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WINDOWS

WESTMINSTERSCHOOLS OF AUGUSTA

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WESTMINSTERSCHOOLS OF AUGUSTAW


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WWESTMINSTERSCHOOLS OF AUGUSTA

3067 WHEELER ROAD • AUGUSTA, GA • 706.731.5260 • WSA.NET



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FALL 2011

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2 | WINDOWS - FALL 2011

Dear Friends,

This past summer my boys and I attended Induction Weekend at The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. I hadn’t been there since my own baseball gum-chewing days as a nine-year-old boy. To say the least, I was excited to return. As we were on the second floor and entered the hallowed Babe Ruth Room, I read and jotted down a “Babe” quote that said, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.”

The same principle holds true for organizations including schools like ours. Teamwork is a must! At Westminster, one way in which we practice teamwork is through the Leadership Team which I lead. Let me introduce you to them. Sue Ames and Craig Johnson are the Lower and Middle/Upper School Principals, respectively. Mike Freace has moved to a new role as Director of Student Life, and Andrew Bryan now serves as Athletic Director. Dave Anderson is the Director of Finance and Operations, Aimee Lynch is the Director of Admissions and Carrie Brigham is the Director of Development. They are experienced, hard-working, talented, and most importantly, they are deeply committed to ensuring excellent Christian education takes place at Westminster.

Before the 2011-2012 year began, we left town and all of our school work for an overnight team retreat at Clarks Hill Lake. We spent one entire morning reviewing Westminster’s mission statement, core values and vision statement (Imagine 2020). Team members shared words, phrases and ideas from the documents that they are passionate about and find deeply motivating. This was an important exercise in recalibrating and directing our focus toward the essentials at Westminster. Later, we reviewed Westminster’s progress with strategic plan implementation since the plan’s adoption in November 2009. We were very encouraged with all of the accomplishments over the past year and a half and spent time positioning ourselves to complete our objectives by May 2013. If you

haven’t reviewed the strategic plan recently, I’d highly recommend you do that by viewing it from our website in the “About Us” section. You’ll be encouraged too.

We continue to advance toward the vision we believe God has for us. This school year, I particularly look forward to addressing the facilities portion of our strategic plan. In March 2011, the Board of Trustees approved a campus master plan that can be viewed on the walls of Pamplin Hall’s first floor or in the Administration Building at the Middle/Upper Schools. Our community will soon hear much more about Phase 1 of this project which will provide new academic facilities to help us better meet our mission and the growing demand for admission to Westminster. Finally, I look forward to 2012, a year in which we will celebrate Westminster’s 40th Anniversary as we remember God’s faithfulness since our founding. In 2012, we especially look forward to reconnecting with all of our alumni, past parents and so many of the others on whose shoulders we now stand.

So many of the aforementioned activities would not be possible without Westminster’s Leadership Team and certainly would not be possible without God from whom all blessings flow. May He receive all the glory for the wonderful things happening at Westminster!

Warm regards,

Steve O’Neil

Inside This Issue2A Word From The Headmaster

3Have You Met Our

New Administrators

4 Welcome New Board Members

5 Westminster Board of Trustees

6 Emeritus: David Hanks

& Tom Harley

7 In His Own Words: Drew McCartney

8 School News

10Alumni News

12 Alumni Spotlight: Jim Griffin

13Annual Report

14 Letter From The Chairman

22Scholarship Recipients

25Wildcats Give Back

26Snapshots of Westminster Life

27Developing News

A Word From The Headmaster


WINDOWS - FALL 2011| 3

Have You Met Our New Administrators? Andrew Bryan, Athletic Director Andrew Bryan grew up in Augusta and frequently played the Wildcats in athletic competitions while he attended Curtis Baptist School. As a student, he led the Curtis Crusaders on the basketball court and on the football field. He now leads the Wildcats as Westminster’s Athletic Director and Head Varsity Football Coach.

Coach Bryan is a graduate of Union University with a B.A. in Christian Ethics, and from Augusta State University with a M.Ed. in Kinesiology & Health Science. He has 13 years of experience in teaching and coaching. Prior to coming to Westminster, he spent five years as Greenbrier Middle School’s Athletic Director. He is not new to Westminster, having taught and coached here from 2004 to 2006.

Coach Bryan appreciates the opportunity to use athletics as a tool to train students to have discipline, be passionate and walk with the Lord. He also serves as a local youth pastor. He is married to Heather, and they have two daughters who attend Westminster; Lilly is in Kindergarten and Sarah Beth is in second grade.

Fay Deal Director of Academic Support Pre-K – 12Fay Deal is passionate about education in general and Westminster specifically. She has moved back and abandoned retirement on a part-time basis to lead the overall academic support program from Pre-K through 12th grade. Mrs. Deal taught first grade at Westminster for two years and served as the Lower School Principal from 1996 to 2000.

She is a graduate of the University of Miami with a B.A. in Education and received her M.Ed. from Georgia Southern University. Mrs. Deal has 18 years of classroom teaching experience in public and private education. In her new role, she hopes to continue the excellence in education that has characterized Westminster since its beginning.

Fay and her husband Richard have one adult son and two granddaughters who live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What are you currently reading?

FD: Hand Me Another Brick by Charles Swindoll. It has timeless lessons on leadership.

AB: I like to read and I usually have a few going at once. Currently I’m reading Good to Great by Jim Collins, IT by Craig Groeschel and Radical Together by David Platt.

Tell me about a meaningful moment at Westminster.

FD: The last class I taught was a first grade class here. Those students graduated from college last year. It has been wonderful to see them grow from first graders to wonderful Christian adults.

AB: I had my highest points in a single high school basketball game (51) against Westminster back in 1992. On a serious, less boastful note, I enjoyed this year’s leadership retreat. It was meaningful for me to see how dedicated our administration is to the vision and mission of Westminster and to see their hearts for the Lord.

What is a funny memory of your time at Westminster?

FD: While teaching the unit on Johnny Appleseed, we have a day when parents come to class. One activity had students bobbing for apples. One little guy fell in while bobbing and we had to pull him out by his shirt. When he came up, he still had the apple in his mouth, though!

AB: I remember some fun times when Mark Tebbs and I taught and coached together about six years ago. There’s always something funny going on when you get a group of guys on an athletic team together.

What is your favorite food?

FD: Anything with pasta… I love pasta!

AB: Japanese food

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

FD: I love to read. Old English murder

mysteries are my favorite. I also like to cook.

AB: Spend time with my beautiful wife, Heather and my two amazing girls, Sarah Beth and Lilly. We like to ride bikes, go to the lake and just be with each other.

What is something about you that people are surprised to hear?

FD: As a child, I was extremely shy and hid from all attention. I never wanted to be in the spotlight or talk, but now people can’t get me to stop talking.

AB: After people get to know me, nothing surprises them, but maybe people would be surprised that I do triathlons, ride motorcycles, and most of the summer, when I’m not with the football team, can be found in the middle of the lake or riding my John Deere tractor.

Five Minutes with Coach Bryan and Mrs. Deal



Mr. Charlie KnoxSpouse: Kimberly

Children: Henry, Peter, James, John,

Charles and Leila

Church Affiliation: First Presbyterian Church

Charlie’s first child began at Westminster 10 years ago but the youngest will not start Pre-K until next year. With much time ahead of him as a Westminster parent, he certainly has an interest in being invested in the school that will impact his children for years to come.

“My wife and I don’t hand over the spiritual development of our children to school teachers or administrators, but it has sure been a rich blessing to see that the values and beliefs we try to instill at home are reinforced during the school day,” said Charlie. “The teachers at Westminster care for our kids in a real and meaningful way.”

In his second term as a member of the Board of Trustees, he looks forward to being part of the future of the school as the Campus Master Plan takes shape. The momentum and success of Westminster’s growth in the last few years has been a great encouragement to him as has the school’s impact on the greater Augusta community.

He said, “Westminster is more than a private compound of excellent higher education made solely for ourselves. We want to be a light in the community through service, scholarships, outreach, athletics and many other ways.”

Charlie will serve as a member of the Finance Committee.

Dr. Becky Mecredy

Spouse: Tim

Children: Michael (’06) and Emily (’10)

Church Affiliation: Vineyard Church

Becky Mecredy is a retired physician who gave up her

private practice in 2000 to be home with her children. She has been connected to Westminster since her oldest child started attending the school in 1994. Since that time, her roles at the school have ranged from a volunteer on the Westminster Parents’ Club council to an employee as the College Counselor. Though both of her children have graduated, she still serves as the Health Science coach of the Science Olympiad Team.

She noted, “I love to see all team members working hard - above and beyond their schoolwork assignments - just for the fun and challenge of the experience.”

Becky has a great appreciation for Westminster and is honored to have the opportunity to give back to the school. She said, “Westminster has given so much to my children and prepared them so well for college, and more importantly, for life.”

As a member of the Board of Trustees, she will serve on both the Development Committee and the Education and Spiritual Life Committee.

Mr. Bert PollardSpouse: Kim

Children: Soon-to- be-Wildcats, Wills

and Benson

Church Affiliation: Kiokee Baptist Church

As Westminster’s first board member who is also an alumnus, Bert Pollard has a long history of involvement with the school. He is also the youngest member of the board. He graduated from Westminster in 1998 and loves the way the school impacted his thinking and life. “God used Westminster to help shape my thinking since K-5. It has been a very big part of my life, and I am very thankful for its Christian heritage and the God-glorifying vision it has,” he said.

He is excited to serve the Lord at the school that has been so influential to him. We are excited to have a representative who can bring the alumni perspective to board meetings.

Bert looks forward to his children growing up in the Westminster community, and he knows that a large part of their lives will be lived here. “I love Westminster’s Christian mission and its mission to help its students to think about all things in light of the gospel,” said Bert. “If this gospel centeredness were to diminish, we would not be very different from other private schools in the area.”

