We invite you to take a moment and read over these points of pride for the school, the students and their families! Congratulations to each of Westminster’s graduates!

• THIRTEEN – number of different colleges and universities to which students gained acceptance: Auburn University, Berry College, Clemson University, Covenant College, Gainesville College, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Lee University, North Georgia College and State University, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Sewanee: The University of the South, Toccoa Falls College, The University of Georgia, and The University of North Carolina, Asheville.

• SEVEN - number of scholarships received by students: Hannah Cole, Presidential Scholarship to Lee University; Anna DeLaurier, Academic Scholarship to Berry College; Josh Gamber, Soccer Scholarship to Toccoa Falls College; Christina Schuman, Four-year Academic Scholarship to Covenant College; Evan Splichal, Academic Scholarship to Sewanee: The University of the South; Steven Stowe, Presidential Scholarship to Lee University;           Austin Woods, Four-year, Type 7 Air Force ROTC Scholarship to The University of Georgia

• FIVE - number of students who received early acceptance to The University of Georgia back in the fall of 2011
• EIGHTEEN – number young men and women who comprise Westminster’s class of 2012 and each will be attending college in the fall. 

Westminster will celebrate and honor its graduates at the following events.  Congratulations Class of 2012!

Graduation Events:
Senior Roast — Thursday, May 10 @ 8:00 p.m. in the gym
Baccalaureate — Sunday, May 13 @ 3:00 p.m., Grace Fellowship
Graduation — Friday, May 18 @ 7:00 p.m. Grace Fellowship

Reception immediately following the ceremony

All of our school families are welcomed and encouraged to attend these special events in the lives of the Class of 2012.

Westminster Christian Academy is thrilled to announce Mr. James Armistead has been named as the school’s new headmaster effective July 1, 2012.

Armistead was carefully and prayerfully selected out of dozens of candidates from a nationwide search, and we want to take a moment to introduce him and provide a bit of insight about the man who will lead our school.

Westminster Christian Academy Headmaster James Armistead

Also, please mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 10 when Armistead will officially address the school and the community during the Parents’ Association meeting at 6:30 p.m. 

Westminster’s new head of school double majored during his four years at King College earning bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Physics, and graduated Cum Laude while playing varsity soccer for four years (more on that later). He also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Covenant College where he was chosen as the class graduation speaker.

Following his time at King College, Armistead spent nearly two decades teaching high school and AP level science and mathematics classes at Chattanooga Christian School in Tennessee. While there he also filled the role of High School Registrar. He then accepted the position of high school principal at Westminster Christian School in Miami, Fla. After a few years in Miami, Armistead and his family moved to Lexington, Ky. where he served for seven years as headmaster at Trinity Christian Academy.

The son of a Presbyterian pastor and missionary, Armistead was born in Johnson City, Tenn. and grew up in Mexico and Ecuador. He and his wife Patti of 30 years have a 19-year-old son, Lewis who is finishing his freshman year at Covenant College.

An enthusiastic stargazer, not only does he know where Saturn and Jupiter are at all times, but Armistead has also led Astronomy classes, as well as other extracurricular activities such as chess and back-packing.

Armistead with his wife Patti and their son Lewis

As previously mentioned, Armistead is a former collegiate athlete.   His love of the game led him to coaching high school and middle school soccer for 16 years. Two other interesting facts about Armistead’s obvious enjoyment for activity – he has climbed the world’s largest active volcano, Mt. Cotopaxi which is 19,700 ft. high, and he completed the Smoky Mountain Marathon in 3hrs and 26 mins.

Armistead will officially step into the role of headmaster July 1, 2012. The role and job description of today’s headmaster of Westminster is very different than nearly 25 years ago when the school first began. Today Westminster is dual accredited through SAIS/SACS and the headmaster is managing two administrators, faculty, staff, and the entire organization.

As a classical Christian school, Westminster has specific requirements and needs for its head of school. In addition to the standard duties, the new headmaster will secure the ongoing stability and growth of the school by building and managing the financial, operating, and administrative infrastructure, including a specific focus on advancement and development.

