Three LOA Students Have Received Honorable Mentions for the Laws of Life Essay Contest

Left to Right, Sydney Pattison (12th), Jessica White (9th), and Riley Carr (10th)

We are thrilled to announce that three LOA students have received Honorable Mentions for the Laws of Life Essay Contest. Congratulations to the following students: Jessica White (9th grade), Riley Carr (10th grade), and Sydney Pattison (12th grade). 

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam County for their sponsorship of the program at our school. For the 2023-2024 contest, a total of 33,686 students wrote essays, and 60 Rotary clubs participated in Georgia.

Rotary clubs across Georgia conduct the Laws of Life Essay Contest through the nonprofit Georgia Rotary Districts Character Education Program, Inc.  Rotary Club members volunteer to read and judge essays, serve on the contest’s Board of Directors, and volunteer their professional expertise to help build character and ethical literacy among students. “The essay contest is an opportunity for Rotary clubs to share their Service Above Self motto with local students and schools,” said Carol Gray Walker, Executive Director for Georgia Laws of Life.

The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest is made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Additional support comes from Rotary Clubs, corporations, and individual donors throughout Georgia.

Assistance Opportunities Offered by Action, Inc.

Action Incorporated is a local, non-profit organization that assists with summer camp opportunities, employment assistance, and more. Please view the flyers attached and use the contact information at the bottom of the flyers if you have any additional questions.

A Note From Nurse Jessica - April Wellness Update

LOA Families and Staff~

I can't believe we have less than 6 weeks left in our school year!!  With warmer weather heading our way it's the perfect time of year to get outdoors. 

Getting outdoors may include hiking, walking, playing sports, and/or riding a bike.  Below you will find some helpful tips for Bike Safety from Safe Kids Georgia. 

Bike Safety: "Use your head, wear a helmet"

There are so many great reasons to ride your bike: It offers fun, freedom and exercise, and it’s good for the environment. We want kids and families to ride their bikes as much as possible.

Properly-fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent – yet less than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet.

Top Tips

1. Wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death.

2. Ride on the sidewalk when you can. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.  

3. Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between cars.    

4. Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.

5. Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own. 

Bike Helmet Fit Check: 

I hope that everyone stays well for the remainder of the year!!

We are planning a sports physical clinic. Be on the lookout for more information in an email to come.  Sports physicals are good for a year, so this will be a great time to grab an updated form for next school year. 

HEALTHY KIDS = BETTER LEARNERS

Kind regards, 

Jessica Tolbert, RN

LOA Symphonic Band Receives Superior Rating at State Evaluations

The Lake Oconee Academy Symphonic Band recently traveled to Burke County High School in Waynesboro, GA for the annual state evaluations.

The symphonic band is comprised of high school students in 9th to 12th grade, alongside advanced middle school students in 7th and 8th grade. Led by Band Director Courtney Pilgrim, these students have been diligently preparing for evaluations since January 2024.

During the evaluation, instructors receive a selection of music from the state, covering various musical styles. The evaluation consists of three pieces: a march, featuring "Gallant Marines" by Karl Kind, a ballad, showcasing "By Dawn’s Early Light" by David Shaffer, and the finale, referred to as the “kitchen sink,” which incorporates fast-paced and rhythmic melodies for an exhilarating conclusion. For this piece, they've chosen "Prelude and Firestorm" by Roland Barrett.

Performing on stage in front of three judges and an audience, the musicians are judged on several aspects for each of their scores. The first being technical accuracy which includes articulation, correct notes, note volume and rhythm. Second is flexibility, which is the balance of sound, tone, and response to the director. Then their musical effect, which is their confidence, fluency, intonation, and tone. Lastly, they are judged on their overall musical content.

While Mrs. Pilgrim says both parts of the evaluation are challenging, she believes that the sight-reading portion really showcases what the students have learned and demonstrates their overall musical knowledge. Students are given 6 minutes to silently study the music and then perform it one time for judging.

After much hard work and dedication, the Lake Oconee Academy Symphonic Band brought home the distinction of receiving superior ratings in both the stage performance and in their Sight-Reading room. This is the highest level that can be received at the state level. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group of students. They really pushed their musical maturity and ability with this performance. They truly knocked it out of the park,” says Mrs. Pilgrim.

