Education
The Sky Is the Limit for Five Norcross High School Grads
Published
6 years agoon
How Five Former Students Found Inspiration and Memories From the School’s Band Program
Dawn Andrews, class of 2014
Drum Major at Georgia Tech
Norcross’s Band program was a huge part of her high school experience, according to Dawn Andrews. “From marching band to jazz band to symphonic band to pit orchestra, I wanted to do it all. And I’m so glad I did!,” she said. “It gave me lifelong friends, unique experiences, and it kept me busy doing something that I love.”
Dawn’s played piano, flute and piccolo, and she was a drum major at NHS. Her favorite memory is “conducting “We Are the Champions” in the Georgia Dome after our football team won the State Championships in 2012 — and we did it again in 2013!”
She noted that band also gave her opportunities for leadership and taught her how to be a good representative; she believes that has carried forward into all the communities that she is a part of now.
After graduating from Norcross in 2014, Dawn went on to major in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. “During my undergraduate years, I joined the band and was drum major from 2015 through 2018. Just like in high school, band became one of the most special parts of my life,” she said, “and I’m so grateful to the Georgia Tech Marching Band for all the friends, memories and opportunities that it gave me — more than I ever thought possible.”
Dawn is currently working on her master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech. She’s planning to graduate in December and move to Los Angeles in 2020 to start a career with SpaceX as a Design Engineer. “Instead of conducting bands, I build rockets now,” Dawn said. “But most importantly, I’m still keeping myself busy doing something that I love!” ■
Parker Buntin, class of 2012
Drum Major at Georgia Tech
Parker Buntin just completed his Masters in Materials Science and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology following an undergraduate degree in the same field at Georgia Tech. During his college and post-graduate career, Parker worked in Texas, England and California and is about to move back to California to work at Virgin Orbit.
Parker was actively involved in band throughout his time at both NHS and Georgia Tech. At Norcross, he played trumpet in the marching band, wind symphony, jazz band and brass ensemble. He continued playing trumpet at Georgia Tech in the orchestra, symphonic band, jazz band, new music ensemble and marching band. Parker was also drum major in 2011 at Norcross and from 2013 to 2016 at Georgia Tech.
He said his favorite memories from the band were traveling, whether for district and all-state bands at Norcross, for football games at Georgia Tech or for any other opportunity to get out into the world with the band. Two particularly memorable trips were the Orange Bowl trip in December, 2014 and the Dublin, Ireland trip in 2016.
According to Parker, his experiences in band at NHS and Georgia Tech left him with strong friendships and lasting memories, and he’s thankful for them. He hopes the students in the band community continue to work hard and enjoy their time in band, because the excellence of the program is something special that they will remember long after graduation. ■
Taylor Kay, class of 2012
During Taylor Kay’s time at Norcross High School, he participated in the NHS Wind Symphony, marching band, jazz band and the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony. After graduating from NHS, Taylor attended Georgia State where music earned him scholarships from the School of Music. He earned a spot in the GSU Marching Band where he performed in the 2012 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. and the 2014 88th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Taylor also played in the GSU Wind Orchestra for two years.
In 2016, Taylor transferred to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D. where he now majors in Aeronautical Sciences — Commercial Aviation. He is currently a commercial pilot working on his Airline Transport Pilot ratings, and he’ll flight instruct for the University before moving on as a first officer for SkyWest Airlines. Ultimately, Taylor hopes to return home to Atlanta and fly for Delta Airlines. ■
Kate Tabeling, class of 2016
Drum Major at UGA
Throughout her years in band, Kate Tabeling has gone from a drum major in high school, a section leader in college to a drum major in college. Due to UGA’s football achievements, she has been able to travel cross country to march at the Rosebowl and play at the National Championship.
“My past seven years in marching band have shaped who I am as a person and a leader,” Kate said. “I had to lead groups both large and small in rehearsals, teach students how to march, plan rehearsals, communicate with directors and students and so much more.”
She added that each of the tasks taught her different ways to organize, communicate and inspire. “When leading the Redcoat Band next season, I’ll apply all that I’ve learned from my freshman year of high school and continue to grow during my final season. ■
Beavan Zulu, class of 2017
Drum Major at Georgia State, Conductor with Phantom Regiment
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for band,” Beavan Zulu said. “Through band, I learned many lessons on patience, team work and perseverance.” He said that band also helped to make him a leader. Without it, “I wouldn’t know how to manage my time or efficiently maximize the time I have to reap the greatest benefits. I wouldn’t know that for a group to follow a leader, the leader first has to make personal connections with those he’s leading. I wouldn’t know that leadership carries on even when off duty.”
