Greater Atlanta Christian School Alumni

GAC alumna Elise Karinshak ‘19 selected as a Schwarzman Scholar. Elise will combine her study of artificial intelligence and digital communication at UGA with a degree from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, starting next fall. As the University of Georgia’s newest Schwarzman Scholar, she will join students from around the world as they pursue a one-year master’s degree in global affairs.

The 151 scholars in the incoming Schwarzman Class of 2024 represent 36 countries and 121 universities. They were selected from almost 3,000 applicants, of which 400 were interviewed, including five UGA Honors students. Karinshak is UGA’s seventh Schwarzman Scholar.

Eight classes of Schwarzman Scholars have been named since the highly competitive program opened to applicants in 2015. Scholars are taught by leading international faculty and study a core curriculum focused on leadership, global affairs and China.

A senior from Lawrenceville, Karinshak is a Foundation Fellow in the Morehead Honors College. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a certificate in personal and organizational leadership from the Terry College of Business as well as a bachelor’s degree in data science from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. She also is pursuing a minor in studio art in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Read more at the link in our bio.

We love to share about alumni that glorify God in their business partnerships with fellow alumni and GAC families.

BrightOrg Services is a management consulting company based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to solving problems, inspiring people, and delivering results.

When CEO and Founder Joel Nickelsen, parent of two GAC alumni, started BrightOrg Services 11 years ago, he envisioned creating a consulting services company committed to looking to God to direct their steps and honoring Him with their work.

They serve clients by growing their revenue, people, and ex*****on capabilities through a variety of services, which include strategic planning, business transformation, leadership development, strategy ex*****on, and more.

BrightOrg has served companies and people across industries like consumer products, business services, and technology.

Their growth projects have included international work, Fortune 100 firms in the USA, and medium-sized private companies.

They are a company that fully integrates faith in Jesus with how they plan, serve, and work together to maximize value creation in all they do.

Many leaders of BrightOrg Services have deep roots at GAC, including Joel Nickelsen, a parent of two alumni.

Trip Eberhart, VP of Client Success, is married to GAC teacher Lori Eberhart ’86 and is a parent of three alumni.

Carolyn Facteau, Project Partner & Executive Leadership Coach, is a parent of three alumni, and alumnus, David Floyd ’10, is the Senior Consultant.

Learn more at brightorg.com

Trip Eberhart BrightOrg Services

We love to share about GAC alumni who glorify God in their business partnerships with fellow alumni and Spartan families.

BrightOrg Services is a management consulting company based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to solving problems, inspiring people, and delivering results.

When CEO and Founder Joel Nickelsen, parent of two GAC alumni, started BrightOrg Services 11 years ago, he envisioned creating a consulting services company committed to looking to God to direct their steps and honoring Him with their work.

They serve clients by growing their revenue, people, and ex*****on capabilities through a variety of services, which include strategic planning, business transformation, leadership development, strategy ex*****on, and more.
 
BrightOrg has served companies and people across industries like consumer products, business services, and technology.

Their growth projects have included international work, Fortune 100 firms in the USA, and medium-sized private companies.

They are a company that fully integrates faith in Jesus with how they plan, serve, and work together to maximize value creation in all they do.
 
Many leaders of BrightOrg Services have deep roots at GAC, including Joel Nickelsen, a parent of two alumni.

Trip Eberhart, VP of Client Success, is married to GAC teacher Lori Eberhart ’86 and is a parent of three alumni.

Carolyn Facteau, Project Partner & Executive Leadership Coach, is a parent of three alumni, and alumnus, David Floyd ’10, is the Senior Consultant.

Learn more at brightorg.com

Dana Davis Memorial Service

Here is a video of the Dana Davis Memorial Service held yesterday at GAC.

Share a note or a favorite memory with the Davis family here: https://form.jotform.com/223358400270144?fbclid=PAAabbuXfpoQNYyxa3qSo9YIrTYM9Cu3Yn28oOlSLRWbtoHHSaX7K1jrtHb2s

https:// vimeo.com/777097423/ea0c7425b9

Dana Davis Memorial Service This is "Dana Davis Memorial Service" by Greater Atlanta Christian School on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

A message from GAC President, Dr. Scott Harsh, on the passing of a Hero of the Faith.
 
