Community
Cornerstone Christian Academy Students Share Their Gratitude
A writing exercise provided by Suzanna Trice, Middle School Writing Teacher
This year has been a trial for everyone. We’ve heard that line so many times, from many people. After the first 10 times, we start to ignore it. But that shouldn’t be the case. Plenty of people have grown and changed for the better. For me, being quarantined gave me time to reflect, and grow closer to God and my family. I realized I wasn’t giving these relationships as much attention as I should have. Also, I’ve become much more confident and productive by overcoming the struggle of solitary situations such as digital learning or missing my friends and family.
— Kelsey Brown, 7th Grade
2020 has been a tough year, but God has provided through the storm. I would like to take a moment to reflect on those blessings. I am in person at school with a group of Christians that are all going through the same things. God has given me a stable home life that made living through COVID slightly more bearable. None of my family has been infected with the sickness yet, and for that I am grateful. God’s grace has given me a light to search for through the chaos of the pandemic.
— Rett Bush, 7th Grade
2020 has been a questionable year and not a favorite of mine, and I’m sure, many others. There are many things I take for granted like having a basketball hoop that I play on with my friend every day while all the gyms are closed, and some people can’t hoop. Most importantly, though, is having amazing parents that love me and care for me every day.
— George Thompson, 7th Grade
Between having hours on end to spend with my family, building forts and baking pumpkin bread, I have experienced true joy through a broken world. At the beginning, I felt alone and wanted to go back to school, but as the weeks went on, I realized that the pandemic had given me the opportunity to look at the world with a new perspective. Before I would complain about a small inconvenience, but the pandemic allowed me to grow up and see the struggles of others.
— Julia Jackovich, 8th Grade
I have had a very boring year so far this year, but 2020 has also made me realize how many different things I should be more thankful for. A few of these things are having friends that live nearby, having an energetic dog running around with me, having a brother and sister that care about me and give me new ideas of ways to spend my time. Our relationships have gotten much closer. Also, being able to play soccer is something that is very important to me. I have really enjoyed these gifts that have been given to me.
— Clara Allen, 7th Grade
My blessing this year was realizing how many things I take things for granted. During the time that I was in virtual school, I realized how much I appreciate the teacher being right there to help me. Being back in school, I can say that having the teacher right there really impacts the way you can learn. I am so thankful for all the staff at my school and the opportunity to be a part of this school.
— Rachael Samples, 8th Grade
For me, the quarantine meant that we had to leave our home in New York and travel to various different places until we found our home in Georgia. The first place we stopped was an apartment in D.C. While we were there we took various hikes and walks to relieve stress and get exercise, and it made me think about how much I took for granted and how much I am grateful to have a safe and reliable place to stay with a warm bed and to have family and friends that support me throughout my life.
— Christian Richards, 8th Grade
Even through this pandemic and our mess of a world has created a sense of chaos, we can still find blessings within it. God has given us a wonderful community. I was able to attend some get-togethers in the community with my family. It was not only the Scripture that was shared at these outings, it was the slight sense of normalcy. We all needed to see others again. I was one of the lucky ones this 2020. Of course, this year has been a struggle for everyone, but it has brought not only my family, but the community closer.
— Griffin Hackett, 8th Grade
Since the coronavirus outbreak, this year happened at home. School, conversations, church and much more were all on the computer screen. Quarantine has made me a lot more grateful for the little things. For example, I was not very grateful for school. I didn’t like the challenging assignments or waking up early, but once school was taken away, I realized what a blessing going to school is. I am extremely grateful to be going back to school in person with my friends.
— Hannah Hightower, 7th Grade
I am immensely blessed to have such good friends that kept in touch nearly every day during coronavirus. I am extremely thankful that my dad kept his job and hired other people too. I am very, very thankful that we are going to school in person which is a ginormous blessing. Peachtree Corners is doing great keeping coronavirus away and keeping everyone safe. Most of all, I am thankful for my family who helped me through COVID-19 and overall made me a better person. I just want to thank everyone for helping me through this pandemic.
— Cole Creel, 7th Grade
The thing I am most grateful for in 2020 is my family. They provide me with a roof over my head, my favorite meal of steak and potatoes, and a shoulder to cry on when I’m in doubt. They love me more than I could ever imagine. God gave me a family that I should treasure, not take for granted. Even when I want to argue with them, I need to take a step back and remember that I have a family who will always be there for me.
