Southern Wake Academy

Good evening,

In preparation for the winter storm coming this weekend, Southern Wake Academy has made the decision to release early tomorrow, January 10th, at 12 PM. We will be operating on a normal bell schedule, MS students will be released at the end of lunch, and HS students will be released during third period. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hart for MS and Mrs. Cafarelli for HS.

Thank you!

Good afternoon, SWA,

Due to the snow and poor weather we will be receiving Friday and Saturday, the Homecoming games have been postponed as River Mill would not be able to travel safely from Graham. We also don't want our students and community members out driving to and from the games in the bad weather. The decision has been made to postpone the Homecoming Dance on Saturday as well. If any other decisions are made regarding school closures or early releases, you will be notified as soon as possible.

We will have the Homecoming games on Tuesday, January 28th, against Clover Garden! Varsity Women at 6 and Varsity Men at 7:30, with the introduction of the Homecoming Court between the two games. We will have the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, February 1st, from 6-9 PM! All tickets purchased will still be accepted. Tickets will continue to be sold until Friday, January 31st. The non-SWA plus one forms are now due by Friday, January 28th. If a refund is needed, students can go to the ticket table in the morning or during lunch and request their money back. The HS pep rally during school has also been moved to the 28th.

The after-school trivia tomorrow will still be held in the MPR from 2:45-4 PM for our high school students! The spirit week will still continue! Additional spirit days may be announced leading up to the 28th, so stay tuned.

The dates on the SignUpGeniuses have been changed accordingly. If you are no longer available to donate or volunteer, please change your sign up.

We are so sorry for the inconvenience, but our students and community members' safety is of the utmost importance.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Spirit Week for Homecoming starts Monday for our high school students! Take note of the free trivia event that’ll be held on Wednesday right after school. All the hype leads us to our Homecoming games Friday night against RMA - be there. Then we celebrate on Saturday night at the dance!

Edit: The Homecoming Dance has been moved to Saturday, February 1st, due to incoming snow and bad weather.

Edit: The Homecoming Dance has been moved to Saturday, February 1st, due to incoming snow and bad weather.

The HS Homecoming Dance is next Saturday, January 11th, from 6-9 PM in the gym! Tickets will be on sale before school and during lunch in the HS lobby outside the main office for $10, as well as at the door of the dance for $15 - cash only. If you wish to bring a date outside of SWA, there will be a form you can pick up at the ticket table as well that will be due by Friday, January 10th. See you there! ✨

At Southern Wake Academy, every individual plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and thriving environment for our students and staff. This week, we are honored to spotlight one of our most dedicated and cherished team members, Anastasia Monico. Known for her radiant smile, meticulous work ethic, and unyielding commitment to excellence, Anastasia has been a cornerstone of our community since 2019.

Anastasia’s journey to Southern Wake Academy is as inspiring as her daily contributions. Originally from Mexico, Anastasia spent 15 years working as a secretary, including seven years in government offices, before embarking on a new chapter in the United States. Her professional background shaped her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong sense of duty—traits that now shine through in her role as a janitor at our school.

For Anastasia, working at Southern Wake Academy was more than just a career move; it was a dream come true. Living just minutes away, she often jokes that the school is "right around the corner" from her home. On any given day, Anastasia can walk to the campus in just nine minutes or make the short two-minute drive. This proximity, however, is not what drew her to Southern Wake Academy. It was her genuine passion for cleanliness, order, and being part of a vibrant community that led her to knock on the school’s doors inquiring about a janitorial position.

Since joining the team, Anastasia has become a familiar and beloved presence. Primarily working in the afternoons, she takes great pride in ensuring that the high school building and the 6th-grade middle school building are immaculate and welcoming. Whether it’s preparing the facilities for a special event or stepping in during the morning hours when needed, Anastasia exemplifies flexibility, dedication, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Anastasia approaches her work with a philosophy that inspires everyone around her: "Always do your best, no matter what you are doing in life." It’s a principle she lives by daily, pouring her heart into making Southern Wake Academy a clean, safe, and inviting space for all. She sees the students as a reminder of her own youth, and their energy and enthusiasm fuel her commitment to creating an environment where they can thrive.

Beyond her incredible work ethic, Anastasia’s warmth and genuine care for others set her apart. She takes time to connect with students and staff, spreading positivity and encouragement wherever she goes. Her passion for her work and her love for the Southern Wake Academy community are evident in everything she does.