It is with a heavy heart that I send this to you today. Our friend and current Middle School Bible teacher, Dana Davis, finished the race and went on to be with the Lord early this morning (Sunday). Dana was a beloved teacher, an example of faithful living in suffering, and a light that shone in the darkness. He will be missed. And at the same time, we rejoice with our brother Dana in his final victory over cancer, pain, and suffering. No more treatments, no more sickness, no more suffering for Dana. He is finally free.
 
And now our care turns to his wife, Susan, and his children Taylor Davis (GAC 2005), Kinsey (Davis) Stanley (GAC 2007), Karlyn Davis (GAC 2012 & K4 teacher), and John Turner (attended GAC in Elementary and Middle School).
 
Dana started teaching at GAC in August of 1981. Over the years, he served as a math and Bible teacher, basketball and tennis coach, High School Dean of Students, Assistant Principal in Middle School and Elementary, Missions Coordinator, Counselor, Director of GAC Summer Camp, and many other roles. Dana used each of these positions to call our attention to Jesus. It didn't matter if you encountered Dana in the math classroom, a basketball court, or a student discipline meeting; he had a way of cutting through the noise and bringing the focus back to Jesus. It was his way. It was his ministry.  
 
Over the last 20 years, Dana showed us all how to walk faithfully with the Lord. His battle with cancer was never his focus. He never complained and never used the constant treatments as an excuse. Instead, in suffering and in the face of uncertainty, Dana kept his eyes on Jesus and reminded all of us that this is not our home. He was a source of encouragement to all who knew him. He was a prayer warrior. And he invested in people, his family, friends and colleagues, and students. He will be deeply missed.

GAC class of 2002, your reunion party is only 11 days away! Learn more and grab your discounted event tickets before Nov 15 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gac-class-of-2002s-20th-reunion-tickets-444319490557

Happy 20th reunion event, GAC class of 2002! We are excited to celebrate you and for you to reconnect with your classmates and school on Nov 19.

Your reunion planning committee includes Rachel (Chamblee) Reiboldt, Melea (Scott) Connett, and Lori Beth (Morris) Brakebill 🎉.

To receive reunion updates and important class news and to RSVP, please fill out this short form by Oct 15: bit.ly/GACclassof2002

You're invited to "GAC Alumni Family Fall Playdate." Tap here to RSVP - Paperless Post Flyer

Only a few more days until the big event! We'd love to see you this Saturday at GAC! All alumni families with young kids are invited.

Enjoy a FREE Thanksgiving-themed event with fun activities led by enrichment workshop organization, The ColLab, co-founded by GAC alumna, Landyn Foxworthy ’13. Kids will explore STEM and art in slime-making, turkey craft decorating, apple "volcano eruptions", and more.

Celebrate the season with a HUGE petting zoo by Camp Carousel, face painting, a photobooth, crafts, & more.
https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/G2J9NDXcydM9efQ152Ml

You're invited to "GAC Alumni Family Fall Playdate." Tap here to RSVP - Paperless Post Flyer All alumni families with young kids are invited! Enjoy a FREE Thanksgiving-themed event with fun activities led by enrichment workshop organization, the ColLab, co-founded by GAC alumna, Landyn Foxworthy ’13. Kids will explore STEM and art in slime-making, turkey craft decorating, apple "volcano e...

The GAC Alumni Family Fall Playdate is THIS SATURDAY Nov 12! 🦃 All alumni families with young kids are invited.

Enjoy a FREE Thanksgiving-themed event with fun activities led by enrichment workshop organization, the ColLab, co-founded by GAC alumna, Landyn Foxworthy ’13.

Saturday, November 12 from 10am-1pm

Children will explore 🧬 science and art 🎨 in slime-making, turkey craft decorating, apple "volcano eruptions", galore!

Celebrate the season with face painting, a photobooth, a HUGE petting zoo, creative crafts, & more.

Learn more and RSVP: https://pp.events/avEwmg4z

Alumni visits to GAC are the best! Your former teachers and coaches light up when they see you again and hear how God has been working in your life. Thank you, Landyn Foxworthy ‘13 for sharing about the enrichment workshop you co-founded, The ColLab, the chance to talk about your class’ reunion next year, and for the opportunity to see the teachers and programs that impacted your life during your 13 years at GAC. Pictured with Landyn are Tim Ball, Joann Waldrop, and Basil Peterson ‘16. It’s a joy every time an alumnus visits campus!

We can’t wait to see you at Open House!