Armistead’s wide breadth of experience, abundant qualifications, and most importantly a passion for serving the Lord, proved him to be the right candidate for this critical position.

“There is nothing more critical to the future, than the proper upbringing and educating of our children, and the Christian School is providentially positioned to be the key element in helping parents with that task,” said Armistead. “My goal is to marshal my efforts and those of the Lord’s people to provide for the building of His kingdom by how we nurture and equip students for lives of service to Him.”

There is no doubt James Armistead is the leader and headmaster who Westminster has sought and he will quickly become a welcomed and recognized face in the Athens and Oconee communities as he extends the hand of Westminster Christian Academy to foster and strengthen relationships and the school’s presence throughout the area.

August 1999 started a new chapter for Hannah Cole as she walked through the doors of Westminster Christian Academy ready to start kindergarten.  The pages of her story quickly filled and now, 13 years later, this chapter will soon end as she prepares to graduate.  As you flip through the pages of Hannah’s time at Westminster, there are great stories of accomplishment, experiences, love, friendships and growth.

Hannah Cole. Picture by Kaitie Bryant Photography - www.kaitiebryantphotography.com

Hannah said her favorite excerpt from her time at Westminster is, “The trip to Italy!”

During her junior year, Hannah and 12 other Westminster Latin students took part in an eight-day-trip to Italy.  The trip was led by Latin teacher Mark Hamilton who has played a key role in Hannah’s time at Westminster.

“I remember Coach Hamilton making our whole class do wall sits and thinking, ‘Who is this guy? No teacher in Elementary school made us do anything like this!” said Hannah as she reflected on her first encounter with Hamilton during her transition from lower school to upper school.

Wall sits were just the beginning of Hannah’s time with Coach Hamilton.  Along with teaching Latin, Hamilton coached Hannah in basketball, a sport she has excelled at while playing for Westminster since 2008.  In fact, in 2010 Hannah received the Lion Award for Basketball, an award given for having the heart of a lion and being committed to the team.

For four years Hannah has played Wing/Small Froward for the team and has celebrated much team success.  In 2009 and 2010 the Lady Lions were the Region Champions.  Last year the team was the Region Runner-up.  Hannah’s final year as a Lady Lion ended with the team making it to the State Final Four.

Hannah’s athletic talents have also been seen on the volleyball court as she has played outside hitter for the school since 2009.  During her final season this past fall, the team played for the state title.

Not only is Hannah an incredible athlete, but she is also an excellent student with many awards and honors to show for her hard work. 

Hannah has received both the Faculty and Founders Awards.  The Founders Award, which she received in 2011 for American History, is given to the student who earns or ties for highest grade in the class.  As the student who demonstrated an aptitude or diligence in a class, Hannah has received the Faculty Award for World History in 2009, Latin 3 in 2010, Pre-Calculus in 2011, AP Latin in 2011 and English in 2011.

As wonderful as these accolades in athletics and academics are, they only tap the surface in showcasing the tremendous person Hannah is.  When you first meet Hannah there is an immediate peace and calm and great sense of maturity and kindness seldom seen from a seventeen-year-old.  There is a gentle strength about her that she displays with grace and poise.  Simply put, she is a young lady whose heart truly belongs to the Lord.

It’s her heart for the Lord that earned her the Veritas Award three years in a row from 2008 – 2011.  The Veritas Award is given to the students at school who show Christ-like character and recipients are chosen by faculty and students.

Her dedication to her fellow students is undeniable and fully reciprocated.  She has served her student body in a few key leadership roles over the past four years.  This school year alone Hannah is serving as Student Council President and as NHS Vice President.

A natural leader, Hannah was chosen for the “I Dare You” Leadership Scholarship and Award in August 2010.  This allowed her to attend a leadership camp.  She has also been involved with the American Youth Foundation and National Leadership Conference.

Her leadership skills and heart for serving others does not end at school.  An active member at St. James United Methodist Church, Hannah has served on the Student Leadership Team for the Youth Group and has been a Sunday School Small Group leader for fourth and fifth graders since 2009.

