualities of a person that are actively demonstrated by his or her life and lifestyle habits. These qualities are based on one’s values, and are used to create a person’s reputation. A strong and honorable character will be essential to meet and conquer challenges on life’s journey to success. However, the chapters that are about to unfold will, for certain, test our character.



By Lisa Garcia















SPECIAL EVENTS























Valwood students competed in the Georgia Independent School Association Class AA region and state literary competitions last March. At the region competition, Lisa Garcia placed �rst in Humorous Interpretation, Maggie Scruggs placed �rst in Rhetorical Essay, Will Allen, Daniel Costello, Marvin Dobson and Vincent Ervin placed �rst in Boys Quartet and Lisa Garcia, Shana Morman and Fran Plummer won �rst place representing Valwood in the Girls Trio competition. Second place region �nishers were Jason Papadopoulos for Piano, Evan Creamer and Isabel Langdale for Duo Interpretation, Madelynn Phan for Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Gabe Garcia for International Extemporaneous Speaking. Finishing third were Vincent Ervin for Boys Solo and Grace Guilliams for Dramatic Interpretation. In fourth place were Lisa Garcia for Girls Solo, Savannah-Jane Gilchirst for Argumentative Essay, and Will Allen for Personal Essay.

At the State competition Lisa Garcia, Shana Morman and Fran Plummer won �rst place in the Girls Trio for the second year in a row. Maggie Scruggs placed �rst for Rhetorical Essay and Gabe Garcia �nished fourth for International Extemporaneous Speaking.

Valwood Literary Team Places Second at Region Competition

Last March close to 300 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 April 24, 2015.

Grandparents Day


O T H E R N E W S

Girls Trio – Second Year in a row Best in the State!

Ginnie Bree Hunter with her watercolor, The Swing,the Upper School Art Show “Best in Show” winner.

Celebrating raising over $15,000 for the Children’s Miracle Networkat the Upper School Dance-A-Thon.

Valwood’s Mock Trial Team competed last Januaryand both Allie Maxwell and Zach Barnard received

Outstanding Witness awards.

Thomas Griner with his grandmother Vicki Ray Howell Burns with hisgrandfather Mac Mackey

SPECIAL EVENTS

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By Lisa Garcia












Continued from Page 1 (Dr. Darren Pascavage)










Continued from Page 9 (Lisa Garcia)























Congratulations once again to the Class of 2014! The �nal acceptances are in and following is the list of schools to which our students were admitted: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Berry College, Carson-Newman University, College of Charleston, Clarkson University, Clemson University, Colgate University, College of Coastal Georgia, Columbus State University, Converse College, Darton College, Florida Southern College, Florida State University, Furman University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Georgia Regents University, Georgia Southern University, Guilford College, High Point University, Huntingdon College, Kennesaw State University, LaGrange College, Louisiana State University, Mercer University, North Carolina A&T State University, Oglethorpe University, Presbyterian College, Samford University, South Georgia College, St. Thomas University, University of Alabama, University of Colorado, University of the Cumberlands, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Mississippi, University of North Georgia, University of South Alabama, University of Tampa, University of Utah, Valdosta State University, Wingate University, Wofford College and Young Harris College.

Congratulations Valwood Class of 2014

James Bernard Braswell III, Gary Neil Cannon, Seth Joseph Carlo, Carmen Denise Carter, Daniel Jay Costello Jr., Allison Nicole Cribb, Connor James Criscuola, Marvin Xavier Dobson, Charles Harold Dunmon III, Lawrence Carter Elliott, Vincent Bernard Ervin II, Sara Katharine Evans, Grace Elizabeth Flemer, Gabriel

Garcia Jr., Lisa Cecilia Garcia, Garrett Thomas Kimble, George John LaHood V, DeAndre Jerell Lambert, Spencer John McQuaig, John Thomas McTier III, Charvunta Antonio Merine, Jonathan Rutledge Parrott Jr., Aakash Bipin Patel, Madelynn Lisa Phan, Jacob Cyrus Richards, Zachary Vincent Richards, Reginald

Lamar Robinson, Margaret Alyson Scruggs, Katherine Abigail Skipper, Mary Alice Smoot, Meghan Louise Veuleman, Sara Ashley Wells, Ryan Milton White, Kyle Curtis Wilkes, Matthew Denman Williams, Hannah Louise Willis, Jordan Miguel Winston, and Mitchell Bryant Wood.