Share GAC Alumni News! Submit thru this link to put it in the GAC magazine! Deadline is Friday. form.jotform.com/222755774297167

Alumni relationships matter. Thank you, Jordan Bullard ‘17, and countless other Spartans for always sharing how GAC positively impacted your life.

Alumni baby news is the sweetest! 🍼 share any type of news by this Friday, October 21 in our bio link. We love to hear about you and your family, college life, career, faith walk, and more. Submit your news today or let us know about a fellow alumni we should highlight.

Alumni news matters! Share yours before Friday, Oct 21 to be included in the annual GAC Today Magazine. Link in bio.

Alumni Awards | Harding Magazine

So incredibly proud!!!

Alumni Awards | Harding Magazine Alumni Awards Homecoming is a special time as many return to campus to reunite with friends and mentors and to remember and share stories in the place where it all began. As part of this celebration each year, the University honors alumni selected from a community of more than 60,000 who continue to...

On Tuesday it was announced that GAC's legendary coach, Jackie Bradford, will be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame this upcoming February. Jackie Bradford arrived at GAC in 1968 as the head basketball coach. During his time as a coach at GAC, Jackie Bradford had a 253-82 record, along with three state championships (1971, 1972, 1977).

The Bradford Center on GAC's campus was named after Coach Bradford. The facility hosts two tennis courts, dance studios, and other classrooms. The Bradford Center provides our students multiple opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and helps continue Coach Bradford's legacy at GAC.

Along with Coach Bradford, Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones and pitcher Ron Reed, former Georgia Bulldogs football coach Mark Richt, former Georgia Tech quarterback Shawn Jones, former Georgia Bulldogs tennis player Al Parker, former Braves and Hawks front office member Stan Kasten and longtime Southwest DeKalb football coach Buck Godfrey are also going into the Hall of Fame with this class.

Jackie Bradford will officially be welcomed into the Hall of Fame at the 67th annual induction ceremony on February 25, 2023 at the Macon City Auditorium.

With the recent uplifting stories of GAC High School and Middle School spiritual retreats, Matt Wong ‘18 was inspired to share how he decided to be baptized during his senior year.

“Attending GAC since I was four, I always had a strong love for God. After participating in the GAC High School spiritual retreats for four years, I had the thought of being baptized, but I had been baptized when I was a baby, so I decided not to. But, in my senior year, God really spoke to me.

I really felt the calling to give my life to God, not because my parents wanted me to, but out of my own free will and desire to be baptized and give my life to the Lord.”

Congratulations, Matt! Thank you for sharing this life-changing milestone in your life and for sharing how the GAC spiritual retreats impacted your walk with The Lord.

At GAC, Matt was involved in broadcasting, tennis, and other activities. He graduated from GAC in 2018 and attended SCAD to pursue videography, film editing, and photography and graduated in June 2022

Supporting Christian education and safe school environments is more important now than ever. Thank you, Chris McIntyre and all GAC parents and alumni who believe in giving back to Spartans.

We love alumni news! Share updates about you and your family thru the link in our bio to be included in the GAC Today Magazine.

Melea Scott Connett Rachel Chamblee Reiboldt Lori Beth Brakebill

Happy 20th reunion event, GAC class of 2002! We are excited to celebrate you and for you to reconnect with your classmates and school on Nov 19.

Your reunion planning committee includes Rachel (Chamblee) Reiboldt, Melea (Scott) Connett, and Lori Beth (Morris) Brakebill 🎉.

To receive reunion updates and important class news and to RSVP, please fill out this short form by Oct 15: bit.ly/GACclassof2002

Happy 20th reunion event, GAC class of 2002! We are excited to celebrate you and for you to reconnect with your classmates and school on Nov 19.

Your reunion planning committee includes Rachel (Chamblee) Reiboldt, Melea (Scott) Connett, and Lori Beth (Morris) Brakebill 🎉.

To receive reunion updates and important class news and to RSVP, please fill out this short form by Oct 15: bit.ly/GACclassof2002

Happy 20th reunion event, GAC class of 2002! We are excited to celebrate you and for you to reconnect with your classmates and school on Nov 19. To receive reunion updates and important class news and to RSVP, please fill out this short form by Oct 15:
bit.ly/GACclassof2002

A GAC alumnus distinction is a life filled with faith, character, grit, serving others, and lifelong learning.

You’ve changed a lot over the years, and GAC has too. See our progress and our unwavering foundation in Christ at gac.org. Link in bio.