— Chloe Nylund, 7th Grade
2020 has been a challenging year, but it has been great in some ways too. For me, it was a great year because my family now owns a lake house with two of my best friends ever. Another blessing is that this has been a big year of progression for me in terms of sports. Finally, we are about to get a hyper new puppy called an Aussalier.
— Ben Hester, 7th Grade
2020 has been an eye-opening year for me. The community has done an outstanding job cleaning and keeping the parks in great condition. I also enjoyed kayaking down the Chattahoochee River and spending more time at local parks and recreational areas. The park system has provided my family with many memories. When I think about the trauma of 2020, I will also remember the parks and this community.
— Juliette Dill, 7th Grade
For me, my teachers and mentors have truly poured into me and enriched my life. Whenever I make a poor decision, these wonderful people in my life correct me in a way that will direct me not to make that choice again. Teaching me academically is another way they have impacted my life. My teachers at school have really helped my academic success, and my parents guide me in many different scenarios. These people are helping to make me a better person, and I am truly thankful for that.
— Madeline Austin, 7th Grade
I am thankful for my family. When people say, “you never know you love something so much til it is lost,” believe them. Because of taking care of our grandparents’ safety and ours, we haven’t been able to see them as much. I love my family, but I never knew how much. We have taken turns calling my great grandmother almost every night in quarantine. Not only has she been able to tell the history of our family, but we have also been able to connect on a closer level. I strongly believe God has done this for a reason.
— Sadie Archibald, 7th Grade
My grandparents moved down with us and we had to be completely quarantined. During this time, I was mad but then I realized that we were together, unlike other families. So I made the best of it. We went to Simpsonwood Park and hiked until other people showed up. I started cooking and felting. We did lots of family events like eating dinner together. We truly were able to grow closer together.
— Avery Melendez, 7th Grade
This pandemic has taught me that I’m thankful for an excellent life. The ability to be alive, healthy and safe is a blessing. I’m thankful for the gift of love. When others love you, you feel special and when you love others, you feel excellent about yourself. There will be bad things in life but there will also always be good things. It’s not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy.
— Caroline Trice, 7th Grade
This year, my dad found his biological family. He was adopted by my grandparents, who were right by his side the whole way. My dad found his mom (Momma Jean), his half-sister (Mallory) and many aunts, uncles and cousins. While others saw tragedy in 2020, we saw God’s fingerprints. My dad has the date he decided to let God control his life tattooed on his arm, which turns out to be Mallory’s birthday. My dad and Mallory even have the same last name. God showed us his power through these hard times, and I am forever grateful for that.
— Ella Floyd, 8th Grade
I wasn’t really great at making good friends, so I always struggled. I was coming out of a toxic friendship and I wasn’t doing the best. Thankfully, over our time at home, I got closer with a girl named Maya, and she helped me realize that I don’t need to worry about what others think.
— Avery Hoffstedder, 7th Grade
Yes, it may be hard during these stressful times, but we have to make the most of it! We should be grateful for our families, that we have a roof over our heads and that we can get a nice, warm, delicious meal! We can also be grateful that we can still see our friends, it may be on a screen, but we should still be grateful. We should thank the Lord that we can still get through this! I hope everyone has a great day and everyone stays safe.
— Eliana T.
In this world, there’s good and bad. 2020 hasn’t been amazing, but there are some great things that have happened. I am thankful that I have an amazing family. They have comforted and loved me in these uncertain times. I’m also thankful that I’ve gotten to stay home and be safe. I’m grateful that my school is open so I can learn and be with my friends. We have some amazing doctors out there, too. In these times a mask helps, but a gun does not. Washing our hands helps, but fighting doesn’t. Let’s stick together and get through this!!
— Gurbani C.
2020 has been kind of tough. I think we can all agree on that. But through the restrictions and masks, there is actually a whole lot to be grateful for. From houses to water to the magazine you’re reading right now, there are a lot of things we take for granted! Lots of people have no food, drink, shelter or the smartphone that most adults use all the time! So put down the phone and take some time to think about all the things you have with your friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Much love readers!
— Jackson W.