Beaven sums it up with, “I wouldn’t be half the leader or the person that I am today without the invaluable experiences I’ve acquired through band.” ■
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Arts & Literature
Q&A with Terry Gabbard, Norcross High’s New Theatre Director
Published
6 days agoon
March 4, 2025The Norcross High School drama department has a reputation for presenting quality productions each year, and 2024-2025 is no exception. They staged a one-act show of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in October followed by “Miss Nelson is Missing” in January. Next up for NHS Theatre is Matilda the Musical, set to open in April.
Leading the department this year is NHS’ new theatre director, Terry Gabbard, who came to Norcross with degrees in educational theatre and educational leadership, as well as over 20 years of public school theatre teaching and directing experience.
An award-winning director and playwright, he received the prestigious John W. Parker Award for excellence in directing in 2015, has had numerous productions named “distinguished play” from the North Carolina Theatre Conference and has three Best Musical wins from the Blumey Awards (Charlotte, NC’s version of the Tony awards).
Gabbard has also published two plays, one of which, “Our Place,” was named one of the top ten most produced short plays in American high schools.
Additionally, in 2020, his production of “Puffs” (a clever and comedic play set in the world of Harry Potter) was selected as one of only a handful of productions in America to perform at the International Thespian Society festival.
Though busy with preparations for Matilda, Gabbard recently took the time to answer a few questions about his career, his love of theatre and what’s next for the NHS drama department.
Which productions have you worked on since joining NHS?
We started off performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October, and we did a performance of Miss Nelson is Missing in January.
Where did you teach and direct before coming to Norcross?
I always explain that my wife supports my teaching habit, so we tend to move as her opportunities change.
I’ve taught mostly in high schools in Florida, North Carolina and now Georgia. I have taught in Gwinnett Public Schools before at Paul Duke STEM and in Cobb County at Campbell High School.
How did the move to NHS come about?
After leaving GCPS for a short few years, I was anxious to get back to this system and this community, and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
Have you always had a love for theatre?
I started participating in theatre when I was in 9th grade and have never stopped. For me, the thing that drew me to the art form was the sense of community that theatre creates.
What led you to pursue a career teaching and directing? Was there a specific moment that you realized it was what you wanted to do?
When I was a senior in high school, my theatre director let me direct a play in his theatre [for] one class. This is when I realized how much I loved directing and coaching other actors.
What was it like to win the John W. Parker award in 2015? And to be recognized with so many other honors?
I have been blessed to have been recognized several times by my peers and the organizations I’ve partnered with. It’s always nice to have these recognitions, but I have come to believe that any high school theatre production is a miracle in and of itself.
Producing theatre in high schools is always a challenge and getting to opening night is always a huge accomplishment.
Will you continue playwriting in addition to your work as NHS theatre director?
I haven’t written any plays in some time, but I’m definitely starting to get the itch. All of my plays have premiered at the schools where I was teaching. I imagine a world premier will happen at Norcross pretty soon.
What can you share about the school’s upcoming Matilda the Musical production? Is it one that you’ve directed in the past?
I have never directed Matilda, and I am extremely excited for the challenge. The music is incredible, and the characters are big and over the top.
What plans do you have for the NHS theatre program for the remainder of this year and next year?
After Matilda, things wrap up for us. I haven’t yet decided what shows to tackle next year. I know that I want to find plays that have a different tone than the pieces we did this year. The shows have been comedic this year. Something more dramatic is definitely in our future.
The NHS production of Matilda the Musical opens in April.
Dates and show times are:
- Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit nhs-drama.com.
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Education
Greater Atlanta Christian School Announces $30M Campus Investment
Published
3 weeks agoon
February 21, 2025The investment will transform the campus and elevate student experiences
Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) has announced an investment of over $30 million in facilities and program improvements at GAC, made possible through the Light the Way Campaign, a visionary initiative designed to elevate the educational experience for generations of students.
This transformative campaign will fund a dozen renovation and building projects that reflect GAC’s commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-changing world while deepening the school’s strong Christian foundation. The school recently shared details about some of the program’s key projects.
The Tidwell Commons
At the heart of the campaign is the Jim & Julie Tidwell Commons, a dynamic hub for middle and high school students to gather, collaborate and innovate.
The Tidwell Commons will feature a new student-run coffee shop and bistro, the new Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, a creative media production studio and modern academic spaces, including an enhanced library and academic support areas. The space will also be home to Christian Life and Missions, providing a cornerstone for nurturing faith and spiritual growth within the GAC community.
“The Tidwell Commons will be more than a facility; it will serve as a hub where ideas come to life, equipping students with real-world skills in business, innovation and creativity,” said Dr. Paul Cable, GAC’s high school principal.
The Combee Elementary Complex
The Jim & Becky Combee Elementary Complex will undergo a complete redesign to better support the needs of today’s students. Renovations will include flexible, modern classrooms, enhanced STEM and outdoor learning spaces and a state-of-the-art engineering, science and design lab.
“This renovation will not only modernize the Combee Elementary Complex but will also create an inspiring and secure environment where our younger learners can thrive and grow, reflecting our commitment to excellence in education and student well-being,” said Rhonda Helms, lower school principal.