Anastasia’s contributions extend far beyond her job description. She is a role model who demonstrates that every role, no matter how humble it may seem, has the power to make a profound impact. Her story reminds us of the value of hard work, the importance of community, and the beauty of finding joy and purpose in the work we do.

Southern Wake Academy is incredibly fortunate to have Anastasia as part of our team. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence inspire us all. As we celebrate her as our Stakeholder of the Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to Anastasia for everything she does to make our school a better place.

Thank you, Anastasia, for your five years of exceptional service, for your incredible spirit, and for reminding us all, the power of doing our best in every aspect of life. - Dr. Cotton

Our HS students brought the holiday cheer by giving socks to the HS Student Council’s sock drive the past few weeks that were donated to the Salvation Army in Garner! Thank you, SWA, and thank you to our HS StuCo and Ms. Gilbert!💙

Good evening,

As a reminder, tomorrow begins testing for our HS students taking EOCs. Please see the attached image for information from Mrs. Favant. Thank you!

Southern Wake Academy is proud to highlight Ms. Patricia McNeil as this week’s Stakeholder of the Week. Ms. McNeil’s journey to becoming an integral part of our school community is truly inspirational, demonstrating how passion, dedication, and a love for working with young people can lead to a fulfilling career.

Before joining Southern Wake Academy, Ms. McNeil spent an impressive 26 years as a Mental Health Care T echnician at Dorothea Dix Mental Health Hospital. Her work in this demanding field reflected her deep compassion, resilience, and commitment to serving others. After retiring in 1996, she extended her care to elderly patients, dedicating five years to elder care. During that time, she provided invaluable support to those in need, showcasing her natural ability to bring comfort and stability to others.

In 2012, Ms. McNeil transitioned into education by becoming a substitute teacher. She subbed at various schools, including Fuquay High School, Apex High School, and Holly Springs High School, as well as several others in the area. Then, in 2014, fate brought her to Southern Wake Academy. Driving past the school one day, Ms. McNeil decided to stop in and inquire about substitute teaching opportunities. She describes this moment as a blessing, realizing that working with students was her true calling.

Since that day, Ms. McNeil has been a vital part of our school family. As a substitute teacher, she has supported every grade level, from 6th to 12th, and has stepped into roles in a variety of subjects, including music, PE, Spanish, and art. Her versatility, willingness to adapt, and commitment to ensuring continuity in the classroom have made her an invaluable resource for our students and staff alike.

Ms. McNeil approaches each day with a sense of excitement and purpose. She looks forward to coming to school, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with working with young people. She often reflects on how her time at Southern Wake Academy has been a continuous process of personal growth and deep learning. "Working at SWA has been the ultimate highlight of my professional career," she says with pride.

What truly sets Ms. McNeil apart is her unwavering positive attitude and dedication to her students. She understands the challenges of working with adolescents and values the patience and perspective this role has taught her. For Ms. McNeil, the blessing of working at Southern Wake Academy extends far beyond her professional life; it is a source of immense personal joy and fulfillment.

As a substitute teacher, Ms. McNeil remains actively engaged in the SWA community. Her presence in the classroom, whether she’s covering core subjects or electives, provides stability and encouragement to our students. She views her work as an opportunity to help guide students as they grow into responsible and independent young adults, and her impact on their lives is immeasurable.

Southern Wake Academy is fortunate to have Ms. McNeil as a dedicated and passionate member of our team. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of commitment, positivity, and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of others. We are grateful for the joy and wisdom she brings to our school every day.

Thank you, Ms. McNeil, for your continued dedication and for being a shining example of what it means to make a difference in the lives of others. You truly embody the spirit of Southern Wake Academy! - Dr. Cotton

Southern Wake Academy is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Apply at swake.org today!

371.7 lbs collected! Way to go, SWA! Helping our neighbors at the Holly Springs Food Cupboard 💙

Thank you to Southern Wake Academy for putting together a food drive for us! Because of them, we received 371.7 pounds of non perishable and hygiene donations!

SWA middle schoolers, join us Saturday night in the MPR for the first MS dance of the year! 🍁🪩

Parents, want to chaperone? Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showRSVPSignUp/10C0F4AA8AD22A1FECE9-53401423-fall

Want to donate? Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0F4AA8AD22A1FECE9-45852454-sodadrink

The MS Fall Dance is on Saturday, November 23rd, from 6-8 PM in the MPR! The SGA is looking for donations if you’re able to contribute!

m.signupgenius.com

The Bingo Night Cheer Fundraiser is tomorrow night in the MPR! Be there! 📣💙

Today we recognize and honor the sacrifices made by those in our country who have served in the United States Military and their families. No words could fully portray our nation's gratitude for the dedication and service of the members of our military.

