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Education

Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence Celebrates Trio of Educators

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As the Norcross High School Foundation of Excellence looks to the future, it continues to build on its legacy of educational success.

The Norcross High School (NHS) Foundation for Excellence shows what a community can achieve when it rallies around educational success. The Foundation was established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) corporation. It has been key in filling the gap between state and county funding, ensuring that every Norcross High School student has access to a great education.

“The NHS Foundation Board, in its efforts to support its mission, meets monthly with school administration officials to better understand their vision for the school, which consists of three main pillars:  student achievement, staff retention, and community support,” commented Erin Griffin, co-president of the NHS Foundation.

Through its fundraising efforts, the NHS Foundation aims to create a nurturing environment where students and staff can thrive together.

The NHS Foundation’s fundraising supports this vision. It does so by raising and giving funds to the following categories:

  • Teacher Grants for large and small classroom or department resources,
  • Staff Recognition,
  • Instructional Funds for miscellaneous supplies,
  • Capital Improvements,
  • Endowment and
  • Principal’s Discretionary Fund.

Taking great education to the next level

The Foundation’s core values focus on making great education even better. The mission is clear: build community support and raise funds to foster excellence in academics, arts and athletics. It’s all underpinned by a belief in the potential success of every student.

A highlight of the Foundation’s annual efforts is its gala, which started in 2005. This event not only raises funds but also celebrates the contributions of individuals who have positively impacted the NHS community. 

In 2023, the gala had a “teacher wish brick” initiative. It let attendees support specific teacher needs. It ended up. raising over $25,000, showing the community’s investment in its school.

“In 2023, supporters purchased more than $25,000 in bricks, ranging from $50 in JROTC supplies to $1,000 in sheet music and instrument mouthpieces for the band and orchestra,” said Griffin.

The annual gala was started to raise funds for Norcross High School and create community awareness. 

The first gala was hosted at the home of Jan and Aaron Lupuloff. What began as a gathering at their home expanded into an event that now attracts over 500 guests. 

“Each year, the gala is a celebration of individuals who significantly contribute to the advancement of arts, athletics and academics at Norcross High School and an opportunity for families and community members to support the work of the NHS Foundation,” Griffin added. 

Meet the 2024 honorees

Weare Gratwick has a wealth of experience from over 35 years in the banking industry. He has significantly influenced the financial and communal landscape of Peachtree Corners. His tenure as the Gwinnett Market President for Tandem Bank and role as Vice Mayor for the Peachtree Corners City Council demonstrate his commitment to local governance and economic development. 

Gratwick’s involvement with the NHS Foundation Board as Treasurer showcases his dedication to educational excellence. 

But his connection goes even deeper. His daughters are NHS alumni and he has been active in the community since 1995. Gratwick also has leadership roles in many civic and community organizations. 

“I am honored to be recognized by the Norcross High School Foundation who continues to do important work ensuring NHS remains a great school.  Quality schools are at the heart of a vibrant community and NHS continues to be essential to the success of both the Peachtree Corners and Norcross communities,” Gratwick expressed.

Kirk Barton has been a pillar in the NHS community since 1999. First serving as a health and PE teacher and coach, his transition to Activities and Athletic Director was significant.

Under his direction, NHS secured 12 State Championships in multiple sports. Barton’s administrative role grew his influence. He now supports not only athletics but also the fine arts, enriching the school’s culture and extracurricular activities. 

He was recognized four times as the region athletic director of the year. He was also named twice as the classification athletic director of the year for Georgia. These honors mirror his skill in sports administration and community leadership. 

Barton is married with grandchildren. His personal life adds a layer of community connection and shows his deep commitment to the area he serves.

Lynne Zickel Kliesrath’s journey from a dedicated volunteer to an essential administrative member at NHS is a story of unwavering commitment to educational support. 

She started as a volunteer when her eldest daughter began kindergarten. Kliesrath was very involved in the Collins Hill cluster’s PTA and school councils. This set the stage for her deep engagement with the educational system. 

Her move to a GCPS employee and later roles in NHS, especially as the athletic assistant, show her varied contributions and dedication. 

She was also the recipient of the Dave Hunter Community Service Award and the title of “Staff Member of the Month.” 

“Thank you to the Norcross High School Foundation for this great honor and for my recognition into the Hall of Fame. And I want to say how much we appreciate everything the foundation does for our students, our staff, and the Norcross High School community. Thank you for making me a part of the Norcross High School Foundation family!” exclaimed Kliesrath.

What’s next for the NHS Foundation?

These three individuals have varied yet connected paths that have contributed to Norcross High School and its community. Their lives and careers are emblematic of the Foundation’s ethos, valuing community engagement, educational support and excellence.

As the Foundation looks to the future, it continues to build on its legacy of excellence, ensuring that Norcross High School remains a beacon of educational success. The dedication of individuals like Gratwick, Barton and Kliesrath, coupled with the community’s ongoing support, ensures that the Foundation will continue to play a vital role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The next NHS Foundation Gala will be held on April 19 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE in Norcross.

Find more Peachtree corners education stories here.