Thank you parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and corporations for your participation the Georgia Tax Credit program in 2014. Since 2008 the state of Georgia has allowed for the redirection of state income tax liability to a quali�ed student scholarship organization for the purpose of need-based �nancial assistance. In 2013-2014 Georgia GOAL provided scholarships for 75 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 AllenCraig and Jennifer BishopVallye BlantonBarbara BrowningSteve and Lynn BrowningJonathan and Elizabeth BurnsPat Cochran and Karyn KunzelmanJeremy and Charlotte DavisMarvin and Jacquelyn DickeyGene and Marcia FeltsFirst America Home Medical Equipment CompanyFresh BeginningsEric and Stephanie GeeRonald and Beverly GilesJim and Julie GodbeeJohn and Rhonda HammanGage HathcockHugh and Judy Hathcock and family

Jeff and Cathy HelmsJack and Lisa HenryHeritage Bank Thad and Stephanie HughesJames and Josette IngramPope and Evelyn LangdaleJohn and Suzanne LastingerAlex and Rudell LawrenceLee and Amy MackeyMac and Susan MackeyMary Catherine MackeyEdward and Rhonda MarkBrett and Tracyee MartinDutton and Donna MillerMartin and Laura MillerGreg and Megan MorrisDoug and Stephanie MossJonathan and Katie ParrottBipin and Kristi Patel

William and Nancy PeggKim and Laura PerlmanTerry and Shelly PersaudScott and Debra PetermannDavid and Cecilia PierceBill and Sally QuerinChip and Tia SanderlinFerrell and April ScruggsFerrell and Pam ScruggsJames and Deann ScruggsSue Nell ScruggsJay and Amy SmithJeff and Amy SmithLeon and Valerie SmithLarry Smith and Charlene BlacheJodie and Vickie StevensJustin and Haynes StudstillJohnny and Wanda SwilleyTrey and Sheya Taylor

Trent and Holly TaylorJames and Carly ThomasBilly Tidmore and Jennifer LawrenceHarrison Tillman and Jan Loef�erLoyce and Ingrid TurnerMale VallottonRouse and Lynn VallottonShawn and Wendy VandemarkEric and Kre WardStewart and Barbara WilliamsRichard and Hylda WilsonSteve and Patty WilsonDavid and Cheryl WolfsonBo and Pam WoodwardTim Wright and Julie Nijem

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: Sara Barrett, James Braswell, Regina Carson, Colby DeCesare, Hank Evans, Christian Gaytan, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Grace Guilliams, Will Hawthorne, Garrett Kimble, Victoria Maxwell, Shana Morman, Emily Pascavage, Addy Perlman, Fran Plummer, Megan Smith and Joe Stark. The following students were members of the “100 Hour Club” for a second year in a row: Elizabeth Giddens, Sara Knighton, and Brenna Wilson. Additionally Hailee Hathcock was a member of the Club for a third consecutive year. Seniors Kate Evans and Grace Flemer were members of the Club for 4 straight years.

Academics, Character, ServiceSeniors Honored withAcademic Scholarships

The following students were awarded academic scholarships by the colleges and universities which they will be attending in the fall: Carter Elliott – Mercer

University, Vincent Ervin – University of the Cumberlands, Gabe Garcia – Mercer University, Lisa Garcia – Mercer University, Ruddy Parrott – Berry

College, Jake Richards – LaGrange College, Zack Richards – LaGrange College, Mary Alice Smoot – University of Tampa, Meghan Veuleman – Mercer

University, and Ryan White – Samford University.

GEORGIA GOAL

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GEORGIA GOAL

Attention all Valwood Alumni and Valwood Supporters!!

The class of 1994 is celebrating its 20th class reunion and NEEDS YOUR HELP!!! Not only will this be a 1994 class celebration, but ALL ALUMNI are invited to join in the fun!! During homecoming weekend, October 10-11, 2014 we will celebrate with a tailgate Friday night and party on Saturday!