Congratulations to GAC alumnus, Correggio Peagler ‘18! 🎓 🎉

He graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.94) from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a Bachelors in Biology and minor in Chemistry.

He is a first year medical student at The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

About his Spartan experience, Correggio says, “During my time at GAC, I was on the varsity Track & Field team, football team, and was the school mascot junior and senior year.

The experiences I gained while competing as a Spartan and cheering on our school as “Sparty” exposed me to experiences that I believe will make me a great physician.”

Congratulations to Correggio and all our college graduates. We are honored to celebrate you!

No gift is too small, and every gift matters 🙌 Thank you, GAC grads for how you give back to current students who rely on your support every year. (Did you know over 34% of GAC students benefit from need-based financial aid?) Learn more and please consider making a one-time or recurring gift on the giving page at gac.org/alumni

The Spartan store got a refresh!

Alumni are welcome here anytime to grab some school spirit wear, Christian gifts, jewelry, and more.

Young alumni, please consider dropping off used uniforms here. GAC families are always in need of gently used uniforms during the sales every year.

Best part? Proceeds go straight back to supporting students.

At the ♥️ of the GAC family is a robust Legacy Spartan community! In the last year, over 20 alumni families became Spartan parents. The reasons are clear. What a blessing it is to serve 85+ alumni families. Click the link in bio to learn more.

It’s a great year to be a Legacy Spartan! Quality, Christian education in a safe environment is more important now than ever, and that's a key reason why 85+ alumni families choose GAC. The Legacy community at GAC is stronger than ever, and it's a blessing to see how God leads so many great alumni back home.

Happy new school yr to the 36 alumni who serve at GAC! 🎉

Many joined the team recently: Basil Peterson ‘16, Mary Thomas ‘18, Caroline Freeman ‘10, Rachel Smith ‘03, and Ayesha Nasmyth ‘01.

We love each alumnus who works at GAC!

-Bolling, Sherry Harris 1981, HR Generalist,
-Bryant, Mary Helen Jones 1987, Director of Admissions
-Byrd, Dr. Linda  1981, Faculty
-Casey, Sam  2015, Faculty - Drama, Middle School
-Clark, Chris  2005, Faculty - Math, High School
-Connel, Suzanne Richardson 1986, Academic Support
-Cutchins, Christina Gaetano 1991, Teaching Assistant
-Davis, Karlyn  2012, Faculty, Early Childhood Village
-Duke, Joanna Hayes 1997, Associate, Admissions
-Eaton, David 2000, Faculty/Coach
-Ferguson, Meredith Baker 2009, Art
-Fincher, Matt  1995, Faculty, High School
-Freeman, Caroline  2010, Faculty - Video Production, High School
-Galarraga, Nelson  1999, Orchestra Director
-Garner, Lana Walton 1996, Faculty
-Gilliard, Rebekah Davis 1994, Counselor, Elementary
-Hartley, Kaleigh Warwick 2009, Alumni Relations Officer, Advancement
-Hill, Tyler Lang 2003, Faculty
-Hollier, Lauren Nygaard 1984, Academic Dean
-Jenkins, Tasha DeMonbreun 1989, Systems/Operations Analyst, Business Office
-Landreth, Chris  2006, System Administrator, Technology
-Lindsay, Dr. Robert  2002, Faculty/Ethos Assoc Academic Dean
-Malone, Megan  2013, Faculty
-Martin, Wendy Huff 1989, Faculty, Early Childhood Village
-Musser, Addison Wood 2014, Specialist, Young Learners
-Nasmyth, Ayesha  2001, Counselor
-Peterson, Basil  2016, Faculty
-Richey, Cal  2020, , Encore Kids
-Sharp, Chris 2015, Sports Info Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
-Smith, Rachel Day 2003, Faculty
-Standridge, Kim Fincher 1996, Faculty
-Thomas, Mary 2018, Faculty Fellow, High School
-Webb, Jodi Tidwell 1993, Senior Gift Manager, Advancement
-West, Lauren Lindsley 2009, Director of Marketing and Communications
-Wiggs, Tommy 1983, Manager
-Wright, Kristen Douglas 1989, Faculty, Middle School

Happy new school yr to the 36 alumni who serve at GAC! 🎉
Many joined the team recently: Basil Peterson ‘16, Mary Thomas ‘18, Caroline Freeman ‘10, Rachel Smith ‘03, and Ayesha Nasmyth ‘01.