During 2020, I’ve experienced so much fun, fear, pain and many adventures. I’ve experienced things like broken bones and digital learning. I know that some people have lost their jobs. This year was hard, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t do much! COVID-19 has affected so many people. Even still, I am thankful for being able to come back to school and peoples’ jobs coming back. So my blessing is that people get well, people stay safe and that you stay healthy.
— KaileyAnn K.
In 2020, anything can happen. We all know it’s not the most quality year, but there is a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for getting to go to school and see all my friends. Almost everything is a privilege. We should be thankful for those around us! A lot of people have lost their jobs and that makes everything a little harder. I’m thankful for my family. I’m also thankful for my mask, pets and hand sanitizer!
— Lawson P.
I have many blessings,
too many to count.
I have so many blessings I might have to recount.
The nature that God provided was more than I needed.
When searching for a new sport, we succeeded.
Volleyball added some joy during coronavirus.
COVID-19 has made our life desirous.
We still found a way to meet up with friends.
Even while following what the law intends.
This is the end of my blessings for now.
Have a good day. ¡Chao!
— a poem by
Lacie Jones, 7th Grade
The extra time we’ve had
Having an awesome time
And fooling around
Night and day and also
Knowledge matters so we can have
Fun in digital school and an
Ultimate time during summer break in this
Lively year.
— a poem by Joshua S.
*Read more thankful messages from the community by clicking this link.
Peachtree Corners resident, Alex Everett traveled to Italy this past September — not as a tourist but as an athlete. The 28-year-old accountant and liver transplant survivor, served as goalkeeper on Team USA as they competed in the first-ever Transplant Football World Cup.
The event — part of the larger World Transplant Games — promoted giving the gift of life through a week of connection and sportsmanship, showcasing how people with organ transplants can live a normal, active life.
“I first heard about the US Transplant World Cup team a few years ago through a social media post,” said Alex. “The first Transplant World Cup was originally going to take place in 2022 but was postponed due to the uncertainty around international travel and COVID. Fast forward to 2024 and Team USA had an interest meeting via Zoom to discuss details about the tournament and fielding the American team.”
Team USA
All together, they had 14 people from around the United States (hailing from Georgia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California and Hawaii) join the team, which traveled to Cervia, Italy in September to compete.
“There were 10 other countries that were represented in the World Cup, and we were split into two groups, one of five and one of six,” Alex explained.
“It was an incredible experience representing the US at an international level, competing against other transplant recipients from around the world. We not only were able to share our passion for soccer but also our stories of transplantation and what obstacles we had to overcome to be where we were.”
Coming together to compete
Team USA played well in their matches but placed 9th out of the 11 teams. Because players came from all over the country to join the team, they hadn’t had the opportunity to practice together — or even meet in person — before the tournament started.
“The first time we met face to face and kick a ball as a team was our first game against France,” said Alex. “While that outcome was not what we wanted, we progressively got better as the tournament went on. Eventually ending with a win in a penalty shoot-out against Wales and a normal time win in our final game against Northern Ireland.”
“It was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend anyone who’s involved with transplantation to reach out and get involved with not only Team USA but also with the Transplant Games of America (TGA), which is an Olympic-style competition for people who have received transplants or living donors,” he added.
Most states in the US have their own TGA team, including one here in Georgia.
World Transplant Games 2025
The next World Transplant Games will be held in Dresden, Germany on August 17-24, 2025.
Over six days, athletes and teams from 60 countries will meet to compete in 17 different sports. The US Team is excited to be part of it again and are currently looking for more players interested in taking part.
Leave a lasting legacy
Alex is also involved with the Peachtree Corners-based organization LifeLink® of Georgia, a division of the LifeLink® Foundation.
Established over 40 years ago, the foundation’s mission is to inspire new organ donor registrations and celebrate those who have decided to save lives as a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. The mission is carried out locally through education programs and community awareness campaigns.
Earlier this year, LifeLink of Georgia launched The Infinity Campaign, a state-wide educational effort aimed at motivating and registering new organ donors. The campaign is represented by the infinity symbol, to demonstrate the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation.
About LifeLink of Georgia
LifeLink of Georgia partners with hospitals to support and guide families as they establish their loved one’s legacy through organ and tissue donation.
They carry out the decisions of registered donors or their families and honor the life of each donor by providing organs and tissue for transplant to as many patients as possible.