Athletic improvements
The campaign also includes a new Athletic Field House to support GAC’s soccer, tennis, baseball, softball and girls flag football programs. Featuring locker rooms, training and meeting spaces and upgraded amenities, it will serve as a modern space for game-day operations and practices.
“This is a premier facility that will allow our athletes to compete at the highest level,” shared Athletic Director Tim Hardy.
In addition to the Field House, GAC is renovating and doubling the space in the Naik Athletic Training Center, further strengthening one of the top performance training programs in the state.
“Our performance training program is among the best in Georgia, and these upgrades will align our facilities with the excellence of our programming,” Hardy said.
The expanded training center will feature state-of-the-art performance training equipment, a dedicated speed and agility area and a new recovery suite.
“This space will give our athletes the tools they need to recover efficiently and perform at their peak,” he added.
Wood Family Treehouse
Additionally, the new Wood Family Treehouse and Canopy Walk, which was completed last month, will inspire and elevate students’ outdoor learning experiences for years to come.
Designed as a versatile hub for group learning, hands-on activities and after-school programs, the Treehouse is an exciting space for educational growth, exploration and team-building. It’s a place where students can connect with nature, develop new skills and deepen their love for the outdoors.
An investment in the future
This investment campaign is about more than just buildings though; each project focuses on today’s students as well as future generations, ensuring that GAC remains a beacon of excellence with a foundation of faith for years to come.
Through the Light the Way Campaign, students will benefit from improvements in academics, athletics, the arts, community and Christian faith.
About Greater Atlanta Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) is one of Atlanta’s largest Christian schools, serving over 1,800 PK-12 students. The walkable 90-acre campus is located in Norcross, just off of I-85 and Indian Trail Road.
GAC provides an array of in-person, online and hybrid options with over 65 STEM courses, 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual college credit courses and personalized and project-based learning.
In addition to forward thinking innovation, GAC students benefit from caring, responsive teaching and small class sizes.
GAC is a faith-infused, academically rich community, ranking at the top of the state for teaching quality, arts and athletics.
For more information, visit greateratlantachristian.org.
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Since the opening of the International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) in 2018, their students have been immersed in Japanese language and culture, including starting each new year (osho-gatsu) — Japan’s most important holiday — with two traditional rituals: Kakizome (New Year Japanese calligraphy) and Mochitsuki (New Year rice pounding).
This year, the students at the K-6 dual-language school in Peachtree Corners, gathered in the gym to practice and demonstrate their growing calligraphy skills and again outdoors a couple of weeks later for the physical fun of mochitsuki.
Kakizome
Literally translated as “first writing,” kakizome is a form of artistic calligraphy of the Japanese language that’s done at the start of each year to express hopes and positive wishes for the year ahead. Using traditional calligraphy brushes and ink, and often expressed through poetry, New Year’s resolutions or an auspicious word, kakizome is a special time to clear your mind and focus on the brush strokes.
According to a press release from the school, for ICAGeorgia’s kakizome event, each student, including the youngest kindergartners, used a traditional brush (ふで) and ink (すみ) to write a Japanese word of their choice — for example, “新年 (new year)” “元日 (New Years Day)” or “もち (mochi).”And, because 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar, 巳 (snake) was included in the word selection.
Mochitsuki
“In Japan, people make ‘mochi’ or pounded rice to celebrate the New Year,” shared Junko Jones, CFO of ICAGeorgia. “Mochi is sticky, so people eat it to help them ‘stick’ with their goals for the year — and they do it with family, friends and people in the community who they would like to ‘stick’ together [with]. Mochi can also be used as a decoration for New Year’s celebrations.”
Pounding the sticky rice into mochi with a wooden mallet is hard work, but the celebration is also one of Japan’s most fun (and popular) traditions.
For the school’s mochitsuki event, each student had an opportunity to pound and taste the mochi rice. All of the ingredients were donated by ICAGeorgia parents, and the mochi rice was cooked by ICAGeorgia parent volunteers on the day of the event — making it true school community celebration.
After pounding the rice, students, staff and volunteers enjoyed delicious rice cakes (omochi) together, welcoming the new year and looking forward to a happy and successful 2025.
About ICAGeorgia
The International Charter Academy of Georgia offers a dual language immersion program in English and Japanese, allowing students to learn both languages through a variety of subjects, including math, science, social studies, art, music and physical education. Japanese instruction is based on the Japanese Ministry of Education curriculum, and teachers collaborate across departments.
The school’s mission is “to broaden the horizons of students in Georgia so that they may become global citizens who promote peace throughout the world.” This is achieved not only through language learning, but also through cultural activities. But the best way to promote peace and understanding is through interactions among the students themselves, who make up an extremely diverse community.
For more information, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.
Photos courtesy of ICAGeorgia.
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