9th Grade LOA Art II Student Wins Georgia Farm Bureau County Art Contest

The Georgia Farm Bureau annually hosts an art contest centered on Georgia agriculture, showcasing the creativity and talent of local students. This year's standout among county entrants is Lexi Sangum, a dedicated 9th-grade student from Lake Oconee Academy Art II.

Lexi's exceptional artwork earned her the title of county winner and secured her a coveted cash prize of $50. The competition, open to 9th through 12th-grade students from public, private, or homeschooling backgrounds, encourages participants to express their artistic vision on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper, utilizing a grayscale black, white, and gray palette.

Contestants are encouraged to explore various mediums suitable for reproduction, such as graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencils, pen and ink, or mixed media. Lexi's Art II teacher, Mrs. Debbie Vogel, lauded Lexi's dedication and talent, describing her as a hardworking freshman with immense potential.

Lexi's victory at the county level propels her artwork to the District stage and potentially to the statewide competition. Her achievement highlights her artistic prowess and underscores the importance of the farming industry in Georgia.

According to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Georgia's agriculture sector contributed a substantial $73.2 billion to the state's economy in 2021, showcasing the vital role of farming in sustaining economic growth and employment opportunities within the state.

Lake Oconee Academy Announced as AP Honor School for 2024

On February 27, 2024, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced Lake Oconee Academy as one of 276 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools from 99 school districts in Georgia for 2024.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 AP Honor Schools,” said Superintendent Woods, “I commend them for their hard work to build strong Advanced Placement programs and, as a result, provide high-quality opportunities for Georgia students. Additionally, I am thrilled that the number of AP Honor Schools and school districts continue to rise each year - a testament to the commitment of Georgia public education to expand opportunities for all Georgia students.”

The College Board administers AP exams and the SAT. AP courses are one of several ways Georgia students can access college-level learning at the high school level; students who receive a 3, 4, or 5 on the exam may receive college credit.

The 2024 AP Honor Schools are named in eight categories based on the results of AP courses and exams from 2023. Lake Oconee Academy was honored in the following categories: AP Challenge Schools (1 of 43), AP Humanities Schools, AP Humanities Achievement Schools, and AP Schools of Distinction. For a school to be named an AP School of Distinction, it must have at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Upon receiving the news of being awarded AP Honor School, Executive Director Dr. Brad Bowling enthusiastically stated,  “We are truly honored to be once again named an AP Honor School. This award is a testament to the dedication to excellence of our students, faculty, and staff. The recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities and preparing our students for success in college and beyond.”

Lake Oconee Academy offers, on average, around 25 AP courses each year. For the 2022-2023 school year, LOA had 86% of students score a three or higher on AP exams.

Sign Up for 2024 Titan Summer Camp

It's finally time to sign up for Titan Summer Camp! We have all the information you need down below! If you have any questions, our emails and phone numbers are on the bottom of the flyer and the information pamphlet. You can email the teacher(s) directly.

Lake Oconee Academy Honors Black History Month With Night of Celebration

Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) hosted its Inaugural Black History Celebration on February 28, 2024. The evening was a delightful celebration highlighting Black American culture from the past, present, and future. "It was a great event that brought many community members to celebrate. Attendees enjoyed the food as much as the performances. It was a joy to watch the students perform," shared Jermika Buck, LOA School Social Worker.

Roughly 150 people attended the evening. Artwork from elementary, middle, and high school students lined the event space, creating an immersive art showcase. These talented students created sculptures, paintings, and photographs to pay tribute to Black Artists and their contributions to the field of art and photography. 

Food trucks from Jeremy's Wing Shack, Jamaican Backyaad Cookout, and CC's Sweet Treats were on hand for the evening, serving up mouth-watering local favorites. Even a local elementary school entrepreneur served his famous lemonade from his business, "Taylen's Lemonade." The threat of rain and a sudden downpour didn't hinder the enthusiasm for this memorable event.

What student-led event would be possible without the Master of Ceremonies? Eighth-grade student Christian Robbins, a very active member of the student body, was the MC for the evening. He kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout the night. 