How can you help? Please share this information with any alumni, friends of alumni or anyone who may know alumni of Valwood School! Go to the Facebook reunion page "Valwood '94 and before reunion" and LIKE the page to receive updates and enter your contact info either on the Facebook page or email Mendi Ray Griner at [email protected]. You can also stay connected by following us on twitter @valwood94. We will be posting updates through Facebook and Twitter and sending information via email as well.









































The Valwood School Science Olympiad Team placed second at the regional competition held last February in Swainsboro and went on to compete at the State competition in March. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Materials Science – Amanda Lupo and Jason Papadopoulos, Technical Problem Solving – Will Hawthorne and Jason Papadopoulos; 2nd Place: Chemistry Lab – Will Hawthorne and Jason Papadopoulos, Anatomy & Physiology – Jason Papadopoulos and Kush Patel, Compound Machines – Lanier Langdale and Amanda Lupo; 3rd Place: Entomology – Bryce Everett and Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Mission Possible – Connor Barnard and Gabe Garcia, Dynamic Planet – Carter Elliott and Mitchell Wood; 4th Place: Circuit Lab – Gabe Garcia and Will Hawthorne, Forensics – Amanda Lupo and Jason Papadopoulos, Scrambler – Bryce Everett and Will Hawthorne. Other team members were Jake Chandler, Carly Eaves, Elizabeth Giddens, Hailee Hathcock, Arabi Luke, Allie Maxwell, Joe Stark and Brenna Wilson. The team was coached by faculty members Joy Owens, and Bucky Shiver and Brandon Bradford ’06.

Science Olympiad

The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Honor Society was held on March 24, 2014 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Dr. Darren Pascavage welcomed the inductees, their parents, Upper School students and faculty. 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: William Vann Allen, Austin Cole Asbell, Connor Bradley Barnard, Jacob Aaron Chandler, Colby Bell�ower DeCesare, Lawrence Carter Elliott, Bryce Taylor Everett, Elizabeth Holland Giddens, Savannah-Jane Gilchrist, Grace Elizabeth Guilliams, William Bailey Hawthorne, Daniel Micah Hodum, Evelyn Lanier Langdale, Garrett Scott Lovell, Amanda Lee Lupo, Alexandria Tierney Maxwell, Jason Hermes Papadopoulos, Emily Jane Pascavage, Madelynn Lisa Phan, Joseph Paul Stark, and Meghan Louise Veuleman.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members



























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Emily Shaw Anderson






Golden Smith returned to Valwood to present the Valiant Award at the May Senior Banquet. Golden and Holly Querin received the award last year, and this year the honor went to James Braswell. The award is given to the senior who best exempli�es the qualities of school spirit, academic endeavor and outstanding citizenship. This fall James will attend North Carolina A&T State University.

Valiant Award Kate Evans was the recipient of the Spirit Award given at the May Senior Banquet. Last year’s winner, Emily Sands 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. Kate will attend the Valdosta State University in the fall.

Spirit Award

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UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

17

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 – donned in the style of the country’s dress and preparing native dishes for their classmates.

Geography Fair








































For the �rst time in February, our 6th and 7th grade students participated in the Middle School Science Olympiad and the students placed fourth in the region with every one of the 11 participants taking home at least two medals. Individual regional event medals went to the following students: 1st Place: Can’t Judge a Powder – Cole Broomberg and Bailey Everett, Entomology – Dalen Strickland and Maddox Wood, Metric Mastery – Erin Moss and Gabby Moss, Rocks and Minerals – Cole Broomberg and Maddox Wood, and Water Quality – Cole Broomberg and Erin Moss. Second place medalists were Caroline Evans and Mary Lacey – Anatomy, Marc Evans and Lucas Papadopoulos – Boomilever, Caroline Evans and Bailey Everett – Disease Detectives, Mary Lacey and Gabby Moss – Meteorology, and Cole Broomberg and Lucas Papadppoulos – Shock Value. Third place �nishers were Cameron Jones and Mary Lacey – Heredity and Dalen Strickland and Maddox Wood – Simple Machines. In fourth place were Caroline Evans and Marc Evans – Crime Busters and Cameron Jones – Road Scholar.

Science Olympiad Team Finishes Fourth in the Region



























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Emily Shaw Anderson






Valwood Middle School took �rst place in the Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition in February. Team members were Hope Hathcock, Grant McLendon, Pavan Patel, Avi Patel, William Pegg, and Lucas Papadopoulos.

MATHCOUNTS


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

Eli Beal with his presentation on India

The 6th graders at Path�nders!