Bert will serve on the Education and Spiritual Life Committee.

Welcome!New Board MembersWestminster Schools of Augusta is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each member serves a four-year term and rotates off after those years of service. New board members are added each year to replace those who rotate off and to grow the depth of involvement the board is able to have. The trustees work with the headmaster and leadership team members to guide and direct the school for current students and future generations.

Westminster welcomed four new board members this year. Get to know them through the following biographies.



Dr. Judi WilsonSpouse: Greg

Children: Current ninth graders, Tanner

and Carter

Church Affiliation: Warren Baptist Church

Judi Wilson and her husband Greg have two children at Westminster. As the Chair of Augusta State University’s Department of Teacher Education and an Associate

Professor, she is clearly interested in educational excellence. As a matter of fact, the leadership of the school and the focus on excellence by the teachers and administrators are part of the reason she agreed to serve on the board. As a former classroom teacher and administrator, she wants to ensure teachers have the resources and professional development they need to support their students.

Judi’s family has been impacted by Westminster since her children began here about two years ago. “Over the past two years, I have witnessed a great deal of growth and

development in both of them spiritually, intellectually, athletically and socially. We attribute much of that growth to the positive influence of the Westminster teachers and coaches,” said Judi. “They have invested in our boys’ lives, and we are grateful and blessed!”

She said she looks forward to being part of Westminster’s future. “I pray new families are drawn to Westminster and that graduates will serve Christ as missionaries disguised as doctors, lawyers, teachers, mothers, etc.”

It is no surprise that Judi will chair the Education and Spiritual Life Committee as a member of the board.

Mrs. Susie BakerVice President

Morris Communications Company

Mr. Sylvester Brown Retired

Richmond County School System

Mr. Stephen (Steve) D. FarmerPartner

Cherry, Bekeart & Holland, LLC

Dr. Charles (Charlie) GreenPhysician

Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

Mr. Charles E. (Charlie) KnoxFinancial Consultant

Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.

Mr. Bill McCartney Senior Vice President / Senior Trust &

Fiduciary SpecialistWells Fargo Wealth Management Group

Mr. Byrd P. (Rusty) McGaheeDirector of Compliance & Controls

E-Z Go

Dr. Becky MecredyRetired

Physician

Dr. Emmanuel (Manny) Ngoh Endodontist

Augusta Endodontic Center

Mr. Bert PollardForester

Pollard Lumber Company

Mr. Eric R. Swierski Retirement Plan Specialist

VALIC

Dr. Chris VickeryOtolaryngologist

Augusta Associates of ENT

Mrs. Pam WillisHomemaker

Dr. Judi WilsonChair and Associate Professor,

Department of Teacher EducationAugusta State University

Dr. Robert (Rob) E. Woods, III Pharmacist and CEO, Just in Time Meds, LLC

Co-owner, Hitch-n-Post Enterprise

Dr. Randy W. CooperChairman

Chief of SurgeryUniversity Surgical Associates

Mrs. Gina Adams Secretary

OwnerChick-fil-A, Mullins Crossing

Mr. William (Will) HatcherTreasurer

Director of FinanceAugusta National Golf Club

Westminster Schools of Augusta 2010-2011 Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Mr. David Hanks Mr. Tom Harley

Ex Officio MembersMr. Steve O’Neil

HeadmasterWestminster Schools of Augusta

Rev. John FranksAssistant Pastor

First Presbyterian Church

Dr. George RobertsonSenior Pastor

First Presbyterian Church

Trustee Emeritus

Officers of the Board

Thank you to the members of the 2009-10 Board of Trustees who have rotated off the Board: Mrs. Rhonda Barinowski, Mrs. Kay Harris, Mr. Julian A. (Tony) Lively, II, Mr. William R. (Bill) Thompson - Chairman and Dr. Michael A. Watts.



The Westminster Board of Trustees welcomed two Trustee Emeritus members this year. To become a Trustee Emeritus, a person must have served at least two terms on the Board of Trustees with exceptional commitment and service; demonstrated understanding of the mission of Westminster and upheld that mission; maintained a degree of expertise concerning the school; and, finally, must be nominated by the Trustee Development Committee and approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees. As evidenced by these qualifications, the title of Trustee Emeritus is not one bestowed lightly. The Trustee Emeritus is a permanent, non-voting member of the Board of Trustees who is welcome to attend all meetings and serve in an advisory capacity as he or she continues to pray

and support the mission of Westminster.

In light of their outstanding and longstanding care and commitment to the school, the Board of Trustees was pleased to unanimously welcome David Hanks and Tom Harley to receive this honor. They have long been friends of Westminster who are deeply invested in the school’s well-being.

David Hanks served on the board from July 1978 until July 2006. He was vice-chairman from 1980 until 1992 and chairman from 1992 until 2006. Tom Harley served as a member of the board for a total of 10 years between 1990 and 2006.

“David Hanks has been a fixture in Westminster’s history. It has even been said that he bleeds blue for the school. After almost 30 years of service on the Board of Trustees, many of those as chairman, he ‘retired’ but never stopped serving the school. He is an advocate for the school in the community, an avid fan at Westminster athletic events and is committed to the well-being of the school. We couldn’t help but think of him when the concept of Emeritus Trustee was placed before us.” -- Steve O’Neil,

Headmaster, Westminster Schools of Augusta

“In my early leadership of the school, David and Tom were two of my chief counselors and guided me with patience and wisdom infused with deep love for Westminster. These are men who epitomize Westminster’s mission because they are sacrificial servants of Jesus Christ characterized by biblical minds and gracious hearts. First Presbyterian Church recognizes that it is because of these men’s pioneer leadership that Westminster has come to model what constitutes a distinctly Christian education. “ -- George Roberston, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church

“Tom has been a tremendous supporter of Westminster since the school’s earliest days. As a parent of two Westminster students and as a Board Member, he embraced the school’s vision for providing an excellent education and preparing our kids to live extraordinary lives for Christ. His leadership during the construction phase of Pamplin Hall and his years of legal support to the school have been invaluable” -- Bill McCartney, Chairman of the Trustee Development Nominating Committee.

Emeritus: David Hanks and Tom Harley

Each year since 2005, one Lower and one Middle and Upper School teacher has been recognized for excellence in their field with the Green-Orr Award. This year, the Green-Orr award was presented to Sara Lawson and Vivian Hornsby.

Both Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Hornsby meet the general criteria for the award, which includes: showing clear evidence of consistent support and advancement of Westminster’s mission; demonstrating significant impact on students through regular contact via teaching, coaching and/or mentoring; providing a positive Christian role model and having completed at least 5 years on the faculty at Westminster.

Each teacher’s nomination describes why she is worthy of recognition and excerpts of those nominations are included below:

Vivian Hornsby pursues excellence in the visual arts. This past year, Vivian launched Westminster’s first AP Portfolio Art course and held her students to the highest of

standards. Her students responded with outstanding work at their end of the year art show and with their exceptionally superior scores with AP. Every student in the class scored 4 or a 5. Vivian is a servant-leader who is always asking how she can help others. She seeks ways to support not only her own

department but also other departments. Vivian is passionate about the arts and particularly the visual arts, not caring about her own work-load but caring more about students’ access to her classes. With that passion, she cares deeply about inspiring students, even those that do not know they

like art…yet, to find their inner creativity and to express God’s gift.

Sara Lawson pours herself into Westminster and her students. She cares deeply about each of her students -- often meeting with them early in the morning, during the lunch hour and after school. She sets high standards for herself and her students and is always in red-hot pursuit of excellence in the classroom, musical productions, chapels, and morning music and announcements. She spearheaded a successful new leadership initiative for fourth and fifth graders this past school year, receiving wide praise for its impact. She loves the Lord and brings her faith to bear with all aspects of her work at Westminster. She exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit as she loves students through both her relationship with them and holding them to the highest of standards.

Congratulations to you both! You contribute a great deal to our school community and are deeply appreciated.

2011 Green-Orr Award Winners : Sara Lawson & Vivian Hornsby

Dr. Peggy Green with Mrs. Hornsby and Mrs. Lawson

Tom Harley and David Hanks



In His Own Words Drew McCartney is a senior and a Spiritual Life Prefect on the Student Leadership Team. He traveled with seven other members of the team and three adult leaders to backpack in Grand Teton National Park in July. The trip involved hiking near 10,000-foot elevation; walk-ing in five to six feet of snow; sleeping in tents; filtering water; cooking meals on a camp stove; deepening relationships and more. He shares his thoughts on the trip, in his own words.

As a member of this year’s Student Leadership Team, I was given the unique opportunity to take a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to backpack for five days and four nights through the mountains of Grand Teton National Park. This was the trip of a lifetime, where my fellow team members and I were able to experience majestic views and escape our lives in Augusta to focus on our Christian walk and plan for the next school year.

The trip brought me out of my comfort zone and taught me about leadership in tough situations. However, the most important impact this trip had on me was how God met me and what He showed me. I started on the trail thinking, “Alright, time to put this mountain in its place. This is going to be simple.” Fast forward about half a mile up the trail, and I was quickly wondering (I was too out of breath to say it) whether it was conceivable to simply turn around and just camp for a couple days at the beginning of the trail. Luckily, my plan did not go into action, because if it had, I would have never had the incredible time I am writing about now. And looking over this later, I realized that God, while He was definitely humbling me, was also showing me that perseverance is crucial to accomplishing anything. Both in one’s Christian walk and in any position of leadership, one must persevere in the face of inherent difficulties.

The trip taught me more about leadership than I ever could have learned anywhere else, and was by far the most personally influential trip I have ever taken. For those who go on the trip next year, know that it comes highly recommended and that as long as you remain humble and persevere, the trip will be the experience of a lifetime. Oh, and don’t pack those extra two boxes of chewy bars; your pack gets pretty heavy by day three.