The talent showcased at this Inaugural event was plentiful! Dakota Moon, the seventh-grade student, kicked off the evening with an enthusiastic piano performance of "Ragtime Dance" by Scott Joplin that had the audience tapping their toes while the 7th-8th grade Chorus left the crowd moved as they sang the traditional spiritual "Moses and David" by Sally K. Albrecht. An 8th-grade student, Rylie West, recited "The Battle of Birmingham," and LOA senior, Jakeria Porter, performed Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise." These young ladies' voices encompassed the room as their powerful performances radiated throughout the usually bustling cafeteria. Singing "Rise" by Andra Day, Rashedah Mitchell, a Milledgeville resident, moved attendees as she captured this powerful anthem's emotion. Students from grades 1st through 4th performed a beautiful lyrical dance with the coaching of Tyya Alexander. "I worked closely with the elementary dancers. In a short time, we organized a dance team with the help of the amazing Tyya Alexander. Ms. Tyya took the lead in teaching our young dancers a routine for the performance. "I think the dancers stole the show!" laughed LOA paraprofessional Dominique Sneed.

Lake Oconee Academy was honored to have a special guest speaker, Mamie Hillman, who gave a powerful narrative and history of Black Americans in Greene County. Ms. Hillman is the Director of the Greene County African American Museum. "The Black History Celebration was the first of its kind at LOA. It was amazing to make this event a reality and showcase LOA's diverse and talented student body," said LOA's ESOL teacher, Mrs. Shannon Hooks. The Black History Committee is already thinking of meaningful and creative ways to add to next year's Black History event!

A Note from Nurse Jessica - March Wellness Update

LOA Families and Staff ~

I hope you have all handled the 'spring forward' well!! I am not one who loves losing an hour of sleep, but I am looking forward to the first day of spring (March 19) and all the warmer weather (minus the seasonal allergies)!! 

I wanted to let you know about our update to the LOA Covid Policy. In keeping with the recommendations from the CDC and Department of Health we have updated our guidelines for our staff and students.  

Here is the update in our policy: 

In terms of actual protocols, the key elements are as follows: 

• Positive Cases – will stay home until there has been a 24 hour improvement in overall symptoms, and fever-free (without the use of medication) for at least 24 hours; 

• Symptomatic Students – if on campus, will be seen by our staff and can consult a Telehealth practitioner, and then test if it is deemed necessary, with positive cases isolating (per above) and negative cases being addressed accordingly (including sent home for cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and/or fevers, etc.); 

• Exposed Students – will remain on campus if asymptomatic.

Please see below the updated information from the CDC: 

NEW from the CDC:

When you have a respiratory virus infection, you can spread it to others. How long someone can spread the virus depends on different factors, including how sick they are (severity) and how long their illness lasts (duration). This is not the same for everyone.When, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better overall and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication), you are typically less contagious, but it still takes more time for your body to fully get rid of the virus. During this time, you may still be able to spread the virus to others. Taking precautions for the next 5 days can help reduce this risk. After this 5-day period, you are typically much less likely to be contagious. 

Examples

For illustrative purposes, not to scale

Example 1: Person with fever and symptoms.

Example 2: Person with fever but no other symptoms.

Example 3: Person with fever and other symptoms, fever ends but other symptoms take longer to improve.

Example 4: Person gets better and then gets a fever.

These precautions include: 

• Practicing Good Hand Hygiene

• Covering Coughs and Sneezes 

• Cleaning Frequently Touched Surfaces

• Taking Steps for Cleaner Air

We are still seeing a large number of students with stomach viruses.  Please continue the following guidelines pertaining to stomach sickness: 

• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Must be kept home for 24 hours following the last vomiting/diarrhea episode.  This includes if students are sent home, they may not return prior to the time in which they were sent home the day before (ex; sent home at 10:00 am, student may not return until after 10:00am next day if no other vomiting/diarrhea episodes occur).  

HEALTHY KIDS = BETTER LEARNERS

Kind Regards, 

Jessica Tolbert, RN

Lake Oconee Academy

School Nurse

LOA Students at the National History Day Regional Competition

Congratulations to two groups of Lake Oconee Academy  students for their incredible achievements at the National History Day (NHD)  regional competition held at Augusta University on March 2nd! Both teams secured a berth in the state competition at LaGrange University in April, by clinching the 1st and 2nd positions in their respective divisions.

