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Education

Cornerstone Christian Academy Top Swimmers Enjoy Good-Natured Rivalry

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Ethan James, left, and Carson Credendino on the newly created campus grounds. (photo by George Hunter)

Ethan James and Carson Credendino spent most of their eighth-grade swim season at Cornerstone Christian Academy trying to one-up each other. The result has been both boys leaving Cornerstone as the owners of several school records.

James etched school-best times in the 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke, while Credendino has records in the 100-yard butterfly, the 50-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley. Both swimmers are part of team records in the 200-medley, 200-freestyle and 400-freestyle relay.

“Getting my first record, that was the fly, that was really exciting for me because I’ve always wanted to have records,” Credendino said. “I love competition, and Ethan, that was another one of those things I loved, just like raising him, even though I beat his record, and then he beat it again. It’s exciting to have that back-and-forth competition.”

Credendino said in their eighth-grade season, James set new records in the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard freestyle, but Credendino broke those records, only to have James reclaim them again. Meanwhile, James broke Credendino’s record in the 50-yard free style, but it didn’t last long as Credendino set a new record again.

“It’s always been that way,” Credendino said.

Friendly competition

James and Credendino have known each other since they first started swimming as kids, first as competitors, and now as teammates at Cornerstone, which is a K-8 school.

“Ever since he started, I’ve always competed against him,” Credendino said. “When I was probably 8, he’d always beat me in the freestyle. I just wanted to beat him once but could never do it, but I managed to do it sometimes recently.”

“We’re very close friends,” James added. “I’ve known him since second grade here at Cornerstone. We’ve been swimming together here at the YMCA and everything. It’s just been really fun to swim with him and compete against him during summer leagues because we’re on different teams there.

“We’re both good at similar events, but also different events, so we always get to cheer for each other. This past year, we were really close to each other’s times, so that really pushed each of us to be better.”

James and Credendino recently led the Cougars to three wins in a four-meet season, defeating Greater Atlanta Christian, Wesleyan and Pace Academy, while losing to Marist. The Cougars finished the season by placing fifth out of 25 teams at the North Atlanta Metro League championship meet in December.

The drive to set records

They both came into the season with same mindset.

“I was definitely trying to get a couple more records than what I had,” James said.

James said his competition has gotten tougher and pushed him to work harder this past season. Before this season, he was taller than most of his competitors, but he said he’s noticed many of them have either caught up to him or surpassed him with growth spurts. In the Cougars’ season opener against Pace Academy, he lost the 100-breastroke by 0.02 seconds.

“He was a couple inches taller than I was,” James said about the swimmer who beat him. “My dad took a video of it, and you could see us hit the wall at the exact same time.”

Credendino said he had his eye on topping records set by former Cougar swimmer Noah Brown, who held most of the records set by Credendino and James coming into the season.

“I wanted to beat a lot of his records,” Credendino said. “He’s another person who’s older than me but he’s always been someone I’ve tried to compete with. I got his [individual medley] records, which I’m happy about.”

Love and discipline lead to success

Cougars head swim coach Colin Creel said James and Credendino are leaving as the two best swimmers to come through the program. Creel has been the head coach at Cornerstone for 10 years after he spent 11 years coaching the boys swim team at Wesleyan.

“I think they’re both extremely disciplined young men,” Creel said. “They love swimming, and that’s one of those factors that’s an intangible. To be successful at the next level, I think you need to love the sport. They’ve already made leaps from seventh to eighth grade and I expect as they continue to mature, they’ll reap the benefits of their hard work.”

James and Credendino are both planning to swim next season in high school. James said he is set on joining Greater Atlanta Christian, while Credendino is leaning toward GAC but is keeping Norcross High as an option.

“I want to get close to the 100-breaststroke record [at GAC],” James said. “I feel like if I keep pushing at it and working for it, I feel like it’s within my reach.”

Freelance journalist and content marketer, author and aspiring Screenwriter. Nathan has written for Savannah Morning News, The Brunswick News and the Bayonet and Saber.

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Arts & Literature

Q&A with Terry Gabbard, Norcross High’s New Theatre Director

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A middle-aged man with short hair and glasses. He's wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt and his arms are crossed in front of him. He's standing in front of an empty high school theatre stage with a purple curtain behind him.

The 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. 

Poster for a high school production of Matilda the Musical with dates, graphics and QR code.

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

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Rendered image of a seating area with high ceilings, white side chairs, an arched glass and metal framed entrance and art on the walls.

The 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.

A rendering of a high school hang out space. It's modern with round white tables and sleek brown chairs, a coffee shop and rows of lighting on the ceiling.
Tidwell Commons; image courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

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.

Rendered image of a sleek, state-of-the art school science lab with work stations, tables and stools to sit on.
Combee Elementary science lab; image courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

“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.

Rendered aerial image of the exterior of a school athletic building, surrounding fields and tennis courts and walkways.
New athletic field house; image courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

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.

Wooden treehouse and walkway, just elevated off the ground, in a wooded area in fall. The treehouse is surrounded by leaf-less trees. Brown leaves cover the ground.
Wood Family Treehouse; photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

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.

Rendered image of a hallway in an elementary school. White walls with natural brown wood beams and tree shaped pillars lead to an open hangout space with comfortable seating.
Elementary complex; image courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

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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Education

Japanese Traditions Celebrated at ICAGeorgia

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Young student pounding sticky rice with a large wooden mallet at an outdoor Japanese new year event

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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