Southern Wake Academy is a proud Purple Star School, which means much of our student body comes from active military families. We recognize the sacrifices our military families have made- the vast amounts of time, the many moments, precious memories, important milestones, and family holidays given up for our country.

A few weeks ago, family members sent pictures and information of their veterans to be honored today. Please click here to view our Veterans Day recognition honorees: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ed3SKNeQu_wX6u3hCswQQmx8w5msq5NM/view?usp=sharing

A special shoutout to SWA's very own veterans, Mrs. Cotten and Mr. Brinker! We are ever so grateful, thank you.

We hope you enjoyed today with your loved ones!

Veterans Day 2024.mp4

Go Kuen!💙🦁

Thank you to Kuen Boss, a junior at Southern Wake Academy, for helping to keep our shelves stocked last month! It’s amazing to see local high schoolers getting involved in helping our amazing community!

💖 ❤️

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our "All In Stakeholder of the Week," Mr. Alex Brinker, whose journey to Southern Wake Academy is both inspiring and a testament to his commitment to serving and uplifting others. After dedicating many years to the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Brinker retired from military service, but his desire to make a positive impact in the lives of young people was only beginning to take root. In retirement, he discovered a true passion for education—a calling that led him to us here at Southern Wake Academy. His story is one of transition from military leadership to classroom mentorship, and we are deeply fortunate to have him as a member of our school family.

“My name is Alex Brinker and I am originally from Harper Woods, Michigan. I have been happily married for 27 years to my wife Ginger and together we have 4 children 22,18 and twin 6 years old. Upon completion of High School, I joined the United States Marines and honorably served for 21 years 10 months, and 19 days but who counted! I was given many opportunities in my Marine Corps career that allowed me and my family to travel the world and gain an appreciation for different cultures. I originally was a helicopter mechanic and enjoyed many different roles from Recruiter, Program Management and Acquisitions. I saw many conflicts from multiple deployments to Iraq, Haiti, Djibouti and Afghanistan. I held different positions as I progressed and got promoted. In 2009 I was promoted to First Sergeant and this is when I realized that furthering my education was essential. As a First Sergeant my Company was tasked with mounted patrols, Bulk Fuel and Headquarters and Service. During this time, I transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio and trained as a reservist. I finally retired in 2016 and immediately went to work for GKN Automotive here in Sanford, North Carolina. I spent 8 years with GKN and learned a lot of valuable skills and thoroughly enjoyed Lean Manufacturing. I choose to leave manufacturing as a Value Stream Manager and seek out an opportunity within Teaching.

I decided I needed to seek out education because I felt that the Marine Corps gave me worldly exposure that was needed into today’s education system. I felt like I can teach Social Studies through a lens of knowledge and experience. I am passionate about History and I believe that if you don’t know history you are doomed to repeat it. I have always been a leader and Teaching is something that I feel will allow me to make a lasting impression on our students and hopefully spark a passion that excites them to learn about our world."

As our full-time middle school history teacher, Mr. Brinker embodies the values of dedication, respect, and lifelong learning that we strive to instill in our students. He is not only a teacher but also a mentor, offering a listening ear, guidance, and a steady presence that his students can count on. His background in the military has endowed him with an unmatched work ethic and resilience, qualities that have made him a powerful role model to the young minds he influences. Students look up to him not only for his knowledge but for the respect, kindness, and genuine care he shows to everyone around him.

Mr. Brinker’s impact extends beyond his classroom. Colleagues speak highly of his collaborative spirit, respectfulness, and readiness to support fellow staff members. He approaches every day with humility and a commitment to making Southern Wake Academy a better place. His positive energy, unwavering kindness, and gentle leadership have made a lasting impression on our community. We are truly grateful to Mr. Brinker for his dedication, for choosing education as his next mission, and for bringing his wealth of experience and heart to our school. Southern Wake Academy is a better place because of his presence, and we are honored to have him among us.

Thank you, as always, for being part of our Southern Wake Academy family. Your support strengthens our community and our commitment to shaping the bright future of each student. And happy early Veterans Day, thank you for your service! - Dr. Cotton

Drama Club will be on Friday at the normal time this week instead of Thursday. Thank you!