Both teams competed in the category of Group Exhibit.  Irem Erturk, Ana Garcia, Adam Kalmanowicz, Maria Marquez, and Jewell Morrison  presented on "Genetically Modified Organisms: A Turning Point" and took first place  Emily Harrison, Braylen Nelson, Sidney Pattison discussed "The Significance of Gunpowder" to secure second.  

National History Day is a nationwide academic program where students conduct historical research on a chosen topic related to an annual theme. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.” Students present their findings through various formats such as exhibits, documentaries, websites, performances, or papers. It provides a platform for students to dive deep into history and showcase their knowledge and skills.

Winners at the state competition will have the prestigious opportunity to advance to the National Contest in Washington, DC, in June. We wish our talented students the best of luck as they progress through this exciting journey!

Career Day at Lake Oconee Academy

We are excited to share the date for our school-wide grades PreK-12 Career Day on Friday April 12th, 2024 @ LOA. Presenter formats will vary based on student age. We are currently seeking presenters and welcome parents and others with engaging careers to sign up to volunteer as a speaker.

Feel free also to forward this sign-up link to others! 

We welcome all presenters from a variety of backgrounds!  We will support you to prepare and more details are forthcoming upon sign-up.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact our school counselors:

• Lower School Grades preK-4: erica.seybert@lakeoconeeacademy.org

• Middle School Grades 4-8: jennifer.patton@lakeoconeeacademy.org

• Upper School Grades 9-12: john.noto@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Our goal is to expose students to a variety of careers and connect what they are learning in school to the world of work in order to jumpstart their thinking about the future.  

Lake Oconee Academy Invites The Community to a Black History Month Celebration

Lake Oconee Academy is excited to celebrate Black History Month with a joyful celebration that will highlight Black American’s past, present, and future. This community wide event will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the lower school cafeteria and will kick off with some of Greensboro’s most delicious food trucks from local vendors: Jeremy’s Wing Shack, Redd’s BBQ and Catering, Jamaican Backyard Cookout, and CC’s Sweet Treats. Food trucks will have local favorites available for purchase from 4:00PM-7:00PM and will be in the parking lot by the lower school cafeteria.  

The program will begin at 5:00PM with a special art showcase displaying various student art pieces that pay tribute to the talents of some of the most noteworthy Black artists. All are welcome to peruse the skilled technique that these students have been working so hard to perfect. Photographs inspired by the styles of Gordan Parks and Kennedi Carter, African American Masks inspired by Kimmy Cantrell, and collage paintings with the flair of Romare Beardon are just a few examples of the beauty and creativity that will be on display. The showcase will include artwork from all LOA’s art departments, elementary through high school.

As the art showcase wraps up, spirited performances in dance, music, and poetry will begin at 6:00PM in the lower school cafeteria. Students from 1st through 4th grade will share a beautifully inspiring dance. There will also be a special reading of “Ballad of Birmingham '' by Dudley Randall to be recited by one of LOA’s seniors. The celebration will continue with piano and vocal performances by LOA middle school students, as well as a foot-tapping compilation by Fatz Waller and other composers, performed by LOA’s Jazz band.

Lake Oconee Academy is honored to have Mamie Hillman, Director of the Greene County African American Museum, as the event’s guest speaker as she shares her enthusiasm and commitment to Black history and culture with our community.

A Note From Nurse Jessica - February Wellness Update

Happy February LOA Families!!

I hope that this email finds you well!!

We are still in the midst of Flu and Stomach Bug season, as I am sure many of you are aware!!!  Please continue to keep your kids home when they are not feeling well, especially in regards to fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.  

February is known for Valentine's Day, but we also need to remember that it's American Heart Month (Congenital Heart Month), Black History Month, and Cancer Prevention Month!!!

Each of these are important and I hope that you take the time to learn about each this month.  

With health being the main focus for my emails, I thought it only right to highlight a little about the American Heart Month!!!

CARE FOR YOUR HEART ♥️

American Heart Month: 

The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving work.  