There are several examples of Hannah’s service activities, co-organizing a supply drive for the earthquake victims in Haiti; volunteering with the school’s annual blood drives; a mission trip to Montenegro; and being selected by faculty to the Westminster Honor Council.  All of these are honorable and noteworthy, but the service experience that may be the greatest is her summer spent at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters, NC in a non-paid position where she served on the camp staff for nine weeks.

In just a week’s time, Hannah will add another service project to her list as she expands her heart to the people in Jamaica where the school’s senior class is going for its mission trip.

There is much already written in Hannah’s chapter about her time at Westminster, and the one thing that is easy to see is that she has left no stone unturned and experienced as much as she can while at Westminster.  Along with everything else already showcased, Hannah also has found time to participate in Mock Trial since 2008 and even received Best Witness at last year’s competition with her team that made it all the way to state.

She took some time in 2008 to join the Robotics Team and competed at regional and advance to the southeast regional at Auburn.  While at region, the team won Best New Team.

An avid reader and lover of literature, especially anything by her favorite author C.S. Lewis, Hannah enjoys writing short stories and has participated in a Creative Writing Workshop/Peer Group.

Other hobbies and talents include photography and singing – a talent she has shared throughout her time as a Praise Team vocalist at church over the past four years.

This is a very rich chapter in Hannah’s life, but as previously stated, it is soon to come to an end.  The next chapter has yet to be written, but the title may be something like, “Life at Lee University.”

Having been accepted to Berry College and Lee University, Hannah had the wonderful joy of choosing the backdrop of her next chapter in life.  She chose Lee University.

“I love the atmosphere and feel welcomed while on the campus,” said Hannah.  “After being there for a visit, I knew it was where I want to go – I can see myself there.”

While there are still a few pages left to be written in this chapter, the end is drawing close, but all at Westminster are excited for Hannah as she starts anew at Lee University.  Lee University is gaining a wonderful addition. After all, Hannah is a Lion, a Leader and a Lady. 

Check out the following fun facts and favorites of Hannah’s.

Favorite Book: “A Gentle Calling” by Donna Fletcher Crow

Favorite TV Show: NCIS

Favorite Vacation Spot: Mountains

Favorite Quote: “A man can do more to diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbing the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”   – C.S. Lewis

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite Restaurant: Provino’s

Favorite Drink: Dr. Pepper or Hot Chocolate

Favorite Candy: Reese’s Pieces

Favorite Activity: Reading

Last April when Enid Costello and Darwyn Shannon stepped onto Westminster’s campus for Grandparents’ Day, they had no idea that day would change their lives. 

The school was filled with the excitement and anticipation of the inaugural Grandparents’ Day and students were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their special guests.  In the second grade classroom, good friends Lauren Costello and Abi Shannon were preparing to parade around the school along with their classmates who were all dressed as their favorite book character.  This was just a small part of the festivities planned to honor the special guests for the day.

Meanwhile, as grandparents and guests were standing outside waiting for the parade to start discussing how wonderful it was to be at the school, Enid and Darwyn met and struck up a quick conversation about the beautiful, but cold weather and Enid mentioned how much she loves the beach.

The day and its activities wrapped up and guests left the campus, but for Darwyn, it was more than just the day’s event that left an impression on him.

Shortly following the event, Darwyn called his son, Brac Shannon and confided that he was interested in Enid whom he only spoke with for maybe five minutes, and questioned if Brac had any way of contacting her.

As fate may have it, Brac and his family are very good friends with the Costellos as a result of Lauren and Abi.  Brac called Lauren’s father and Enid’s son, Mark to fill him in on the conversation.

When Mark contacted his mother and relayed to her the news, Enid was flattered.  Mark received approval from his mother to pass along her contact information.

It wasn’t until August that Darwyn and Enid reconnected, but they enjoyed lunch together and experienced a connection unlike anything they thought they would again.  By December, the two announced to their families they planned to marry.

The wedding is set for March 24, the day following the second annual event which brought them together – Grandparents’ Day. 

As for best friends Lauren and Abi – they are ecstatic to soon really be related through the marriage of their paternal grandparents who visited Westminster and found love.