Anna is a contributor to Peachtree Corners Magazine. She graduated with a B.A. in English Composition from Georgia State University and has five years of experience performing multimedia writing, editing, and publishing for automotive, small business, and general assignment media.

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Doing Good

Good Samaritan Gwinnett Receives State Authorization to Launch Access Academy 

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Professional woman standing in front of Good Samaritan Health Center signage

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good Samaritan Gwinnett) has received state authorization from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) to officially launch Access Academy, a private, certificate-granting, low-cost postsecondary education program targeting students of low-income and/or minority households who aspire to pursue careers in healthcare but may lack the financial means to attend traditional college programs.   

Access Academy is designed to meet the needs of students from underserved communities, providing healthcare-specific training at a fraction of the cost, thanks to charitable donations and volunteer-based faculty support.

Healthcare worker sterilizing dentistry instruments
photo courtesy of Good Samaritan Gwinnett

Access Academy will initially offer a five-month medical assistant certification program. Graduates of the program will be able to enter the workforce without the burden of student loans, directly benefiting their household income and financial well-being.   

“We are thrilled to launch Access Academy and open the doors of opportunity for those who need it most,” said Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “Our mission has always been to support underserved communities, and now, with Access Academy, we can extend that impact by helping students earn their medical assistant certificates and get their start in healthcare.”  

A history of mentoring and education

Good Samaritan Gwinnett has a rich history of educating undergraduate and graduate students in health sciences. Since 2012, the organization has mentored nearly 450 graduate students pursuing medical and dental professional degrees. The cost of precepting just one midlevel student for an average of 168 hours amounts to $10,038, reflecting the organization’s dedication to training and education.  

Two female healthcare workers standing at their computers
photo courtesy of Good Samaritan Gwinnett

Greg Lang, chief financial officer of Good Samaritan Gwinnett, spearheaded the efforts to secure state authorization and launch Access Academy.   

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Access Academy come to life after months of planning and preparation,” Lang said. “Access Academy is not just providing training — it’s offering hope, opportunity and the support needed to turn dreams into reality.”  

An ongoing mission

The launch of Access Academy is part of Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s ongoing mission to expand its reach and make healthcare more accessible, both by providing direct patient care and by equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Since Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s inception in 2005, more than 52,300 patients have entered the clinic more than 300,000 times. 

For more information about Access Academy, visit them at goodsamgwinnett.org/access-academy or email Greg Lang at Greg.Lang@goodsamgwinnett.org.   

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Education

Pinecrest Academy Named to 2024 AP School Honor Roll

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a school building and green lawn

Pinecrest Academy, a private preK3–12 Catholic school serving north metro Atlanta, has once again been named to the College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction.

The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while also broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.

“We are so honored to have received this AP Honor Roll Award, as we strive each year to provide every student with a college preparatory experience, which includes the successful completion of challenging AP courses,” commented Amy Bowman, Pinecrest Academy high school principal. “The Platinum designation from AP speaks to the excellence that our faculty strives for in delivering challenging content that prepares our students for college.”

The numbers

During the 2023-2024 school year, Pinecrest had 89% of seniors taking at least one AP exam during high school, 82% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam and 58% who took five or more AP exams. Twenty-one AP courses were offered, representing 30 sections taught by 12 high school teachers at the school.

“Our Class of 2024 earned a 100% acceptance into the college/university of their choice,” Bowman said. “Since the school’s first graduating class of 2007, Pinecrest’s high school has maintained a 100% graduation rate every year.”

AP School Honor Roll Award

AP Access Award

Pinecrest Academy was also awarded the AP Access Award this year. Schools on the AP School Honor Roll may earn the AP Access Award, which recognizes schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework. 

“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance — they represent the best of our AP program.”

For more information, visit pinecrestacademy.org.

For more about the Advanced Placement® Program, visit ap.collegeboard.org.

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Education

Nine Wesleyan School Seniors Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corporation

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individual senior photos of nine students

Wesleyan School recently announced that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has recognized nine of the school’s seniors.  

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition that recognizes exceptional academic promise demonstrated by a student’s outstanding performance on their junior year PSAT. 

Seniors Will Jamieson, Thomas Markley, Sara Marie Miller, Tecson Wu, and Caroline Yates were named National Merit Semifinalists, an honor that only 1 percent of seniors (approximately 16,000 total) nationwide receive based on their PSAT scores. These seniors will submit essays in the hopes of becoming finalists to earn scholarship money from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Finalists will be announced in February. 

Additionally, seniors Landon Clement, Audrey Cornell, Rachel Oh, and Ellie Simmons were named National Merit Commended students. Approximately 2 percent of seniors nationwide receive this recognition. 

About Wesleyan

Wesleyan School is a Christian, independent K-12 college preparatory school located in Peachtree Corners. At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Wesleyan enrolled 1,207 students from throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area.

To learn more about the school, visit wesleyanschool.org.

For more information about the National Merit Scholarship, visit nationalmerit.org.

Photos

From top left: Landon Clement, Thomas Markley, Ellie Simmons, Audrey Cornell, Sara Marie Miller, Tecson Wu, Will Jamieson, Rachel Oh and Caroline Yates

Photos courtesy of Wesleyan School; photo credit: Rebekah Smith

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