Drew McCartney



A New Ride

Students from Aiken have another option of how to get to school - a new shuttle bus service from there began this fall. Shuttle drivers, Westminster parents Rusty and Kelly Myers, pick the riders up at the Blockbuster parking lot near Silver Bluff Road each morning and return students there in the afternoon.

Welcome New Students

With 97 new students at Westminster, our New Student Orientations served as important events to help them get acquainted with school. Students and parents gathered to hear about school procedures, policies and website resources. The orientations also provided an opportunity for students and parents to meet faculty and tour the facilities.

One rising sixth grade student was overheard saying, “Middle School is going to be awesome!” An Upper School student was touched by how “nice everyone is here.”

Welcome new families. We are excited you are here!

A Record Start

Opening enrollment for the 2011-12 academic year reached 595 students, surpassing our goal of 593 and breaking the all-time record for our schools’ enrollment by two students.

Strong retention of last year’s students (497 re-enrolled) is a big part of this story and we would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate our admissions staff, Aimee Lynch and Sandy Ham for leading us to reach our lofty goal. God is good!

Wild About Football

Westminster began the second season of GISA varsity football this fall. The Wildcats opened the season with a win at an away game verses Curtis Baptist. The Augusta Chronicle featured an article on the program and profiled Coach Andrew Bryan, and players Patrick Moseley and Tim Nabholz were in a video on their website.

Students in the News

AUGUSTA Magazine’s August 2011 issue featured senior Cara Smith in their article about 10 stand-out senior athletes.

Rising senior Elizabeth Gay was quoted in the July 13 edition of The Augusta Chronicle regarding her service as a scholar volunteer at a local hospital.

Young Artists

Three Westminster students have been awarded Honorable Mentions in the World Awareness Children’s Museum for 2012. The students were participants in the 2011 Sakura Oil Pastel contest, and their entries will be shared in various venues around the world. Congratulations to Erica Swierski, Joe Berman

and Olivia Wahl, who represent Westminster with their excellent art work. Visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org to see art from around the world.

Class of 2012 Reigns

As is tradition, the Class of 2012 met early on the first day of school with decorated cars to parade onto campus. This year, the students added a surprise to campus by covering the outdoor bleachers in a sign that said “Seniors” and hanging a banner between the lights on the football/soccer field to announce the year of their reign was beginning.

Wildcat Connection

Each year the Westminster Parents’ Club sponsors the Wildcat Connection. Families met each other as well as faculty and staff in the Lower School Gym on Sept. 9 to partake of a picnic with Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets before a home football game. Cheerleaders sold baked goods and painted faces to encourage school spirit for the game.

School News Fall 2011



Run Cats, Run!

Wildcat Cross Country is having a great season. They started with a bang at the Bulloch Academy meet and kept running strong from there. More information about the season is available on wsa.net/athletics.

The Coffee

All Westminster parents were invited to the first Parents’ Club event of the academic year, “The Coffee” on the first day of school. At this event, attendees rekindled friendships, made new ones and were able to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

Friends of Fine Arts Blog

Westminster has a new blog on wsa.net. The Friends of Fine Arts blog is an easy way to stay informed of all the happenings in the Fine Arts department at Westminster. Our blogs may be found under the Community tab of the website. Don’t forget to check the Fine Arts Tab on the calendar as well.

Moms in Touch

With the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, a new leadership team is in place for Moms in Touch. Julia Farr leads the

weekly prayer times on Thursday mornings. Melissa Apostol assists Julia and coordinates communication for Moms in Touch.

Check the calendar on wsa.net for meeting times to join them in this important ministry to our school.

We’ve Got Spirit!

On the first Friday of each month, the Lower School students show their school spirit by celebrating Spirit Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear their “What If?” tie-dyed shirts. The stands at Friday night home games are packed with our young students in their school colors.

Water Wars

On Friday, August 12, the Student Leadership Team hosted Water Wars for the Upper School students. Freshmen teamed up with seniors to battle the juniors and sophomores in a game of dodge ball with water balloons. The time ended with students running through the sprinklers and enjoying time together on that first Friday of the school year.

Our student life prefects, Haleigh Swierski and Anna Hearon, organized the event and the prefect team filled more than 1,000 balloons for the contest.

Becoming Even Better

In early June, almost 20 members of Westminster’s faculty and administration gathered for a three-day “All Kinds of Minds” workshop led by an outside facilitator. What they learned there served as an opportunity to better understand students, and in doing that, to better teach students.

Members of the faculty read a book titled Boys and Girls Learn Differently this summer, which discussed recent brain research and its implications on gender and learning. One day of preplanning was set aside for faculty to debrief the reading and dive more deeply into the subject. An outside facilitator from the Gurian Institute, an organization founded by the book’s author, led discussions that day.

New Faces

Westminster welcomed several new additions to our faculty and staff in August. More information on them may be found by searching “who’s new” on wsa.net. Please welcome Amy Turner, Charlene Miller, Denae O’Neil, Cindy Pantsari, Andrew Bryan, Lisa Cook, Fay Deal, Jon Kilpatrick, Tracy Lutz, Caroline Whitcomb, Ryan Lutz and Micah Waldecker.

School News Fall 2011



2011 CommencementAlumni News Fall 20111989

Ryan Lutz (’89) returned to Augusta from Memphis this summer to teach English at Westminster. His wife Tracy is also teaching at Westminster, and both their three children are now Wildcats.

Greg Volpitto (’89) is working for Crossroads Hospice in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is chaplain and bereavement coordinator. His wife Jennifer is finishing her Masters in counseling at Covenant Seminary. Their daughter Millie, 14, is entering high school, son Davis, 11, is entering fifth grade, and daughter Ada, 4, is entering preschool.

1992

Kelly (Watts) Hitchcock (’92) began her second year as the School Nurse at Westminster Schools of Augusta in fall 2011. She and her husband Chris have four children who are all Westminster students: Michael, Will, John Reid and Watts.

1994

Jason Faulkner (’94) and his wife Anne welcomed their baby Alice Catherine Faulkner on May 31, 2011. The Faulkners live in Atlanta where, Jason works as a middle school math and science teacher.

1995

Caroline (Green) Whitcomb (’95) joined Westminster’s faculty this fall to teach the Pre-kindergarten class. Caroline and her husband Steve (’93) have two children Mack and Ella Parker.

1997

Walt Green (’97) married Mary Katherine Fisher on Dec. 18, 2010 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta. Other Westminster alumni participating in the ceremony included Michelle Hawkins (’05), John Savage (’97), Colin Smith (’99), Caroline Green Whitcomb (’95) and Steve Whitcomb (’93). The couple lives in Augusta and both are currently attending Georgia Health Sciences University. Mary Katherine is in the Masters of Physician Assistant Program, and Walt is in the College of Dental Medicine.

2001

Iverson Long (’01) received his Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School in May 2011. He also was given an award as chairman of the Conflict Resolution Team, which competed nationally and internationally for the Law School.

2003

Lauren Dixon (‘03) and Adam Campbell were married on July 16, 2011 in Athens, Georgia at the UGA Chapel. Lauren is a second-year law student at the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The couple resides in Macon.

2004

Robert Watts (’04) married Margaret Elizabeth Sheridan on June 11, 2011, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. Other

Alice Catherine Faulkner

Mr. and Mrs. Walt Green

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Campbell



Westminster alumni participating in the ceremony included Will Boyd (’04), Taylor Ellison (’04) Matt Farmer (’03), Kelly Watts Hitchcock (’92) and Nancy Watts McQuillen (’94). The couple recently moved to Atlanta, where Robert attends Law School at Georgia State University. Previously they lived in Washington, D.C. , where Margaret Elizabeth was employed by John Paul II Catholic University as the Assistant to the Provost of the University and Robert worked as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Phil Gingrey.

2005

Mary Charles Coleman (’05) began her third year of teaching at Westminster Schools of Augusta in fall 2011.

Kevin Curry (’05) is currently an ENSIGN on The United States Coast Guard Cutter, VIGILANT out of Port Canaveral, Florida. His works as a Landing Signals Officer on the flight deck, as can be seen in the photo on this page. He also works with the tie down crew.

2006

Michael Mecredy (’06) married Elise Allen on May 29, 2011 at Cannon United Methodist Church in Snellville, Georgia. Other alumni participating in the ceremony included Norm Baunchalk (’07), Emily Mecredy (’10) and Daniel Welsh (’06). The couple lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Michael earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from Georgia Tech and works for the consulting firm of Brown and Caldwell. Elise, also a Georgia Tech graduate, works for Asurion Insurance, Inc.

2007

Katherine Boone (’07) was awarded the MSE Outstanding Senior Award from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The prestigious award is given to one Materials Science and Engineering student in each graduating class. Katherine was also invited to the President’s Luncheon, hosted by Georgia Tech’s President Brad Peterson, where she shared a “special Georgia Tech moment” along with other graduates at the event.

Mary Hester Hill (’07) spent the summer of 2011 as an intern working with Macy’s

Merchandising Group in New York City as an assistant designer for one of Macy’s private label brands. Mary Hester also received a scholarship through the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, a non-profit association that acts as a mentor program by granting scholarships to and submerging fashion students into the fashion industry through networking, internship, and career opportunities. “Living in New York and working for Macy’s was an amazing opportunity and I hope to continue my career in New York next year,” said Mary Hester. She will graduate from Auburn University in August 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production.

Mary Rob Plunkett (’07) was recognized in August 12 edition of The Augusta Chronicle. She “was chosen by the Peach Belt Conference as one of the league’s two representatives for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.” Having completed her undergraduate degree from Georgia College and State University with a double major in marketing and management, Mary Rob is currently at the University of North Carolina, working toward her master’s degree.