In 2023, 457 men, women and children gifted a legacy of life through organ donation with LifeLink of Georgia, yet there are still nearly 3,000 patients in the state awaiting an organ transplant and thousands more that could benefit from tissue transplantation.
“When you become an organ donor, your life story continues through the lives you save, ensuring that your legacy lives on indefinitely,” says Katie Payne, executive director, LifeLink of Georgia. “Life is an invaluable treasure, a lesson we learn anew each day from our donor families. Thanks to their generosity, LifeLink of Georgia saves thousands of lives every year, and we are deeply honored to continue this extraordinary mission.”
The Infinity Campaign
The Infinity Campaign features a series of real stories from registered donors, each telling what inspired them to register and emphasizing the effect this decision has on saving lives. By sharing these stories, LifeLink aims to motivate more people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and spread the message of hope and life.
“The decision to become a donor was deeply personal. It is an opportunity to give the ultimate gift — the gift of life,” said Adán Bean. “I get to continue to tell the story for others, be a little bit of ink in their pen and help them write what they want to write.”
As part of the launch, LifeLink has created the website mystorycontinues.com, which spotlights stories from donors and recipients and offers innovative tools, including the opportunity to upload a photo to share your support and spread the word on social media about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Become a donor
Being a donor is an incredible way for individuals to make a difference and have an impact on the lives of others. One organ, eye and tissue donor can potentially save or improve the lives of more than 75 people.
The need for organ and tissue donors is greater now than ever, given the growing numbers of people on transplant wait lists and increasing numbers of people with diabetes and kidney disease.
Currently, there are about 3,000 people in Georgia on the organ transplant list and thousands more on the tissue transplant list.
There are several simple ways to register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor:
- Visit mystorycontinues.com and sign up today.
- Register when renewing or receiving a driver’s license or identification card at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Register when obtaining a hunting or fishing license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
For more about LifeLink of Georgia, visit lifelinkfoundation.org/our-story/#llgeorgia.
New experiences await at this season’s Walk Through Bethlehem
An annual must-see holiday event, Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, will take place over three evenings, December 13–15.
With 1,200 luminaries, Simpsonwood Park is transformed into Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers and witness a live nativity.
Visitors can also enjoy a fire with stories from shepherds, pet live animals and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
Before your journey ends, enjoy a photo opportunity with a Roman Guard and hot chocolate and cookies.
The details
Walk Through Bethlehem transforms several acres of Simpsonwood Park into Bethlehem Village on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers, witness a live nativity and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
The special holiday event is presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church with the help of more than 300 community volunteers.
What to expect
- 1,200 luminaries welcoming guests to Bethlehem
- Live camels and Roman guards at Bethlehem’s entrance
- Shopkeepers in costume interacting with guests
- Interactive village with more than 12 individual shops
- Animal petting area with donkeys, sheep and more
- Shepherds sharing stories around a fire
- Live nativity with wisemen bringing gifts
- Attendees donating canned goods to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
- Attendees enjoying hot chocolate and cookies
Make plans to attend
Dates and hours
- Friday, December 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Simpsonwood Park, 4511 Jones Bridge Cir NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
FREE admission; accepting canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.
For more information, visit simpsonwoodumc.org/walk-through-bethlehem.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.
The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.
United Way of Greater Atlanta
The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.
“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.
“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.
Assessing needs within the county
The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett.
Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.
Giving back to support the community
“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.
Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.
About Peachtree Corners Business Association
“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.
The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.
For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.
Final Restaurants Announced for New Politan Row Food Hall at The Forum
Fun for All Ages: The Neighborhood Christmas Train 2024 Experience
The High Museum to Showcase “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind”
GAC Shares Joy of Christmas with Annual Can-A-Thon Support
GAC Shares Joy of Christmas with Annual Can-A-Thon Support
Final Restaurants Announced for New Politan Row Food Hall at The Forum
The High Museum to Showcase “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind”
Fun for All Ages: The Neighborhood Christmas Train 2024 Experience
Life in Motion: The Gift of Organ Donation Fuels Active Lives for Recipients
Furkids Wraps Up Successful Year with Open House Event and More
The Dec/Jan Issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine is Out Now
Shaping Peachtree Corners: New Vision for the Central Business District [Podcast]
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