Their theme this year is "Bold Hearts."   Remember heart disease does not just affect the elderly, it can affect ANYONE!!  Let's start introducing behaviors that can help our kids foster heart-healthy habits for their future.  

How to better your kids heart health:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables, try whole grain, mix up your protein, and drink more water.   

• Get Active: make movement a part of your daily routine.  

• Healthy Lifestyle: Mental Health/Well-being, Don't Smoke!! 

• Get Enough Sleep: Most children require 10-11 hours per night, key to have a bedtime and wake-up routine.  

Healthy Kids = Better Learners

Jessica Tolbert, RN

Lake Oconee Academy

School Nurse

Phone: 706-454-1562

Fax: 706-453-1773

Children's Miracle Network & LOA/Lake Oconee Heart Swap

A Message From Teena Garland:

LOA family,

1 in 100 babies are born with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).  CHD affects not only our community, but our LOA family as well.  I have shared my story of my grandson, Ford, with you before, but there are others here with CHD.  Lacie Groeninger's son, Smith, a 3rd grader here at LOA also has CHD.  Smith had open heart surgery when he was just 4 days old.  I am writing again today on Ford and Smith's behalf, along with the others in our community touched by CHD that I do not know......yet!

Smith Groeninger

Governor Kemp proclaimed February 7 - 14th as this year's Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week.  As part of CHD Awareness Week, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) hosts its annual fundraising event called the "Heart Swap."  This year, the Heart Swap is held from January 17th to February 16th.  The proceeds benefit the Children's Heart Center, providing critical funds to the pediatric cardiac programs of CHOA.  This fundraiser has an online link where you go and pick your "neighborhood."  You can purchase a heart yard sign, a virtual heart, donate, etc. through this link. I actually put one of my heart yard signs on our campus as you come in.  Hopefully, you have seen the pinkish purple heart!  My daughter's mother-in-law, Dana Gilleland, is the Heart Swap representative for Eatonton and Snellville.  So, we have been feverishly delivering signs throughout our Eatonton and Snellville communities.  

LOA supports CHOA yearly with its LOA Miracle, which is student led.  LOA Miracle hosts a 5K/Fun Run event, babysitting services, carline canning, and other various events throughout the year.  I thank you for your support of each of these.  I now ask that you help your CHD Lake Oconee representative, Lacie Groeninger, in our area Heart Swap to help merge our efforts with LOA Miracle.  What a beautiful sight it will be to fill our Lake Area with hearts in order to support the ones who struggle so much!

There are several ways to contribute to the Heart Swap:

• You can follow the link below.  Once on the site, choose "Buy Now."  Then, choose your neighborhood of "Lake Oconee-Reynolds."  Lastly, choose your yard sign or whatever option you prefer.  Lacie will get your sign if that is what you choose.  You can pick it up from her, or she can bring it to me for you to pick up here at LOA.  Just email or text me your name and what you prefer so that we will know your preference.

https://choaholiday.org/

OR

• You can contact me here at LOA.  Lacie brought over some heart yard signs.  I have them here in my classroom.  You can purchase them from me directly. 

Prices are:

• Valentine's Heart Yard Sign = $30

• Valentine's Heart Yard Sign, 4 pack = $100

• Heart Swap Virtual Donation = $10 - $5,000

• Neighborhood Sponsorship = $500

• Valentine's Heart - Virtual = $5

Every single donation does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.  

Blaine Gilleland with Ford

Please find it in your whole heart to help the ones in our community that were born without a whole heart. I have attached pictures of Smith and Ford so that you can see truly what lifesavers the caregivers at CHOA have done.  It's with donations like these that our children can continue to seek medical attention throughout their lives.  They will never outgrow CHD.

If you have any questions, concerns, etc., please reach out to me.  My cell number is 706.473.2386.

Thank you for your time and continued support of our children and community.

Teena Garland

Ann Campbell Vinson Awarded District Spelling Bee Champion

Ann Campbell Vinson, a sixth-grade student at Lake Oconee Academy, clinched the title of District Spelling Bee Winner on January 17, 2024. Expressing her joy, Ann Campbell shared, "I feel really proud that I won and am relieved! I’m so grateful that some of my sweet friends and family came to watch and cheer me on. I’m grateful that I get to keep studying because I know my Mama will help me as much as she can. We have so much fun studying together!"