2010

Alyssa Cameron (’10), Aaron Harris (’10), McCamy Pruitt (’10) and Katelyn Rimer (’10) returned to Westminster’s campus to work with Westminster Summer Programs this year. The program hosted hundreds of students who participated in various arts, athletic, academic and general day camp programs.

The Alumni News provided is submitted by alumni and friends of Westminster. Send your Alumni News to Carrie Brigham at [email protected].

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Watts

Kevin Curry (‘05) as a Landing

Signals Officer

Katherine Boone (’07)

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mecredy

Alyssa Cameron (’10) with a student

at Camp Wildcat



As he was sitting at the Johns Hopkins University Medical School commencement ceremony last May, Jim Griffin (’03) was eager to complete this milestone and officially gain the designation, “M.D.” Voices on the podium announced special honors but Jim flipped ahead in his program, reading about something that was coming up in the ceremony. Suddenly he felt a gentle elbow in his ribs and heard the girl beside him say, “They just called your name.” To his surprise, he was presented with the William Stewart Halsted Award in Surgery. The award is presented to one graduating student whose “proficiency in the discipline is deemed outstanding by the faculty of the Sections of Surgical Sciences.” Jim was deeply honored to be given this award, which is named after the father of modern surgery who was the first Chief of Surgery at Hopkins. Jim is currently one of the six surgical residents, selected from hundreds of applicants around the nation, to continue his residency at Johns Hopkins.

In 1999, the Griffin family was concerned that Jim was not being challenged at Burke County Middle School. They considered options and decided to enroll him at Westminster, even though it meant making two 45-minute drives each day of his high school career. The academic rigor and Christian community that Westminster had to offer were the primary reasons they decided to come.

While at Westminster, he was involved with baseball, track, debate, Science Olympiad

and Model UN. He was also student council president his senior year. He had his share of fun at Westminster. Though he doesn’t speak much of troublemaking, he did offer a bit of advice, “If you ever do something that could get you in trouble, don’t do it with Graham Roberts, because you will definitely get caught.” The change in pace in his school was a challenge, but Jim credits a good deal of his study habits and discipline to his time at Westminster.

“The fact that I went to Westminster was really, truly the thing that put me on this path,” said Jim. “The point of a prep school is to test you in ways that will prepare you for situations down the road. I could handle the academic pressures I faced later because I had been conditioned rigorously at Westminster. This school is responsible for much of the success that I’ve had.”

Westminster also prepared him for many of the challenges to his faith he would face when he left the wooded campus on Wheeler Road.

“Westminster did a lot for me as far as making my faith more than just a Sunday thing,” he said. “Once I left Westminster, I had this huge, huge knowledge base – a deeper understanding of my religion. As I was getting out in to the world, a little at UGA but especially at Hopkins, I met all these academic minds who challenged me based on the particular science they believe. Having taken all these classes, I had the ability to defend my faith and hopefully plant some seeds.”

He came to Hopkins thinking he wanted to study medicine, but then realized on the first or second day of his surgical rotation that he wanted to go in to surgery. “I like working with my hands,” he said.

Jim’s perspective on surgery also draws from his own experience. While in his first year of Medical School, he was experiencing severe headaches and neck pain that limited his ability to move his neck. Though the caregivers in student health attributed it to a strained neck from “studying too much,” one of his classmates became concerned as she heard him detail his symptoms. She spoke with her father who happened to be a retired Neurosurgeon. He scheduled Jim for an MRI the next day and diagnosed a benign tumor embedded within his spinal cord. The world’s

foremost specialist in removing this type of tumor is a staff physician at Johns Hopkins and was able to remove the tumor the next week.

“You certainly can’t take God out of the equation in a situation like this. I think it was more than simply being at the right place at the right time,” said Jim. “I applied all over the United States for Medical School, but Johns Hopkins was my first choice,” said Jim. “It felt like the epicenter of medicine where there is so much history and such a gathering of the minds.” This gathering of minds is what gave Jim the immediate, excellent care he needed. Now a surgeon himself, Jim is able to take what he remembers about being on the other side of the table as a patient and apply it to giving care to his own patients.

“Medicine was not a conscious choice that I made. I just always knew that this is where I’d end up, and I had lots of experiences that confirmed it along the way. Biology and chemistry were my best subjects, but I did have a slight lapse in my plans to become a doctor thanks to Mr. Johnson whose influence almost convinced me to go into law. He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, which can be said of many at Westminster who played a role in shaping my education, such as Mrs. (Susan) Smith, Mr. (Matt) Rich, Mr. (Randall) Nichols and Dr. ( Jane)Bailey (now Dr. Blanchard).”

“I really can’t understate the role that my education and spiritual preparation for going into the world have played with the success I have had up until this point. It molded me into the person I am. The way I handle things -- stress, success, failure -- all goes back to the skills that I developed or honed at Westminster,” said Jim. “Those were very formative years for me. I don’t know where I’d be without Westminster. I think about it often, actually... but I am a little jealous to hear they have football now.”

Editor’s Note: Jim Griffin (’03) received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology with a focus in genetics from the University of Georgia Honors College in 2007. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a 4.0 GPA, which made him a First Honor Graduate. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. At UGA, he received the HOPE Scholarship, the Charter Scholarship, the Governor’s Scholarship and was a Presidential Scholar each semester. He then went on to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Alumni Spotlight: Jim Griffin



Annual Report

2010-2011WESTMINSTERSCHOOLS OF AUGUSTA

W



W





WWINDOWS_FALL_2011.indd 13 9/17/2011 2:27:22 PM


When I arrived on Westminster’s campus a few years ago as a grandparent, I was thrilled to see children being challenged in the classroom, quoting Scripture and singing patriotic songs. I knew that there was something different and wonderful about this place. Since that first Grandparents Day, my love for Westminster has only grown. I love the spiritual atmosphere, the academic rigor, the fine arts and athletic programs and the caring ways of the community. Part of what makes this school so special is the people.

It takes the work, prayers and gifts of many people to make Westminster all that it is today. The pages that follow detail those who contributed financially to the Westminster Fund for the 2010-11 year. You will see the names of businesses and individuals who believe in the mission of the school and have given generously to support this endeavor.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to thank each of you for the part you

play in our school. Your hours volunteering, driving for field trips and attendance at performances and playoff games all make a difference -- as do your financial gifts. This year we not only met our $300,000 goal for the fund, we exceeded it by more than $44,000! To God be the glory!

Ephesians 2: 20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Randy Cooper, M.D.Chairman, Westminster Board of TrusteesChief of SurgeryUniversity Surgery Associates

Expense Type Amount

Middle & Upper School $ 1,743,223

Debt & Capital $ 552,956

Financial Aid $ 585,683

Salaries & Benefits $ 1,016,259

Support Services $ 1,009,906

Total $ 6,065,228

Lower School $ 1,157,201

Revenue Amount

$ 240,000

Westminster Fund $ 344,364

Total $ 6,190,228

Tuition $ 5,605,864

Lower School$ 1,157,201

19%

Middle & Upper School$ 1,743,223

29%

Support Services$ 1,009,906

16%

Salaries & Benefits$ 1,016,259

17%

Debt & Capital$ 552,956

9%Financial Aid

$ 585,68310%

Westminster Fund$ 344,364

6%

Tuition$ 5,605,864

90%

First Presbyterian Support$ 240,000

4%

EX

PEN

SES

REV

EN

UE

Letter From the Board Chairman

First Presbyterian Support



Founder’s Circle

Dr. & Mrs. Lee H. Baker, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. David H. HanksMr. & Mrs. Charles E. Knox, IIDr. & Mrs. Christopher L. VickeryWestminster Parents’ Club

Headmaster’s Circle

Mr. Anthony AtkinsMr. & Mrs. J. Douglass Cates, IVDr. & Mrs. James McCullyChristian Churches, Schools,

and Charity FundDrs. Margaret & Charles GreenMr. & Mrs. J. Greig McCully, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Steve O’NeilMr. & Mrs. James T. Oremus

Cornerstone Club

AnonymousMr. & Mrs. Lewis D. BairdMr. & Mrs. Todd D. BrownMr. & Mrs. David Clayton CarradDr. & Mrs. Randy W. CooperMr. & Mrs. Stephen D. Farmer (’78)Mr. & Mrs. David FrankMiss Kay Lovingood (’80)Dr. & Mrs. Sean T. E. LynchDr. & Mrs. Emmanuel NgohMr. & Mrs. Eric R. SwierskiDr. & Mrs. Michael A. Watts

Stone Pillar Club

Anne Gordon Harper Blanchard Foundation, Inc.

Dr. & Mrs. Ron E. BryantMr. & Mrs. Eugene J. CantrellMr. & Mrs. Byrd P. McGaheeMiss Meredith RenfroMr. & Mrs. William L. Schafer, IIITextron Charitable TrustMr. & Mrs. William R. ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Wiggins, Jr.

Wildcat Pack

Mr. & Mrs. Jason W. AdamsMr. & Mrs. Philip L. Ames

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Blanchard, IIIMrs. Anita Tripp Brewton Mr. & Mrs. Breck Brigham, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester BrownDrs. Rebecca & Mark CainDr. & Mrs. Charles H. Coleman, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jay B. ForresterMr. & Mrs. Joe FranksMiss Janis L. GatlinMr. & Mrs. Mike GreinerMr. & Mrs. William S. Hatcher, IIIMr. & Mrs. Eric J. HolgateKimberly Clark FoundationMr. & Mrs. Marty E. LandrumDr. & Mrs. Mallory A. Lawrence, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. John LeeMr. & Mrs. Gardelle J. LewisMr. & Mrs. Julian A. Lively, IIMr. & Mrs. W. Alexander McCallie, Sr.Dr. Kathryn McLeod and Mr. David McLeodJudge Carla Wong McMillian (’91) & Mr.

