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.

Like many seventh grade boys involved in after school and extracurricular activities, Westminster honor roll student Gray Miller is busy as a bee.  Well, to be accurate, Gray is busy with his bees.  While he enjoys playing soccer, fishing and hunting, Gray has one very unique hobby – he is a Bee Keeper.

Gray Miller :: Bee Keeper

In the two short years since Gray started bee keeping with his grandmother, his honey has won awards and he is now even turning his interest into a business as he sells honey and other bee products.

 
At the Georgia Honey Show in Callaway Gardens Gray’s honey received second place, and at the 2010 Madison County Fair his dark honey nabbed first place while his light honey was awarded third place.
 
A member of the Oglethorpe County Bee Club and occasionally attending the Piedmont Bee Club, Gray is serious about his bee keeping.  He took continuing education classes in September, and with only the written portion remaining to pass before he becomes a certified bee keeper, Gray already passed the physical part of the certifcation exam.
 
Interested in indulging in some award-winning honey?  Gray sells his sweet honey for $10 a pint and $12 for comb honey.  To purchase some, you may contact his mother at dewmiller@hotmail.com.

Westminster Christian Academy invites you to its Open House for prospective families from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8.  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.

Like most schools, Westminster takes great strides to secure the best and brightest teachers.  In order to be a school of excellence and continue to produce students who are wise and eloquent, there must be faculty, administration and staff who are excellent.

This year, Westminster has been blessed to add more outstanding faculty members to its already impressive roster of talented educators.  One of the school’s newest members isn’t entirely new to the school, as she completed her student teaching with us last year.  As the school has grown and more faculty needed, she was a natural choice.
 
Nine weeks into her first year teaching fourth grade, Laura Kittle is no stranger to the independent Christian school environment.  Kittle grew up in Conyers, GA where she graduated from Young
Americans Christian School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Developmentgraduated from the University of Georgia. 
 
Currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Piedmont College for Early Childhood Education, Kittle also enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts,
scrapbooking, playing the piano, and aerobics.
 
“I feel blessed beyond measure and honored to be working at Westminster. The uplifting, encouraging, and loving environment that all the teachers, staff, and families create is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It truly feels like family and I am forever grateful to be a part of it,” said Kittle.
 
Westminster is equally as blessed and honored to welcome Laura Kittle to the Lion family!

As the bright morning sun greets the day, offering enough warmth to burn away the sweet dew covering the ground, the Westminster Christian Academy school bus is effortless reversed into its parking space near the school’s playground, where its precious cargo descend the steps, eager to start their school day.

For eight years Rhonda Hayes, who is as cheerful as the bright yellow bus she drives, has provided safe and inexpensive transportation to Westminster students who live in Morgan and Walton counties.

While school transportation is not a new concept, in fact, most take it for granted, but at Westminster, there is no local transportation option and most students are found in the “car rider” lane.

The bus routes to Morgan and Walton counties was started eight years ago to help parents transport their children safely and inexpensively to and from school each day.  These routes have set pick-up and drop-off locations and are very dependable.  This service affords families, who without it would have to drive 20 miles or more each way, an opportunity to send their children to Westminster – a covenant school providing high-caliber education, Biblical worldview and spiritual nurture from PK 3 to 12th grade.

“If you have never checked out this service, we are here to let you know that after running the cost numbers, we are providing this service that will save you money each month,” said Mrs. Hayes.

Mrs. Hayes, a former Westminster parent, has a love for the school, its history and core values that is evident in all she does.  Not only does she transport some of Westminster’s “precious cargo” to and from school, but as the school’s Library Assistant she also offers them a world of adventure and learning as she assists them with reading selections.

For more information about Westminster’s Transportation Department, please contact Rhonda Hayes at  706-461-4880 or email hayes1572@charter.net.