We love each alumnus who works at GAC!
-Bolling, Sherry Harris 1981, HR Generalist,
-Bryant, Mary Helen Jones 1987, Director of Admissions
-Byrd, Dr. Linda 1981, Faculty
-Casey, Sam 2015, Faculty - Drama, Middle School
-Clark, Chris 2005, Faculty - Math, High School
-Connel, Suzanne Richardson 1986, Academic Support
-Cutchins, Christina Gaetano 1991, Teaching Assistant
-Davis, Karlyn 2012, Faculty, Early Childhood Village
-Duke, Joanna Hayes 1997, Associate, Admissions
-Eaton, David 2000, Faculty/Coach
-Ferguson, Meredith Baker 2009, Art
-Fincher, Matt 1995, Faculty, High School
-Freeman, Caroline 2010, Faculty - Video Production, High School
-Galarraga, Nelson 1999, Orchestra Director
-Garner, Lana Walton 1996, Faculty
-Gilliard, Rebekah Davis 1994, Counselor, Elementary
-Hartley, Kaleigh Warwick 2009, Alumni Relations Officer, Advancement
-Hill, Tyler Lang 2003, Faculty
-Hollier, Lauren Nygaard 1984, Academic Dean
-Jenkins, Tasha DeMonbreun 1989, Systems/Operations Analyst, Business Office
-Landreth, Chris 2006, System Administrator, Technology
-Lindsay, Dr. Robert 2002, Faculty/Ethos Assoc Academic Dean
-Malone, Megan 2013, Faculty
-Martin, Wendy Huff 1989, Faculty, Early Childhood Village
-Musser, Addison Wood 2014, Specialist, Young Learners
-Nasmyth, Ayesha 2001, Counselor
-Peterson, Basil 2016, Faculty
-Richey, Cal 2020, , Encore Kids
-Sharp, Chris 2015, Sports Info Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
-Smith, Rachel Day 2003, Faculty
-Standridge, Kim Fincher 1996, Faculty
-Thomas, Mary 2018, Faculty Fellow, High School
-Webb, Jodi Tidwell 1993, Senior Gift Manager, Advancement
-West, Lauren Lindsley 2009, Director of Marketing and Communications
-Wiggs, Tommy 1983, Manager
-Wright, Kristen Douglas 1989, Faculty, Middle School

Four Greater Atlanta Christian students named members of All-National Honor Chorus

Four GAC students have been named some of the top choral students in the nation! Go Spartans!

Four Greater Atlanta Christian students named members of All-National Honor Chorus Four students from Greater Atlanta Christian Academy have been named some of the top choral students in the nation.

Greater Atlanta Christian's Janie Stinchcomb commits to Samford

Congrats, Janie Katie '23 on committing to Samford for Volleyball!

Greater Atlanta Christian's Janie Stinchcomb commits to Samford Greater Atlanta Christian senior Janie Stinchcomb has committed to the Samford University (Ala.) women’s volleyball program.

Welcome back, Spartan family! We missed you!

🎓Alumni love to visit teachers and GAC, and we love when you do!

Dr. Robert Howe ’00, who was a valued member of GAC Alumni Advisory Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, visited Atlanta for the first time in several years.

While here, he reached out to Jimmy and Jean Jones to catch up over lunch.

On another day, he visited campus and reconnected with Dana Davis in his former high school building.

He contacted the Alumni Office and, along with his son, he reminisced over fond memories during a personalized tour of campus.

Robert was able to show his son where he ran cross country, took history twice with Mike Glenn (not for the faint of heart! 😉), hung out with his friends, and where God first stirred his spirit at GAC as a new, young Christian.

We count it a blessing every time an alumnus reconnect with teachers, coaches, and their school - because being a Spartan is for life.

Reach out to us anytime, and let us know when we can expect you next on campus (no need to wear your uniform 😊)! [email protected]

🎓 We are excited to share a few 2022 alumni stories as we congratulate the entire class on their bright futures ahead!⁠
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👏🏼 Denver Tolson is bound for Harvard University to pursue government and play soccer. While at GAC, she played soccer and was involved in choir, band, and theatre.👏🏼⁠⁠
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“My K-12 experience at GAC has allowed me to form connections with people from different backgrounds. It has also shown me how personal interactions can shape how people grow over a number of years. This has prepared me for the greater world and many experiences that will come down the line. " ⁠
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Swipe for an adorable photo of Denver as a younger Spartan. 🙌🏼⁠
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