Lance P. McMillian Drs. Rebecca and Timothy MecredyMr. & Mrs. W. Clinton Meeks, IIIMr. & Mrs. Byron M. MorrisMr. & Mrs. J. Andrew MoseleyDr. & Mrs. W. Mark NewtonMr. & Mrs. Daniel O’NeilDrs. Amanda and Lamar PeacockMr. & Mrs. Gerald T. RogersMr. & Mrs. Mike RorickMr. & Mrs. George A. Rush (’78)Mrs. Ann K. SmithMr. & Mrs. John B. West (’92)Mr. & Mrs. Shields WilsonDrs. Jung & Charles Wirsing

Spirit Rock

Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. AdamsMr. & Mrs. Glenn E. BarinowskiMr. & Mrs. R. Daniel BlantonMiss Kathleen BuurmaMr. & Mrs. Michael R. CaveDr. & Mrs. Thomas DillardRev. & Mrs. D. Alan FaulknerDr. & Mrs. Gregory L. GayMiss Mary Donnan HeppertDr. John C. House (’93)Mr. & Mrs. Craig L. JohnsonDr. & Mrs. Michael Kelly

GIFTS TO THE WESTMINSTER FUND



Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. MenkDr. & Mrs. Clark NewtonDr. & Mrs. W. Duncan RankinMr. & Mrs. Dwight RedickDr. & Mrs. George W. RobertsonMr. & Mrs. William L. Schafer, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. SmithMr. & Mrs. James H. StinsonDr. & Mrs. S. H. Story, IIIDr. & Mrs. Charles K. WilliamsonMr. & Mrs. Matt Willis

Blue and White

Dr. Natalie Abercrombie & Mr. Barry Abercrombie

Mr. & Mrs. David J. Almond, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Dave AndersonLt. Col. & Mrs. Ethan AndrewsAnonymous (7)Dr. & Mrs. Christopher J. ApostolDrs. Jennifer & John MasseyMr. & Mrs. Roger L. BallBank of America Charitable FoundationMr. & Mrs. Donny BarfieldDr. & Mrs. Adam E. BermanMr. Joe S. Biggerstaff, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. W. Allen C. BlalockMrs. Preston K. BlanchardMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Bone, Jr.Mrs. Jennifer Frantz Boyd (’92)Mr. & Mrs. William B. BrighamDr. & Mrs. Phillips A. BrooksMr. & Mrs. Charles H. BrownMr. & Mrs. Gary A. Brown, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bryan (’92)Mr. & Mrs. Jason BuchananDr. & Mrs. Robert A. CampbellMr. & Mrs. Robert W. CarsonMs. Catherine CaveMrs. Dewey Cave, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Christopher C. Cawley, Sr. (’79)Mr. & Mrs. Michael ChanCharlotte’s Bridal &

Formal Fashions – Cheryl Allen Mr. James R. BarberMrs. Frances ChidesterMr. & Mrs. Wes ChildersMr. & Mrs. Timothy H. CorbinMr. John G. CreelMr. & Mrs. Randy DaileyMr. & Mrs. Zelwin DavisMrs. Amanda Dean (’99)Mr. & Mrs. William R. DixonMiss Christal DugganMr. & Mrs. William H. Eubank, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery FehrmanMr. and Mrs. Andrew H. Finch (’92)Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Flatow

Dr. & Mrs. Carl B. FliermansRev. & Mrs. John M. FranksMr. & Mrs. Michael S. FreaceMs. Stephanie GamlinMr. & Mrs. J. Christopher GarrisonMr. & Mrs. Richard H. Goley, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Johnathan R. GoreMr. & Mrs. Vernon L. GulledgeMr. & Mrs. Jimmy HaithcockMr. & Mrs. R. Craig HamDr. & Mrs. Aaron W. HannaMr. & Mrs. J. Kevin HannerMr. & Mrs. Michael C. HarrisDrs. Laura & Edward HartmannMr. Dennis Harville, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Aaron W. HastenMr. & Mrs. Michael K. Hearon, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Gregory B. HillMr. & Mrs. John C. Hitchcock (’92)Mr. & Mrs. John C. HollanHometown SportsDr. & Mrs. Alton HoodMr. & Mrs. Kent M. HoodMr. & Mrs. Clester W. Hornsby, IVMr. & Mrs. Garnett L. Johnson, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. JoinerMr. & Mrs. A. Wayne JoinerMr. & Mrs. Richard W. KershnerDr. & Mrs. Andrew R. KiousMr. & Mrs. Scott KirchhoffMr. & Mrs. Bill KotwasMrs. R. A. Lackman, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. LambertsDr. & Mrs. Jonathan P. LindmanMr. & Mrs. Alton J. LovingoodMr. Kennard MajorMr. & Mrs. William W. McCartney, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Patrick J. McCraithMr. & Mrs. David L. McDanielMr. & Mrs. Paul H. McElmurrayMr. & Mrs. Michael G. MerwinMr. Seixas Milner, Jr.Mr. Maxwell Stephen Mitchell (’08)Mr. & Mrs. J. Eric NewbreyMrs. Dwain NicholsMr. Randall S. NicholsMr. & Mrs. David M. NoyceMr. & Mrs. David A. NyeDr. & Mrs. James A. OesterMr. & Mrs. Sloan C. S. Oliver (’91)Mrs. Rachel OsbonMr. & Mrs. Edward S. ParkerMr. & Mrs. James T. PlunkettMr. & Mrs. Thomas M. PowersDrs. Connie & Don ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Richard L. RhodenMr. & Mrs. Matthew G. RichMr. Isaac Robeson (’04)Mr. & Mrs. Wayne B. Robinson



Mr. & Mrs. Will SalleyDrs. Mini & Thomas SamuelMr. & Mrs. D. Allen Saxon, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Eugene ShineSports Medicine Associates of AugustaRev. & Mrs. Charles A. Stakely, IVMr. & Mrs. Todd TharpeMr. & Mrs. John W. Thornton, IV Mr. & Mrs. Johnathan T. Tisdale Dr. Joseph W. TollisonMr. & Mrs. Ben A. TophamDr. & Mrs. Ray B. Vaughters, IIIMr. & Mrs. Robert VoegtlenRev. & Mrs. P. Paul Volpitto, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Phil R. Wahl, IIDr. & Mrs. Alan S. Walters (’79)Mr. Robert Watts (’04)Mr. & Mrs. John C. Weidman, IIIMr. & Mrs. Terrence L. Wendt, Sr.Drs. Cheryl & Michael WhitlowMr. & Mrs. W. Terrell Wiggins, IVMr. & Mrs. Al Wildes (’92)Drs. Kathryn & Gordon WillifordDr. Judi Wilson & Mr. Greg WilsonMr. & Mrs. Brian L. WintersRev. & Mrs. Grant WisemanMrs. Emily Dixon Zimmer (’98)

Friends of WSA

Mrs. Matthew B. AitkenJulia Andrews (’21)Anonymous (7)Jonathan Apostol (’21)Mary Grace Apostol (’21)Daniel Baird (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. BantaLeigh Nations Blanchard (’21)Thomas Maxwell Blanchard, IV (’23)Mr. & Mrs. William E. Blanchard, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. William E. BlanchardMrs. Dorothy BookerMiss Laura BragdonMr. & Mrs. Lemuel R. Brooks, IVMr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Brown, Jr.Lexi Brown (’21)David Bullock (’21)Mr. Isaiah BurchMr. and Mrs. Ray R. CantrellMr. & Mrs. Joe C. CappsAlyssa Carrad (’18)Miss Savannah C. Carson (’08)Christopher Cawley, Jr. (’14)Miss Mary Charles Coleman (’05)Mr. & Mrs. Kevin J. Coley (’90)Ms. Lisa A. ConnellMrs. Elizabeth CorleyMr. & Mrs. John F. Criss, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Greg Crosby

Drs. Sarita & Todd CrossMr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. CurryMr. & Mrs. Keith DavisMr. & Mrs. Rick DavisMrs. Winter Catherine Davis (’07)Mr. & Mrs. Jon C. DawkinsMaj. & Mrs. Jerry DiamondMr. & Mrs. Adam DiehlMr. Ronald S. DowneyMr. & Mrs. George K. DownsDr. Jennifer Drake &

Mr. Thomas J. Drake, IIIMr. & Mrs. Christopher Drinkard (’90)Bennett Duckworth (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Steven D. DuckworthMr. & Mrs. George Dudich, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. ElrodMr. & Mrs. William T. EnglishMr. & Mrs. J. Tony EspositoMr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Finch (’89)Mr. & Mrs. Harroll FortenberryMr. & Mrs. David R. FreemanDr. & Mrs. Mark FulcherPerry Fulcher (‘21)Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Fultz, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. GadapeeMr. Walter L. GollmerMr. & Mrs. Mark D. GoodellMaj. & Mrs. Cason GreenMr. & Mrs. David GrimmMr. & Mrs. Rich D. Griner, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. David R. HaburchakMr. & Mrs. Ronald L. HallMr. & Mrs. Erik P. Hammarlund, IIMr. & Mrs. Winston D. HancockMr. Henry D. Hanks (’96)Mr. & Mrs. Roger E. HarlessMs. Sharon HeadMr. & Mrs. Philip E. HedgesMr. & Mrs. Miguelangelo E. Hernandez (’94)Mr. & Mrs. Les HerrinMr. & Mrs. David E. HollanMr. & Mrs. Lee HoneycuttMr. & Mrs. Mark HopkinsMr. & Mrs. Tao HuangMadison Hudson (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Phillip A. HudsonMr. & Mrs. Timothy HuttoMrs. Barbara M. Jackson-RegisterMr. Renord JamesMr. & Mrs. Larry D. JenkinsMr. & Mrs. Michael Johnson (’90)Mr. & Mrs. Brian Joiner (’96)Mr. & Mrs. David B. KassnerJohn David Kassner (’21)Paul Kassner (’22)Mrs. F. Frederick Kennedy, Jr.Charles Knox, Jr. (’16)James Knox (’21)



