Westminster Christian Academy senior, Austin Woods has received a four-year, Type 7 Air Force ROTC college scholarship. Woods will attend the University of Georgia where he, along with four other class mates, received early admission back in November.

Lt. Col. Byrd, Austin Woods and Capt. Mayor at the University of Georgia's Air Force ROTC detachment

Lt. Col. Byrd of the United States Air Force ROTC detachment at the University of Georgia will present Woods with the scholarship during Westminster’s Honors Night, Thursday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. Other active members of our armed forces as well as local military veterans from the community are invited to join us as we celebrate Wood’s achievement.

This is a national scholarship in which Woods competed with more than 15,000 other students to earn this honor. While attending UGA, Woods plans to major in Physics. Upon successful completion of his degree and the training program, Woods will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He will receive specific training in a career field after graduation from college and following entrance into the active duty Air Force.

Following this past weekend’s stellar performance, including a complete game no-hitter by junior pitcher Berkley Kirsche, Westminster’s varsity baseball team is moving on to the final eight and will compete in the second round of GISA playoffs.

“These guys are just awesome!” said Athletic Director Matt Payne.  “They have displayed tremendous energy and have been so positive the entire week.  They have worked hard and are excited to be advancing.”

Westminster Lions Senior Players and Coaches. L-R: Evan Splichal, Coach Nate Donatelli, Josh Gamber, Ryan Wise, Austin Woods, Coach Caleb Abney, Chad Herrin

The team competed Friday and Saturday in a best of three series at Oak Mountain Academy in Carrollton in the first round of the GISA baseball playoffs. 

Westminster Christian won game one, 15-8.  Berkley Kirsche had four hits, three runs and three RBIs.  Kirsche was followed by Joe Zehna (three hits, three runs, five stolen bases), Zach Daniell (three hits, one RBI, three runs, two RBIs, two stolen bases), Austin Woods (three hits, two RBIs, three stolen bases) and Andrew DeLong (two hits, three RBIs, one run, one stolen base).

The team was originally scheduled for a double header Saturday, but Kirsche’s no-hitter, complete with eight strike outs, clinched the best-of-three in only two games.  Kirsche finished 1-for-2 with three RBIs, two runs, a walk and two stolen bases, Austin Wood went 2-for-4 with an RBI, two runs and two stolen bases, and Chad Herrin went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Lions will play Crisp Academy in Cordele, GA next weekend.  Game times are Friday, May 11 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m.

Congratulations to Westminster kindergartner, Julia Bloom who won four tickets to the World of Coca-Cola.  Her name was chosen out of 26 students who were entered into the drawing after they each raised $10 or more for Westminster’s Relay for Life team.

There were several opportunities for students to participate in raising funds for the school’s team.    There was the Lower School’s “Tie Up Cancer” day when any student who paid $1 could wear a crazy (or plain) tie to school.  That same day, the Upper School participated in “Casual For A Cure” and by also paying $1 were allowed a casual day.  Several days students had the opportunity to purchase a Sun-O-frozen dessert  or an ice cream bar with proceeds going to the RFL team.

The weekend before the Oconee County Relay for Life, 19 of Westminster’s students performed in the annual talent show, sponsored by the Relay For Life team.  Donations totaling $648.31 were received, which will benefit the American Cancer Society! 

More than 180 students supported Westminster’s Relay For Life team, by participating in one or more of the fundraisers.  The 16 team members, who each committed to raise at least $100 to be on the team, raised a total of $3,587.05. 

Westminster Christian Academy's Relay for Life Team

Westminster’s 2012 Relay for Life team members were:
students: Blake Bachman, Addie Rose McNeal, Antorie Johnson, Griffin Sutton, Emily Moore, Kindler Norman, Abigail O’Rear, Eliza O’Rear, Morgan Parsons, Abigail Snyder, Riley Prescott, Jami Dillard, Noah Cooke, Katie Hacker, and Chad Herrin; and adults: Mary Delaplane, Alane Howell, and Barbara Moore.

The combined fundraising total of our top four team members was $1,711.05. Each of these individuals raised $300 or more.
1st place: Riley Prescott
2nd place: Jami Dillard
3rd place: Griffin Sutton
4th place: Addie Rose McNeal

The Relay For Life was held Friday, March 30 at the Oconee County High School stadium.  There were some very clever campsites, all based on book titles, with the overall theme of the 2012 Relay being, “Closing the Book on Cancer”.  Westminster’s book was Around the World in 80 Days, and its theme was, “Around the World for a Cure”.

Many of the 37 registered teams offered “dinner food”.  In keeping with the school team’s international theme, nachos/cheese dip, Italian meatballs, and Chinese fortune cookies were sold at Westminster’s campsite. 

Every few years, a storm develops the night of the Relay, and the event is rained out.  This year, due to the rainy weather, the event ended at 10:30 p.m.

“The Oconee Relay Committee made the right call,” said Alane Howell Westminster’s team leader, “but it was really disappointing, after all the hard work that was put into the Relay by the 37 participating teams and the 469 registered team members, that we were unable to stay all night!”

“Westminster’s campsite looked great, our international costumes (provided by Mary Delaplane) looked great, our t-shirts and our banner looked great, and our team’s enthusiasm was unmatched!” said Howell.

Due to the rain-out, no team award winners have been announced yet.  The Oconee Relay for Life Committee plans to host a dessert wrap-up relatively soon, but as of press time, this date has not been announced.

Westminster is thrilled with the amazing work, dedication and energy its team devoted to Relay For Life! Thank you!