Westminster senior Ryan Wise already has an impressive list of awards and achievements.  A member of Beta Club, National Honors Society and Student Council, Ryan has also received the Georgia Certificate of Merit and Principal’s Award.  To these honors, Ryan now adds STAR student, an annual award given by Westminster to the student meeting the criteria set by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. 

Ryan Wise receives his STAR Student Award from Dean of Students Mike Ediger and Upper School Principal Judy Childs

Don’t let all of these accolades fool you into thinking he is just a really smart and academically gifted student.  Ryan is a well-rounded individual who is talented and versatile in several areas.

His interests and hobbies range from worship, to sports (specifically soccer), to playing guitar and bass, and to enjoying video games.

Ryan is also a fan of the Harry Potter series; the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenixis his favorite.  In fact, Ryan’s favorite quote, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”  is from Albus Dumbledore, a Harry Potter character.

There is no doubt Ryan will continue to heed that advice as he leaves Westminster after nine years, and begins his college career at the University of Georgia where he received early acceptance.

Want to know more about Ryan?  Check out some his favorite things listed below.

Favorite Song: There are too many, but today it is, “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin

Favorite Food: Seafood, Sushi, Pizza, Mexican, Italian and Corn Nuggets

Favorite Vacation Spot: Italy

Favorite Color: Red and Blue

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Trinity

Favorite Restaurant: Five Guys, Keba’s and La Parilla

Favorite Drink: Sweet Tea

Favorite Candy: Skittles

During the four years Evan Splichal has attended Westminster Christian Academy he has experienced a great deal of success and made many wonderful memories.

Evan has received a great deal of academic achievements, including being recognized on Westminster’s Honor Roll and National Honor Society from 2009 – present, and participating in Beta Club since 2010. With AP Biology and AP Latin already under his belt, he is currently taking AP Calculus, AP Literature and AP Chemistry.

Westminster is not the only institution to recognize Evan’s talent.  He participated in the Duke TIP Program which is a nationally recognized academic talent search program and it provides participants with an exciting, stimulating and challenging opportunity to augment their capabilities.

Evan has also experienced success outside of academics.  Last year Evan was a member of Westminster’s Mock Trial team that received eight awards during the school’s first appearance at the annual Georgia Mock Trial Competition.  Evan also received an individual award of Best Witness during the Regional Mock Trial Championship.

A member of Westminster’s Basketball team since 2009 and involved with Debate, Evan has definitely remained active during his time at Westminster, but it doesn’t stop there.  Since June 2011, Evan has served as an Assistant Leader for Athens Y Camp in Tallulah Falls, Ga.

With all Evan has to offer, it is not a surprise that he can choose which school he wants to attend.  Having received early admission to the University of Georgia, Evan is considering the local school, but also has his eye on Washington and Lee University which is pursuing him, as well as Sewanee: The University of the South which is his parents’ alma mater.

We know he is incredibly talented and that wherever he decides to attend, we are confident he will excel, just as he has at Westminster, but what are some fun facts about Evan?  Here are a few of his favorite things:

Favorite Westminster Memory: Last year’s trip to Italy with the Latin class

Favorite Book: Frankenstein

Favorite Food: Swordfish

Favorite Vacation Spot: Amsterdam

Favorite Movie: “Shawshank Redemption”

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Ice Cream: Anything Fruity

Favorite Restaurant: Zaxby’s

Favorite Drink: Root Beer

Favorite Candy: Warheads

Families will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet members of the Westminster community and enjoy an open conversation about the high-caliber educational experience Westminster Christian Academy provides in a small private school setting.

When senior Katie Tingle graduates in May, it won’t only signify the end of her time at Westminster Christian Academy, it will also mark the end of an era and a significant point in the school’s history.  More than 23 years ago, before Katie was even born, her parents Steve and Dale Tingle along with a small group of families founded Westminster Christian Academy in 1988. 

Of the founding families’ children, Katie is the youngest and therefor the last of Westminster’s originals who will graduate from the school.  It is no surprise that one of Katie’s favorite Westminster memories is, “being a part of building the school’s campus.”