John Knox (’19)Leila Knox (’14)Peter Knox (’22)Mr. & Mrs. T. KramerMr. Cheng Ho Tan & Ms. Ya Lou KuoMrs. Carol M. LanningMrs. Sara LawsonMrs. Elease Saxon Layman (’02)Ms. Jeanne B. LeeMr. & Mrs. Robert J. Lowe, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Lutz (’89)Dr. Christina LynnDrs. Jennifer & John MasseyMary Rushton Massey (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Jessie McElmurrayMr. & Mrs. David A. McGaheeMr. & Mrs. David M. MengerDr. & Mrs. Frederick A. Merrill, IIIMr. & Mrs. Robert P. MillerMr. & Mrs. Saverio MocciaDr. & Mrs. Eric MorganMr. & Mrs. Donnie MorrisonMrs. Helen MossNeba Ngoh (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Louis NicholsMr & Mrs. William C. O’Leary, IIIMr. & Mrs. John W. P. Oliver, Jr. (’89)Dr. & Mrs. Kevin J. O’SheaMr. & Mrs. Paul OwenMiss Lindsey PageMs. A’Gatha S. PalmerMr. & Mrs. Richard D. PattersonMr. & Mrs. Chris D. Peppenger (’96)Mrs. Destiny (Tyra) PippinMr. & Mrs. Andrew V. PoteetDr. & Mrs. J. Ned Pruitt, IIMr. & Mrs. Robert A. ReevesMr. & Mrs. G. Alex Rimer, Jr.Mrs. Heather Moncrief Rivers-Torres (’93)Mr. & Mrs. David W. RobertsCaroline Robertson (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin J. RobesonMs. Julie RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Cullen Rodgers-Gates (’96)Mr. & Mrs. Keith A. Romer, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Jeff H. RuckerMs. Linda L. SchmittDr. & Mrs. Daniel D. ScottMiss Rebecca Lynn Shine (’10)Mr. & Mrs. Gil S. SilvaMs. Nancy SladkyMr. & Ms. Alan Slaten Ms. Gail SmithMr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Smith, Sr.Dr. & Mrs. L. Walter Smith, IIIMr. & Mrs. B. Roy Smith, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. SmithDr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Smith, Jr.Starr W. Snead

Mr. & Mrs. Regis M. StraussMs. Tara E. SweeneyMr. & Mrs. J. Ogden Tabb, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Mark W. TebbsMr. Bronson Tharpe (’19)Dr. & Mrs. T. Barrett TrotterDr. Linda Tucciarone & Mr. John TucciaroneDr. & Mrs. Jake Turrentine (’04)India Wahl (’21)Mrs. Stephanie (Zboran) WaldeckerMr. & Mrs. Richard WelchLuke Wells (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Anthony T. WellsMr. & Mrs. Steven C. Whitcomb (‘93/’95)Mr. & Mrs. Brandon K. WilliamsDr. & Mrs. Hadyn T. WilliamsSam Williamson (’21)Mr. & Mrs. Wadsworth A. WilliamsonMr. & Mrs. Douglas M. WrightMr. & Mrs. Don J. YaridMr. & Mrs. Donald J. Zecha, Jr.

Alumni Gifts

Class of 1978Mrs. Kelly (Hensley) FarmerMrs. Sabrina (Simon) Rush

Class of 1979Mrs. Alice (Beman) CawleyDr. Alan S. Walters

Class of 1980Miss Kay Lovingood

Class of 1989Mr. Daniel M. FinchMr. Ryan LutzMr. John W. P. Oliver, Jr.

Class of 1990Mrs. Becca (Hitchcock) ColeyMrs. Cary (Hanks) DrinkardMrs. Carrie (Ligon) FinchMrs. Vanessa (Pena) Johnson

Class of 1991Judge Carla (Wong) McMillianMr. Sloan C. S. Oliver

Class of 1992Mrs. Jennifer (Frantz) BoydMrs. Dottie (Hanks) BryanMr. Andrew H. FinchMrs. Jennifer (Burckhalter) FinchMrs. Kelly (Watts) HitchcockMrs. Lee (Blanton) WestMrs. Christi Volpitto Wildes



Class of 1993Dr. John C. HouseMrs. Heather (Moncrief ) Rivers-TorresMr. Steven C. Whitcomb

Class of 1994Mrs. Jackie (Wirsing) Hernandez

Class of 1995Mrs. Caroline (Green) Whitcomb

Class of 1996Mr. Henry D. HanksMr. Brian JoinerMrs. Anna (Merwin) PeppengerMr. Cullen Rodgers-Gates

Class of 1998Mrs. Emily (Dixon) Zimmer

Class of 1999Mrs. Amanda (Saxon) Dean

Class of 2002Mrs. Elease (Saxon) Layman

Class of 2004Mr. Isaac RobesonMrs. Laura (Bailey) TurrentineMr. Robert Watts

Class of 2005Miss Mary Charles Coleman

Class of 2007Mrs. Winter (Cawley) Davis

Class of 2008Miss Savannah C. CarsonMr. Maxwell Stephen Mitchell

Class of 2010Miss Rebecca Lynn Shine Gift-In-Kind

Mr. & Mrs. Philip L. AmesDr. & Mrs. Christopher J. ApostolMr. Stewart AustinMr. & Mrs. Lewis D. BairdMr. & Mrs. Carter ClevelandMs. Lisa A. ConnellMr. & Mrs. Stephen D. FarmerThe Frame ShoppeDr. & Mrs. Johnathan R. GoreMr. & Mrs. David H. HanksMr. & Mrs. Robert J. Lowe, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David A. McGaheeDr. Kathryn McLeod & Mr. David McLeod

Dr. Kathy Medcalfe & Mr. Simon MedcalfeDr. Rodger MurchisonMr. & Mrs. Ralph Louis NicholsMr. & Mrs. M. Ashley Paulk, IIIMr. & Mrs. Dwight RedickDrs. Connie & Don ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Gerald T. RogersDr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Smith, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Todd TharpeMr. & Mrs. Phil R. Wahl, IIMr. & Mrs. Matt WillisMr. John Wilson

Gift in Honor

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Hutto in honor of Patrick Joiner (’24)

Mr. & Mrs. J. Eric Newbrey in honor of Mr. Glenn Bell, Miss Laura Bragdon , Miss Amanda Ebersole, Mr. Ronald L. Hall, Mr. Kent M. Hood, Mrs. Michele Starcher, Mrs. Heather Wiseman, and Miss Stephanie Zboran

Dr. & Mrs. Sean T. E. Lynch in honor of Mrs. Marsha Cantrell, Mrs. Whitney Diehl, Mr. Mike Greiner, Mr. W. Alexander Mccallie, Sr., Mr. Michael G. Merwin, Mr. Keith Romer, Sr., and Mrs. Michele Starcher

Dr. & Mrs. L. Walter Smith, III in honor of Mr. Levi Walter Smith, IV (’93)

1972 Society AnonymousMr. & Mrs. Jason W. AdamsMr. & Mrs. Philip L. AmesAnne Gordon Harper Blanchard

Foundation, Inc.Mr. Anthony AtkinsMr. & Mrs. Lewis D. BairdDr. & Mrs. Lee H. Baker, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Blanchard, IIIMrs. Anita BrewtonMr. & Mrs. W. Breck Brigham, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester BrownMr. & Mrs. Todd D. BrownDr. & Mrs. Ron E. BryantDrs. Rebecca & Mark CainMr. & Mrs. Eugene J. CantrellMr. & Mrs. David Clayton CarradMr. & Mrs. J. Douglass Cates, IVCharlotte Haynes Robuck Family

FoundationChristian Churches, Schools, and

Charity FundDr. & Mrs. Charles H. Coleman, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Randy W. CooperMr. & Mrs. Stephen D. FarmerMr. & Mrs. Jay B. ForresterMr. & Mrs. David FrankMr. & Mrs. Joe FranksMiss Janis L. GatlinDrs. Margaret & Charles GreenMr. & Mrs. Mike GreinerMr. & Mrs. David H. HanksMr. & Mrs. William S. Hatcher, IIIMr. & Mrs. Eric J. HolgateKimberly Clark FoundationMr. & Mrs. Charles E. Knox, IIMr. & Mrs. Marty E. Landrum

Dr. & Mrs. Mallory A. Lawrence, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. John LeeMr. & Mrs. Gardelle J. LewisMr. & Mrs. Julian A. Lively, IIMiss Kay LovingoodDr. & Mrs. Sean T. E. LynchMr. & Mrs. W. Alexander McCallie, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. J. Greig McCully, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Byrd P. McGaheeDr. Kathryn McLeod & Mr. David McLeodJudge Carla Wong McMillian (’91) &

Mr. Lance P. McMillian Drs. Rebecca and Timothy MecredyMr. & Mrs. W. Clinton Meeks, IIIMr. & Mrs. Byron M. MorrisMr. & Mrs. J. Andrew MoseleyDr. & Mrs. W. Mark NewtonDr. & Mrs. Emmanuel NgohMr. & Mrs. Daniel O’NeilMr. & Mrs. Steve O’NeilMr. & Mrs. James T. OremusDrs. Amanda & Lamar PeacockMiss Meredith RenfroDr. & Mrs. George W. RobertsonMr. & Mrs. Gerald T. RogersMr. & Mrs. Mike RorickMr. & Mrs. George A. RushMr. & Mrs. William L. Schafer, IIIMrs. Anne K. SmithMr. & Mrs. Eric R. SwierskiTextron Charitable TrustMr. & Mrs. William R. ThompsonDr. & Mrs. Christopher L. VickeryDr. & Mrs. Michael A. WattsMr. & Mrs. John B. WestWestminster Parent’s ClubMr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Wiggins, Jr.Mr. Shields WilsonDrs. Jung & Charles Wirsing



Mr. & Mrs. Al Wildes (’92) in honor of Madelyn Wildes (’19) and Cameron Wildes (’22)

Gift in Memory

In memory of Mrs. Betty Eaton BemanMr. & Mrs. Christopher C. Cawley, Sr.