Lake Oconee Academy held the school-wide spelling bee in November of 2023, where 4th-grade student Archer Logan was the elementary Spelling Bee winner, and Ann Campbell was the middle school Spelling Bee winner. Both students advanced to the District Spelling Bee held at the Greene County Board of Education. Competing against 3 other students from Greene County Schools, Ann Campbell advanced to the regional Spelling Bee on February 24, 2024, at Putnam County Middle School.

“I felt really excited and really nervous at the same time. I came in 6th place last year out of about 40 competitors as a 5th grader, and I hope to place even higher this year and advance to the State Bee,” says Ann Campbell in preparing for the next competition.

Ann Campbell is a High Honors student who sings, acts, and plays club soccer, basketball, football, sideline cheer, and tennis. She loves to read and participates in the TOME Literacy Society (a book club for students). She is a Citizenship Cornerstone Award recipient, one of LOA’s most prestigious awards. Ann Campbell loves spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs.

A lot of preparation goes into participating in the spelling bee for Ann Campbell. She uses multiple practice methods, including transcribing, memorization, language of origin and root word study, and repetition drills to prepare. She studies with her mother and mentor, Hailey Heinen, LOA’s 2023 Valedictorian who also attended the Scripps National Spelling Bee as a high school student. Ann Campbell is an avid reader, noting that her participation in the Club TOME is also great practice. She loves the movie Akeelah and the Bee, an inspirational movie about the spelling bee. Even with her passion for words, Ann Campbell shares that her favorite subject is math. However, her favorite language of origin is Latin, which fits this spelling bee champion.

Ann Campbell’s parents, Ben and Ansley Vinson, shared their pride in their daughter: "We are thrilled for Ann Campbell! The courage and composure of all the kids who participate in spelling bees is something truly special. It is a nerve-racking competition that takes a lot of preparation and grit, and we are so proud of the effort Ann Campbell has put forward in her studies. I am grateful we get to keep studying together, which is a special time for us. We both really love words and learning about them,” says Ansley.

The Regional Spelling Bee will be held February 24, 2024 at Putnam County Middle School. “I’m so grateful that I have my Mama to help me study and that I have such a wonderful school, Lake Oconee Academy, that participates in the Spelling Bee and supports me,” says Ann Campbell.

LOA Student, Sydney Pattison is Named Page Star Student

Sydney Pattison, a senior at Lake Oconee Academy, has been named the 2024 PAGE STAR Student for LOA. In her role as the STAR Student, Sydney has the privilege of selecting a teacher who significantly influenced her high school journey to be honored as her STAR Teacher. Mrs. Caroline St John, Sydney’s AP Seminar, and current AP Literature teacher is her chosen STAR Teacher.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception, the STAR program has honored nearly 29,000 students and the teachers they have selected as the most influential in their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for the STAR nomination.

Sydney has been a student at Lake Oconee Academy for thirteen years and has been highly involved in LOA's academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. She is the Executive Director of LOA Miracle, a fundraising organization for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the LOA Student Body Vice President, and a member of the National Beta Club. Sydney is Co-Captain of the LOA Cheerleading Team and is a member of the LOA Varsity Golf Team. She also works as a hostess at the Creek Club Restaurant at Reynolds Lake Oconee.

Sydney said she chose Mrs. St John because of her relationship with her students, which she said goes far beyond the classroom. “I have had the pleasure of having Mrs. St John as my AP Seminar and current AP Literature teacher and she does a phenomenal job teaching the AP course content; however, she also spends class time teaching us all the important knowledge that we need to know for high school.” Sydney further expressed that Mrs. St John taught her how to apply for college, reviewing her essays before submitting them. “If it weren’t for her SAT and ACT practice tips, I do not know if I would’ve achieved such a high score as I did to receive this recognition.”