Eighth Graders Terrell Belcher, Avi Patel and Jaakob Alakulppi were Splishing and

Splashing for the 8th grade play,“At the Bandstand.”

The 8th graders posed at Mount Vernonwhile visiting Washington, D.C.

last February.

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The 7th graders enjoyed a class trip to Rock Eagle inEatonton, Georgia with a stop o� at the Atlanta History Center.

2013-2014 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

Thank you so much for your support of the 2013-2014 Annual Fund. We raised more than $197,000 with 80% 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 2013-2014 Annual Fund Chairman

































The induction ceremony for new members to the Valwood Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was held on March 24, 2014 in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Dr. Darren Pascavage welcomed the inductees, their parents, Middle School students and faculty. 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. Valwood Middle School welcomes the following Middle School Students into the National Junior Honor Society: Jaakob Benjamin Alakulppi, Abigail Taylor Bland, Grantham Parker Brogdon, Emily Crosby Clifton, Madelyn McGill Clyatt, Sarah Elizabeth Creamer, Caroline Graham Evans, Marc Davison Evans, Bailey Lane Everett, Andrew James Heckaman, Madison Lane Highsmith, Mary Patrice Lacey, William McMorris Lester, Thomas Grant McLendon, William Cole McLendon, Kasey Erin McQuitty, Robert Ashton Moorman, Erin Patrice Moss, Gabrielle Bernice Moss, Lucas Papadopoulos, Ashka Janak Patel, Preston Neil Persaud, Lynn Talley Petermann, Sarah Abigail Sable, Cole Griffen Schmidt, Carter James Sharon, Karsten Edward Smith, Robert Francis Stark, Caleb Nicholas Vandemark, and Isabella Julian White. Vallye Blanton is the National Junior Honor Society sponsor.

National Junior Honor Society

Last February, Valwood students in �fth through eighth grades gathered with their parents and teachers to tour Valwood's seventh annual Science Fair. The Fair was held in the Rodgers Performance Hall in the Godwin Holmes Arts Center. Experiments ranged from the effects of caffeine on heart rates to the effects of temperature on magnets to discovering the most effective paper towel. First, second and third place awards were given in each grade. The winners in eighth grade were 1st Place Andrew Heckaman, 2nd Place Karsten Smith and 3rd Place Taylor Sanderlin. Seventh grade winners were 1st Place Colby Thomas, 2nd Place Will Parrish and 3rd Place Robert Stark. In the sixth grade the awards went to Josie Tidmore 1st Place, Trey Henry 2nd Place and Eli Beal 3rd Place. The �fth grade winners were Smith Shaw 1st Place, Ellie Smith 2nd Place and Carsen Jane Carter 3rd Place.

Valwood’s Seventh Annual Science Fair








































In January the Valwood Middle School students participated in a two week long Biography Blitz. All students read biographies in literature class. Following their study, a White House Tea was held for parents and friends. Each student dressed as and played the part of his or her 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!













^Class chairman





























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Emily Shaw Anderson











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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Andrew Heckaman with his winning project

Gabby Moss, Sarah Sable, Robert Stark and Preston Persaud in costume.

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Extreme Team DayLower School students put their teamwork, cognitive, memory, and motor skills to work as they competed in the annual Extreme Team Day competition last fall. 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-KidsOn October 25, 2013 the K-Kids hosted their 2nd Annual Lower School Dance at Valwood School – “Rev-ing Up for Research” to bene�t Pediatric Cancer Research through CureSearch and Ronnie Newsome Racing. This year, admission to the dance was a new stuffed animal, small game, or hat to be donated to the children’s cancer wing of our two local hospitals. The K-Kids club also sold t-shirts and donated the proceeds from those sales to Pediatric Cancer Research. This was done in honor of Victoria Newsome, a Valwood Valiant who succumbed to cancer in November, 2005 at the age of 8 and whose brother, Ronnie races to raise money to fund research grants. The total amount of money donated to this incredible group was $1,300 and over $1,000 worth of gifts were given to the hospitals. Members of the K-Kids, which is sponsored by our local Valdosta Kiwanis Club, delivered and donated the items collected to Smith Northview Hospital and South Georgia Medical Center.

Field Day 2014!