In memory of Michael Joseph CaveMr. & Mrs. William E. Blanchard, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. William E. BlanchardDr. & Mrs. Phillips A. BrooksMr. & Mrs. Joseph H. Brown, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Robert A. CampbellMs. Catherine CaveMrs. Dewey Cave, Jr.Mrs. Elizabeth CorleyMr. & Mrs. George Dudich, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Harroll FortenberryMr. & Mrs. Ronald A. GadapeeMiss Janis L. GatlinMr. & Mrs. David H. HanksMiss Mary Donnan HeppertMr. & Mrs. Charles E. Knox, IIMr. & Mrs. T. KramerMrs. Carol M. LanningMs. Jeanne B. LeeMiss Kay LovingoodDr. & Mrs. Sean T. E. LynchMr. & Mrs. Byrd P. McGaheeMr. Seixas Milner, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Eric MorganMr. & Mrs. J. Eric NewbreyDr. & Mrs. Emmanuel NgohMr. Randall S. NicholsDr. & Mrs. Kevin J. O’SheaMr. & Mrs. Richard L. RhodenMr. & Mrs. Wayne B. RobinsonMs. Nancy SladkyMr. & Mrs. Eric R. SwierskiWestminster Parents’ Club

In memory of Mr. J. B. Goodwin, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. John W. P. Oliver

In memory of Mrs. Miriam Fleming Falzarano GriffinMr. & Mrs. Gerald T. Rogers

In memory of Mr. Maryann Heppert HasekMiss Mary Donnan Heppert

In memory of Mr. Boone A. KnoxMr. & Mrs. Byrd P. McGahee

In memory of Mrs. Patricia Dent KrickDrs. Margaret & Charles GreenMrs. F. Frederick Kennedy, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. T. Barrett Trotter

In memory of Mrs. Ann T. LeeMr. & Mrs. David M. Noyce

In memory of Mr. Henry B. MartinDr. & Mrs. John W. P. Oliver

In memory Mr. John L. Murray, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. William B. BrighamMr. & Mrs. David H. Hanks

In memory of Mr. Zachary J. Presgrove (’90)Mr. & Mrs. David H. Hanks

In memory of Mr. Elliott E. H. RiversMr. Robert Watts

In memory of Mr. Ray WebbMrs. Susan Davis

In memory of Mr. Robert WongMr. & Mrs. David Hanks

Scholarship Gifts

Mathew Clark Memorial ScholarshipMr. & Mrs. John P. Clark

Betty Gene Lovingood Scholarship Mr. & Mrs. Richard Deal

Cristina Hope Oliver ScholarshipMr. & Mrs. David H. Hanks Dr. & Mrs. John W. P. OliverMr. Sloan S. Oliver (‘91)

Elliott Edgars Hamilton Rivers Memorial Scholarship Mr. Robert Watts (‘04) Auction Sponsors

Mount EverestThe Augusta ChronicleMaster Buick GMC, Kathy & Will Schafer

K2Center for Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lee BakerKimberly & Charlie KnoxNBC Augusta 26Rogers and Andrews Orthodontics

Mount McKinleyBlanchard and Calhoun Georgia Bank and Trust


Mount KilimanjaroAugusta SmileCare, Dr. John D. MasseyAugusta Endodontic Center, Dr. Emmanuel

NgohFireside Outdoor Kitchen and GrillsHitch-N-PostMorgan Keegan Denae & Steve O’NeilPollard Lumber CompanyQueensborough National Bank and

Trust, Co.Very Vera

Mount FujiAiken Augusta Oral & Facial SurgeryAllen + Batchelor ConstructionAugusta ENT, PCPatty & Dan BlantonPeggy & Charlie GreenFirst CitizensDunstan, Cleary & West, LLPMary Anne and Hunter BaggsMatt Willis - State Farm AgentRegions BankSouthern Family Medical Center

Friends of the Auction Augusta State University FoundationCharlotte’s Bridal FashionsJim Hudson LexusTaylor BMW GOAL ParticipantsAnonymous Mr. & Mrs. Jason W. AdamsMiss Elisabeth AmesMr. & Mrs. Philip L. AmesDr. & Mrs. Richard J. BakemanDr. & Mrs. Lee H. Baker, Sr.Dr. Eugene K. Betts & Mrs. Margaret

Thomas-BettsMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Bone, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Breck Brigham, Jr.Miss Kathleen BuurmaDrs. Rebecca & Mark CainMr. & Mrs. Robert W. CarsonMr. & Mrs. J. Douglass Cates, IVMr. Albert F. CheathamMr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. CurryMr. & Mrs. Zelwin DavisMr. & Mrs. Stephen D. FarmerMr. & Mrs. Jeffery FehrmanRev. & Mrs. D. Christopher FlorenceMr. & Mrs. David FrankMiss Janis L. GatlinMr. & Mrs. Ronald L. HallMr. & Mrs. R. Craig HamDr. & Mrs. Charles H. Harris

Miss Mary Donnan HeppertDr. & Mrs. J. C. HinesMr. & Mrs. John C. HitchcockMr. & Mrs. Craig L. JohnsonMr. & Mrs. David B. KassnerMr. & Mrs. Charles E. Knox, IIMr. & Mrs. Julian A. Lively, IIDr. & Mrs. Sean T. E. LynchMr. & Mrs. William MaddoxMr. & Mrs. Byrd P. McGaheeDrs. Nanci & Frank McPhailDr. & Mrs. Jerry A. Miller, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. NationsMr. & Mrs. J. Eric NewbreyDr. & Mrs. Clark NewtonMr. Randall S. NicholsMr. & Mrs. Brian NozolinoMr. & Mrs. David A. NyeMr. & Mrs. Steve O’NeilDrs. Connie & Don ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Richard L. RhodenDr. & Mrs. George W. RobertsonMr. & Mrs. George A. RushMr. & Mrs. D. Allen Saxon, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. SimonMr. & Mrs. B. Roy Smith, Sr.Dr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Smith, Jr.Southeastern Equipment CompanyMr. & Mrs. Mark W. TebbsMr. & Mrs. William R. ThompsonMr. & Mrs. John W. Thornton, IVMr. & Mrs. J. Carleton Vaughn, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Christopher L. VickeryRev. & Mrs. P. Paul Volpitto, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Michael A. WattsMr. & Mrs. John C. Weidman, IIIDrs. Cheryl & Michael WhitlowMr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Wiggins, Jr.Drs. Kathryn & Gordon WillifordMr. & Mrs. Matt WillisMr. & Mrs. Mickey WillisDr. Judi Wilson & Mr. Greg WilsonDr. & Mrs. Robert E. Woods, III



2011-2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Virginia (Ginny) Jarrel Williamson was a student at Westminster from kindergarten through seventh grade. During her academic career she demonstrated particular talent and distinguished herself as an excellent student. Ginny’s death in December 1981 was a great loss to her family and friends. The Virginia Jarrel Williamson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1983 in memory of Ginny’s life and achievements. It is awarded each year on the basis of scholarship, achievement and Christian citizenship.

The 2011-12 recipient is Abigail Griner. Abigail, a fourth grade student, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rich Griner.

Virginia Jarrel Williamson Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient: – Abigail Griner

Rosemary Lester was a Middle School English teacher at Westminster who loved her students and the Lord. The Lester family and their friends established this scholarship in her memory and for God’s glory. The scholarship is awarded to an eighth grade student who loves literature, applies himself or herself in the English classroom, and is sensitive to spiritual issues.

The 2011-12 recipient is Sophie Pollock. Sophie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Pollock.

Rosemary Lester Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Sophie Pollock

Barbara Pruitt was the grandmother of three students who either attend or have graduated from Westminster. The Barbara Moore Pruitt Memorial Scholarship has been established in her memory to assist a student while attending Westminster. It is awarded to a student who shows that he or she is serious about his or her studies, demonstrates a desire to learn and performs up to his or her capabilities.

The 2011-12 recipient is Deaje McCain. Deaje is the daughter of Mrs. Dina Baylor. She is in sixth grade.

Barbara Moore Pruitt Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Deaje McCain



The Cristina Hope Oliver Scholarship was established by the Women in the Church of First Presbyterian Church in honor of Cristina Oliver. Mrs. Oliver invested years of her life at Westminster as a college counselor, a mother of two students, and as a strong supporter of Westminster’s mission as a Christian college-preparatory school. The recipient of this scholarship is decided by a competitive essay contest. To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be a member of First Presbyterian Church, a rising junior or senior in good academic standing, and of good character.

The Elliott Edgars Hamilton Rivers Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a rising sophomore, junior or senior enrolled at Westminster. The scholarship was established with seed money donated by Elliott’s friends and family and by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cary Rivers. Through this scholarship, the Rivers desire to honor God and remember Elliott as a boy who cultivated his passions: he loved soccer, playing the piano and unabashed friendship. Elliott loved the Lord and pursued life with vigor.

This scholarship is intended for an established Westminster student who has applied himself or herself academically, participated in Westminster athletics, and is growing spiritually through active involvement in his or her church.

The 2011-12 recipient for both of these scholarships is Drew McCartney. Drew, a senior, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill McCartney.