“As a veteran teacher in the state of Georgia, I am aware of the magnitude of STAR Student and STAR Teacher. This means the world to me,” says Mrs. St John of being chosen as Sydney’s STAR Teacher. St John currently teaches AP English Literature, AP Seminar, and Creative Writing at LOA. She founded LOA’s student-led literacy magazine, The Archetype, and coordinates the Literacy Society, including LOA’s Poetry Slam. She also takes great joy in coaching students through the college essay-writing process. As a graduate of Asbury University with a degree in English Secondary Education, she also holds a master's degree in fine arts in Narrative Nonfiction writing from the Grady School at the University of Georgia.

Sydney plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to receive a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Modern Language. From there, she hopes to pursue a Law Degree for a future career in U.S. Foreign Policy.  She aspires to study abroad throughout college and is excited to see what the future holds. “I am honored to be recognized as the PAGE Star Student for the LOA Class of 2024. It means a lot to me to be appreciated for my accomplishments, and I am pleased that I can use this platform to show my gratitude to all the LOA staff members and my family who helped me achieve my successes.”

As Sydney looks forward to the next phase of life, Mrs. St John no doubt believes the path before her is bright: "Sydney is a powerhouse of a student. When she gets a goal, she is an unstoppable force. I am eager to see where the future takes her.”

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is the state’s largest and fastest-growing educator association. Deeply committed to excellence in public education, PAGE provides unparalleled legal coverage, legislative advocacy, and professional learning opportunities to more than 95,000 teachers, administrators, and school personnel. PAGE protects, supports, and empowers members throughout all stages and facets of their career. For more information, visit their website at www.pageinc.org.

ARC Blood Drive Scheduled for January 16 at LOA

The Lake Oconee Academy Beta Club and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. 

Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!

Drive Details:

• Site:  Lake Oconee Academy

• Address:  1021 Titan Circle, Greensboro, GA, 30642

• Room Name:  Titan Center

• Date:  Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

• Time:  09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

• Blood Program Leader Name:  Kris Stevens

• Blood Program Leader Phone Number:  770-354-2708
  Click here to make an appointment

Please help us to make an impact by giving blood on January 16th at LOA in the Titan Center. Our drive is scheduled for 9AM - 2PM.  

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

If you have any questions, please reach out to  kris.stevens@lakeoconeeacademy.org or at 770.354.2708. 

A Note From Nurse Jessica - January Wellness Update

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!!! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Winter break!  Full of rest and relaxation!!  

Since we are still seeing Flu and Covid on the rise locally I wanted to reiterate key components from my last email.  

Reminder from my previous email : 

Key sickness prevention is started with good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. 

The tips and resources below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

   1. Stay home when you are sick.
      If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

   2. Cover your mouth and nose.
      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

   3. Clean your hands.
      Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

      • Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
        Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers

   4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
      Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

   5. Practice other good health habits.
      Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Key Policy Reminders: 

• Students must be fever (100.4) free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

• Students with any vomiting and/or diarrhea must be out for 24 hours post their last vomiting or diarrhea episode 

We continue to ask that you please keep students home when they are unwell. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.  Please be sure to let your student's teacher(s) know if your student is out sick, as well.  

Healthy Students = Better Learners

Kind Regards, 

Jessica Tolbert, RN

Lake Oconee Academy

School Nurse

Phone: 706-454-1562

Atlanta Braves Photographer, Kevin Liles, Visits Lake Oconee Academy

9th grade student, Ben Reber, excited to wear the World Series ring while posing for a photo with Kevin Liles.

It was an exciting day for Lake Oconee Academy’s photography class when the Atlanta Braves team photographer, Kevin Liles, visited to share his knowledge and experience as a photographer with the budding photography students.

Mr. Liles began his career as a small-town reporter in South Georgia. After covering local high school sports, Kevin discovered he had a growing interest in photography, especially when it came to sports. He went on to photograph hundreds of assignments for The New York Times, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and The Wall Street Journal. In 2018, he found his home as the team photographer for The Atlanta Braves where he continues his work today.

Mr. Liles shared some of the amazing moments he has captured over the years with the photography students. While most of the photographs he shared were epic ones he has taken for The Braves, he also shared some amazing moments he’s been fortunate to capture outside of The Braves organization over the years - from a regal portrait of former President Jimmy Carter to a rare moment with University of Alabama Head Football Coach, Nick Saban. He even shared an unexpected moment he was fortunate to capture of a pastor praying with a police officer that landed on the front of The New York Times Sunday edition. His was the lead photograph of every photographer across the country covering this story. It was an incredible honor.