Picture by Kaitie Bryant Photography

During her fifteen year career at Westminster, Katie whose warm yet slightly mischievous smile brightens a room, has built relationships that will last her a lifetime, but its the growth of these relationships and the new ones made during her senior year which are most special to her.

An excellent athlete and scholar, Katie has participated in Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Student Council, Beta Club, National Honor Society and Future Christian Athletes.  In fact her Cross Country team mates and she made it to All-Region and during her freshman, sophomore, junior years on the soccer team they competed at state.

Her participating in sports is something she hopes to carry over into her college career.  When asked which colleges she is applying and where she hopes to attend, Katie said, “Covenant, UGA, Gainesville, Berry.  I would love to attend Covenant to possibly play soccer and/or basketball.”

In addition to playing sports with her teammates, other hobbies and talents of Katie’s are, ” Teaching and coaching others, and tutoring children,” said Katie.

It is easy to see Katie has a love for all things Westminster.  So what are some of her favorite things? 

Favorite Food: Popcorn

Favorite Song: “Best Imitation of Myself” by Ben Folds

Favorite Vacation Spot: Grayton Beach Fort Walton, Florida

Favorite Quote: “Strange is in the eye of the beholder.”

Favorite Color: Blue and Red

Favorite Ice Cream: Cookies and Cream

Favorite Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

Favorite Candy: Sour Patch Kids

This isn’t the last we have heard from or about Katie.  Check back often as we will update where she decides to attend college, how her senior year of basketball and soccer turn out and more.

Picture thanks to Kaitie Bryant Photography.

A whimsical cupcake with swirling rich chocolate icing you can practically taste just by sight.  The simplistic wonder and majesty of a small bird with a jet black head and pure white body.  Three presents beautifully wrapped and meticulously stacked daring you to tear into them and discover the treasures inside.  What do all of these have in common?  They are some of the masterful art creations of Westminster ninth-grader Megan Reeves and they are now available as greeting cards for all to enjoy.

Megan's Birthday and Blank Greeting Cards on Display at Elizabeth Ann Florist & Gift Shop

An artist who is inspired by and finds her greatest fulfilment in painting animals and nature, Megan desired to find a way to showcase her work.  During an afternoon shopping trip, Megan walked into Elizabeth Ann Florist & Gift Shop in downtown Watkinsville, Ga. and noticed a variety of greeting cards.  This sparked an idea for Megan.  If she were able to turn her artwork into cards, maybe she could place them in shops.

Megan Reeves showcasing her art

After talking about it with her parents, Megan initiated contact with the shop owner and asked several questions, including the very important – could she sell her artwork as greeting cards in the shop.  The answer was yes, and Megan was on her way to learning all about printing and finding a style that would not only showcase her talent, but also attract a large audience. 

Throughout the process, Megan learned more about the shop owner, including that she is a breast cancer survivor.  Upon this insight, the beauty of Megan’s heart and character was revealed in even greater ways than her art displays as Megan decided to design a special card that 100% of the proceeds would go to breast cancer research and awareness. 

With elegant pink petals gracefully and intentionally uniting to form the familiar pink ribbon symbolic for breast cancer awareness, Megan’s breath taking rendering of a gerbera daisy adorns her special card that is not only perfect for sending greetings, but also supports a worthy cause.

Megan is not only a remarkably mature, compassionate and business savvy ninth grader with a passion and exceptional talent for art.  She is also a straight-A-student, member of student council, JV Cross Country and the swim team.  In addition to this, she serves on the Teen Advisory board at the Watkinsville Library.

Her 4 x 6 cards, sold in sets are whimsical and stunning.  All Megan originals, her initial cards are sets of birthday and blank greeting cards.  Since the start of her business venture, Megan has added a Christmas collection and has expanded to also offer her cards at Land Arts in Watkinsville on Hog Mountain Road. 

 If you are interested in purchasing some of Megan’s cards, please stop by one of her two selling locations: Elizabeth Ann Florist & Gift Shop or Land Arts, both in Watkinsville.  If you are unable to stop by, email MeganReevesArt@gmail.com for more information.