Celebrating Dr. Suess!




















































^Class chairman



Continued on



























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Emily Shaw Anderson



For the second project of the year, the K-Kids organized a loose change collection. The students used the collected money to purchase books from the Book Fair to give to the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.









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

K-kids pose for a photo with Ronnie Newsome’s race car!

K-kids get ready to load the truck with goodiesfor the Sheri�’s Boys Ranch

Kindergarteners Presley Morgan, Isabella Castleberry, Ella Grace Neal,and Lauren Alden Studstill celebrate in style!

3

Lower Schoolers pose with Seniors a�er a great day of fun in the sun!Kennedy Lilly, Sienna Persaud, James Godbee, Ryleigh Reister and Luke Register work together

to carry the ball.

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Last fall Mrs. Brannen and Mr. Murphy’s �fth grade students studied the great Explorers and conducted their annual ship building project. Each student chose a European Explorer and researched the regions they explored, who commissioned the exploration, and the purpose of the expedition. The students then constructed a ship with information pertaining to the voyage and the Explorer displayed on the sails. Students wrote persuasive letters to the king or queen requesting funding for the voyages and drew maps to illustrate the routes on which the Explorers embarked. Each year the eagerly anticipated launching of the ships is the highlight of the project. The students, having followed detailed criteria for the speci�cations of their vessels, launched their ships as classmates and teachers stood by to observe. Cheers and a collective sigh of relief were heard as the ships proved to be seaworthy.

Fi�h Grade Ship Builders

































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 sixteenth year in a row our Valwood Valiants participated in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. This year three Primary teams performed the solution to the problem – “The World’s First Art Festival.” The kindergarten team was coached by Christy Musgrove and the team members were Liam Eddy, Will Greene, Annabel Musgrove, Ryleigh Reister, Anne Harvey Shaw and Lauren Alden Studstill. The �rst grade team was coached by Cathy Johnson with team members Kate Cochran, Kendall Drumheller, Murphy Johnson, Jake Kerns and Jaxson Routsong. The second grade team was coached by Jacqueline Lilly with team members John Laurent Dean, Kennedy Lilly, Lacy Ann McLeod, John Scarpate, Emma Shapard and Lawrence Smith.




















































^Class chairman





























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson











2

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Mrs. Barr’s kindergarteners went on a “Bug Parade!” The fourth graders entertained the audience by “Going West!”

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Valwood Graduation 2014In its history, Valwood School has graduated 742 seniors. 164 of those graduates moved their tassels from the right to the left, under the leadership of Mrs. Emily Anderson, who presented her remarks to the graduating Class of 2014. Her in�uence on Valwood is signi�cant: she joined the faculty in 1978 as a social studies teacher, served as Middle School Dean, then served as Valwood School’s Director from 1988 to 1997. A bit of trivia: Mrs. Anderson holds the distinction of being the only head of school in Valwood’s institutional history to hold a title other than Headmaster. As Headmaster Dr. Pascavage remarked during his introduction of Mrs. Anderson: “Her contribution to Valwood continues to the present day: not only does she serve as a vocal and enthusiastic advocate for Valwood School throughout Valdosta and all of South Georgia, but my of�ce is named in her honor and an inspirational prayer which she wrote is posted outside of my of�ce door. As such, I am in�uenced and inspired by her every single day.” It is a pleasure to share her speech with you in this issue of Visions.

From the Headmaster

Continued on Page 16Continued on Page 17




















































^Class chairman



Continued from Page 8 (James Braswell)



























searching.


















Emily Shaw Anderson











Murphy Johnson, Christabel Ofori and FelicityRedmond enjoy a treat to celebrate 75% LowerSchool Parent Participation in the Annual Fund.

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Continued from Page 14 (Alumni News)

Members of the Class of 2013 at the Homecoming Football Game – Haley Flythe,Danielle Shackleford, Slayten Carter, Dakota Runnels,

and Amanda Eaves.


www.valwood.org

VISIONSVolume 14 - Number 1

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

2014

4380 Old U.S. Highway 41 NHahira, Georgia 31632

Valwood School does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its

policies, practices or procedures.

VISIONS

visions 2014

Documents

parent participationfernando

stephanie gee

ashley shapirobrad

parent participationjason

ashley fieldingkemp

parent participationcurtis

ashley shapirokevin

stephanie moss