In addition, Mr. Liles shared great advice with the young photography students as they prepare for their futures in any area of study. Mr. Liles suggested, “It takes about ten years, in my experience, to be really good at anything…” He later stated, “I think a lot of kids come into photography and try to be great very, very quickly. They want to be shooting a Braves game next week and it doesn’t work that way.” His advice was to just put in the time to gain experience, suggesting that in order to grow in photography one needs good critiquing of his or her work to excel in the field.

Mr. Liles enjoyed bantering back and forth with ninth grade student, Ben Reber. He noticed Ben had a superior knowledge of the Braves stats and playfully tested his knowledge throughout. Ben later shared how much he enjoyed seeing Mr. Liles work from games he had attended or viewed on TV, recalling the moments from memory. Prior to this event, Jordynn Chafin, a tenth-grade student, was unsure if photography was a career path she was interested in, “I wanted to do something in the technology field, but I thought photography was kind of boring. Seeing his work made me realize there is more to it and technology can be fun if you make it,” said Jordyn. She emphasized, “He definitely made me give photography a second thought.” 

Being in the presence of such an accomplished photographer was a special experience for these young photography students. Before departing, Mr. Liles gave the students an opportunity to hold his official Braves World Series ring, an experience many of the students will never forget!

Kevin Liles showing a Sports Illustrated cover he collaborated with another photographer on and explaining how the two made the cover come together.

About Kevin D. Liles:

Kevin D. Liles is a documentary, commercial, and sports photographer based out of Atlanta, GA. He specializes in creating narrative, layered and powerful images. Kevin has photographed for The New York Times, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated and The Wall Street Journal. Other clients include Turner Studios, The Golfer’s Journal, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, ESPN, NBA and The Players’ Tribune. He is the co-founder of ATL Photo Night, a monthly artist talk founded in 2016 aimed at investigating the creative process. He is also past president of the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar - the longest continuously operating photojournalism conference in the U.S. To learn more about Kevin Liles, please visit: kevindliles.com

Lake Oconee Academy's Marcus Rhodes recognized as one of six recipients of the REACH Scholarship in Greene County

In a recent announcement, Lake Oconee Academy proudly shares that eighth-grade student Marcus Rhodes has been chosen as one of the six recipients of the prestigious REACH Scholarship within the Greene County School System.

Established in 2012, REACH Georgia is the state's pioneer needs-based mentorship and college scholarship initiative. To qualify, students must be nominated by a teacher, marking it not only as a financial scholarship but an honor that comes with a comprehensive framework for success. This framework involves commitments from the student, parents, mentors, and academic coaches, collectively supporting the student's educational journey through high school and beyond. Upon meeting program requirements at graduation, REACH Scholars like Marcus can access a minimum of $10,000 for their education at a full-time, HOPE-eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia.

Marcus, a talented piano player and a proud member of the LOA football team, was selected for the scholarship due to his demonstrated leadership skills both in the classroom and on the football field. Varsity Football Head Coach Patrick Stewart was excited, stating, "That is amazing news! Marcus won our most improved award for football this year as he sought to improve every day. Can't wait to see him continue to grow through this program!"

Highlighting Marcus's academic qualities, his English Language Arts teacher added, "Marcus Rhodes is a promising young man with high aspirations. He is an excited learner with natural curiosity, engaged, social, and a leader in the classroom."

As Marcus transitions to high school next year, the REACH scholarship program will undoubtedly play a vital role in laying the foundation for his successful future. With all the shared pride for Marcus’s win, no one is as proud as his mother, DeTonya Rhodes, who summed up this particular moment best: “I am extremely proud of Marcus and the young man he is becoming. I am blessed and honored to have such a humbled child. Bruce Lee once said, ‘Preparation for tomorrow is hard work today.’ I can’t wait to see what his future holds.”

Lake Oconee Academy extends its best wishes to Marcus and the other Reach Scholars of the Class of 2028, anticipating their continued achievements.