Cristina Hope Oliver Scholarship andElliott Edgars Hamilton Rivers Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Drew McCartney

Miss Aquilla Smith was a founding board member of Westminster Schools. The Aquilla Smith Memorial Scholarship was established at her death through a gift from her estate. Her generous support in earlier years provided the resources necessary for Westminster’s preservation and subsequent growth.

The Dr. Richard N. Moss Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a rising junior or senior who is interested in science or medicine, is a good student and has demonstrated a desire to help others. The scholarship was established by the Moss family and friends of Dr. Moss in the medical community who desire to remember him as a caring physician. Selection is determined by the headmaster and the science department.

The 2011-12 recipient is Hope Patterson. Hope is a junior and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Patterson

Aquilla Smith & Dr. Richard N. Moss Memorial Scholarships2011-12 Recipient – Hope Patterson

The Matthew Clark Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a senior at Westminster. The scholarship was established by the friends and family of Mr. and Mrs. John Clark in memory of their son, Matthew. Their desire is to honor God and remember Matthew as a boy who loved life and the Lord.

Selection is determined by a committee composed of the headmaster and the Clark family. The Clarks have asked that the scholarship be awarded to a junior or senior who applies himself or herself academically, participates in athletics and is growing spiritually.

The 2011-12 recipient is Christopher Cawley. Christopher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Cawley.

Matthew Clark Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Christopher Cawley



The Betty Gene Lovingood Scholarship is presented annually to a rising kindergarten student at Westminster. It was established at Mrs. Betty Gene Lovingood’s retirement in 1989 in honor of her 15 years of teaching at Westminster. Mrs. Lovingood is known for her love for children and her commitment to preschool youngsters at both Westminster and First Presbyterian Church.

The Lower School principal and pre-kindergarten teachers choose the recipient for this scholarship based on the following criteria: Christian witness, academic potential and general maturity.

The 2011-12 recipient is Maggie Tabb. Maggie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ogden Tabb.

Betty Gene Lovingood Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Maggie Tabb

The Westminster Honors Scholarship program was developed to provide the Augusta area with a prestigious, merit-based scholarship award to enable outstanding ninth grade students to attend Westminster for the Upper School Program. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, each student was required to be enrolled in eighth grade somewhere other than Westminster, be nominated by an adult outside the student’s family, submit a complete application for admission and complete an on-campus interview along with group testing. Recipients demostrate academic excellence, a strong work ethic and internal motivation.

Brielle Smith and Jordan Trahan joined the Westminster class of 2015 as Westminster Honors Scholars. Brielle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Smith. Jordan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trahan. Both students previously attended North Augusta Middle School.

Honors Scholars at Westminster2011-12 Recipients – Brielle Smith and Jordan Trahan

Mr. Bland Goodwin was an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, a graduate of Georgia Tech, a member of the State Bar of Georgia and a WWII Navy veteran. Through his foresight in estate planning, Mr. Goodwin provided for the establishment of the J. Bland Goodwin Scholarship in 2010, following his death. Mr. Goodwin particularly desired to honor John and Cris Oliver for their sacrificial support to Westminster since its founding.

From the inception of the school, Mr. Goodwin observed Westminster’s faithfulness to its mission. He was impressed to see Westminster graduates serve Christ in college, life, leadership and service. This scholarship is awarded to a rising student in seventh through 12th grade who demonstrates diligence in coursework; effort beyond the expectations of the teacher: interest and initiative beyond the required course expectations; particular interest and engagement in a field of study; a cooperative and teachable spirit and is an inspiration and encouragement to others in the pursuit of quality academic inquiry.

Deja Malone is the first recipient of the J. Bland Goodwin Memorial Scholarship. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Ms. Carol Bartell.

J. Bland Goodwin Memorial Scholarship2011-12 Recipient – Deja Malone



One way that we pursue fulfilling our mission and values at our school is to provide opportunities for service at all age levels. These service projects happen on our campus, but also out in the local community, the nation and even the world. Below is an ongoing snapshot of the ways Westminster Wildcats give back.

Westminster Serves Abroad

In April 2011, a small group of students and faculty went to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They participated in several service projects, including teaching English at a primary school. While there, they delivered more than 100 pounds of books to children. They learned about different areas of mission work, focusing on health and children in Tanzania.

Pre-K and TK classes participated in a Global Service Project that benefited the Dalits of South Asia.

In fall 2010, first graders participated in “Hugs for Heroes.” Students made cards and sent them with Hershey Hugs candy to military members serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Upper School students participated in World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine to raise awareness for the water shortage needs around the world. They also raised $600 to provide books to children in Africa.

Westminster Serves at Home

At the end of the 2010-11 school year, the newly selected 2011-2012 Student Leadership Team worked with First Presbyterian Church to organize a collection for victims of the tornado that swept the Southeast in early May 2011. The collected supplies were sent to St. Clair County, southeast of Birmingham, Alabama.

First graders served the school by keeping the lost and found in order during the 2010-11 school year. They also created PowerPoint presentations of the lost and found items and sent it to the classrooms and homes for the parents to view.

Second grade students shopped for, put together and delivered 100 gift bags to an area

nursing home. These bags were distributed on Christmas Day to residents.

Fourth grade students sent letters and cards to their congressmen for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. This project was in preparation for their spring field trip to the State Capitol, where the children actually got to talk to the governor and one of their local representatives.

The fourth grade classes visited two different nursing homes to demonstrate God’s love to the residents for Valentine’s Day.

Lower School students collected over 3,100 canned good items and Middle School students collected nearly 1,000 pounds of food for Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Prior to leaving for Outdoor Classroom, the sixth graders spent a day serving in our local community. Girls worked at Golden Harvest Food Bank, while the boys spent the day on campus. They helped with tasks such as cleaning up the cross-country trail, Rachel’s Garden and the Lower School basement.

Each of the four Upper School houses spent a day serving at the Master’s Table and at the food storage facilities of Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Jump Rope for Heart raised $9,455.25 and a week-long House competition raised over $350 for the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2011. Also, more than 20 students participated in the CSRA Heartwalk to support the AHA. The heart hero was Matthew Schafer, youngest child of Westminster’s Schafer family.

The Class of 2011, led by Sadie Rhodes, reached out to our neighborhood children. They were invited to attend a double-header soccer game and were treated to dinner and inflatable games on campus.

Wildcats Give Back



SNAPSHOTS OFWESTMINSTER LIFE



Westminster Windows a publication of Westminster Schools of Augusta.

Westminster Schools of Augusta3067 Wheeler RoadAugusta, Georgia 30909706-731-5260

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

Craig Johnson Middle & Upper School Principal

Sue Ames Lower School Principal

Dave Anderson Director of Finance and Operations

Carrie Brigham Director of Development

Andrew BryanAthletic Director

Mike Freace Director of Student Life

Aimee Lynch Director of Admissions

Erin Kirchhoff Director of Marketing and CommunicationsWestminster Windows Editor

Sarah Childers Communications Coordinator

Empire DesignworksWestminster Windows Design and Layout

Special thanks to the contributing photographers: Phil Ames, Steve Bouye, Carrie Brigham, Sarah Childers, Kay Harris, Mary Donnan Heppert, Vivian Hornsby, Erin Kirchhoff, Alex McCallie, Amy Owen, Sabrina Rush and Marisa Swierski.

Westminster Windows is published as a service to our alumni, families and friends. Please submit questions, comments or news items to [email protected].

Cover: Camp Wildcat attendees enjoy Science Camp with Mr. Mike Greiner.

Did you notice the Westminster Fund giving thermometer at the school’s entrance when school began this year? Thanks to the giving hearts of many of you, we exceeded our goal by more than $44,000. Though we have seen a steady increase in giving to the Westminster Fund over the last five years, this was our most successful annual fund in the history of the school -- both in dollars raised and number of participants. Many other benchmarks were set with this year’s giving.

• Parent participation increased from 28% to 60% and because we reached 60% parent participation, a $10,000 matching gift was given.• Gifts at the 1972 Society level ($1,000 or greater) grew from 56 to 72. • Total participants increased from 290 to 379.• Faculty and staff participation increased from 68% to 91%.• Auction proceeds netted more than $95,000.

• The Westminster Parents’ Club contributed $14,000.

Exceeding our goal is reason alone to celebrate, but seeing participation grow is just as important. As we move in to a season of capital fundraising, it is important for foundations and corporations to see that we have broad support from our families and friends.

The Westminster Fund supports various programs throughout the school that help us meet the goals of our strategic plan. This year’s overage will allow us to do more than we had originally planned. Teachers at the Middle and Upper School look forward to a new set of laptop computers and a cart that will serve as a mobile computer lab, providing us with a third computer lab in the Middle and Upper School. Four classrooms in the Middle and Upper School will be equipped with new projectors and screens, allowing teachers and students easy access to the internet and to utilize PowerPoint. The Lower School has purchased an Apple iPad Learning Lab which includes 25 iPads. We anticipate a few playground upgrades to come as well.

As we celebrate the success of the 2010-11 Westminster Fund, it is not too soon to consider your gift to the 2011-12 Fund. Thank you for your generous support of our school and its mission.

Gratefully,

Carrie BrighamDirector of Development

Developing News

Westminster Fund Growth2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

$155,077 $186,003 $301,901 $273,736 $344,364

$155,077 $186,003

$301,901 $273,736

$344,364

2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Westminster Fund Giving 2006-2011GROWTH INWESTMINSTER FUND GIVING SINCE 2006


NON PROFITORGANIZATION

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AUGUSTA, GAPERMIT NO. 265Westminster Schools of Augusta

3067 Wheeler RoadAugusta, Georgia 30909www.wsa.net


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Westminster will celebrate our

40th Anniversary in 2012.

Be part of the celebration!

We’d love your help with the festivities. Contact us to volunteer or email [email protected] to contribute

photos and memorabilia of your time at Westminster.


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