The Lake Oconee Academy Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders recently partnered with the Greene County Recreation Department to spend an evening leading a special practice with the GCRD cheer squads. The event was filled with spirit, smiles and community connection as LOA cheerleaders mentored younger athletes and shared their love for the sport.
Lake Oconee Academy’s counseling team recently hosted the annual “New to LOA” Student Information Sessions, giving our newest Titans a warm introduction to life on campus. Designed to help students feel at home, the sessions included opportunities to learn about LOA’s culture, meet key staff members, and start building friendships that will carry them into the new school year.
Lake Oconee Academy celebrates two alumni now serving as staff members. Both young men exemplify what ONE Titan means when it is lived out daily on our campus.
The Lake Oconee Academy Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders recently partnered with the Greene County Recreation Department to spend an evening leading a special practice with the GCRD cheer squads. The event was filled with spirit, smiles and community connection as LOA cheerleaders mentored younger athletes and shared their love for the sport.
Lake Oconee Academy is proud to share two prestigious recognitions that highlight both the strength of its leadership and the dedication of its students.
This summer, LOA Executive Director Dr. Brad Bowling was named one of only nine educational leaders statewide to receive the Jim Puckett Outstanding Educator Award from the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL). This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify the visionary leadership, service, and commitment to excellence modeled by GAEL’s former executive director, Dr. Jim Puckett.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Jim Puckett Award and to be recognized alongside other educational leaders across Georgia,” Dr. Bowling said. “This award reflects the opportunities I’ve had through GAEL, particularly my work with the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (G-CASE), which has been central to my journey as both a special education teacher and as an administrator. I’m also proud that our LOA principals are now active members of GAEL, an incredible organization that provides strong professional learning and advocacy for leaders across the state. Just as importantly, this recognition reflects the work of our leadership team, teachers, and staff at LOA, who give their best every day to build trust, confidence, and a culture of excellence. It truly belongs to all of us as we remain committed to preparing every Greene County student for success beyond graduation.”
Adding to the celebration, LOA was also named a National Beta School of Merit for the 2024– 2025 school year. This esteemed distinction is awarded to schools that include members from all eligible grade levels in their Beta Club, underscoring a school-wide dedication to academic excellence and leadership development. Out of thousands of clubs nationwide, only 5,930 schools earned this recognition, placing LOA among an elite group of schools committed to fostering achievement at every level.
“LOA high school students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement while also exemplifying worthy character and a commendable attitude are invited to join the National Beta Club at LOA,” Dr. Bowling explains. “We are proud of those Titans who strive for academic excellence, proving to be some of LOA’s youngest leaders across campus. This recognition would not be possible without the continued guidance and focus of our High School Beta Club Coordinators: Mrs. Kris Stevens and Ms. Katherine Nolley. I am grateful to share this Merit Award with these deserving Beta students and their families.”
Together, both the Jim Puckett and National Merit honors shine a well-deserved spotlight on the excellence and integrity that define the Titan community. From the strength of its leadership team and the drive of its educators to the academic achievement and character of all students, Lake Oconee Academy celebrates these accomplishments with pride and gratitude, as they reflect the shared commitment of faculty, staff, students, and families to building a school culture rooted in excellence.
Lake Oconee Academy’s counseling team recently hosted the annual “New to LOA” Student Information Sessions, giving our newest Titans a warm introduction to life on campus. Designed to help students feel at home, the sessions included opportunities to learn about LOA’s culture, meet key staff members, and start building friendships that will carry them into the new school year.
On Sunday, August 3rd, Lake Oconee Academy proudly hosted the Back-to-School 5K Run/Walk for Parkinson’s, bringing together local community members of all ages to support this important. Organized by 2021 LOA graduate Jack Miller, this meaningful event was held in loving memory of Brock Miller, Jack’s father, who passed away from Parkinson’s disease.
Despite the cloudy weather, everyone’s spirits remained high as LOA students, alumni, families and local area supporters enthusiastically participated, all united by a desire to make a positive impact. The event combined competitive runners striving for their personal bests while other families and friends enjoyed a casual walk. No matter the speed, runners were surrounded by warmth and motivated by a shared purpose.
"The race was a huge success, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the runners, volunteers, and sponsors who made it possible,” Jack said. “I am thrilled to announce that we raised over $6,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation. I’d like to give a special thank you to Carole Black and Classic Race Services for organizing such a smooth race day; to LOA for allowing us to host on their campus; and to Grace Stephens whose dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts were essential to making this event happen.” Jack also shared he’s deeply grateful to his family and friends for their continued encouragement. “It was truly inspiring to see the Greensboro and Lake Oconee community come together and support a cause so close to my heart."
LOA Cross Country Coach, Carina Baxley, shared her pride in Miller saying, "When Jack first reached out to share his plans to organize a 5K and raise funds for Parkinson’s, I was thrilled.” As a standout runner and former school record holder for LOA’s cross country team, Coach Baxley remembers that Miller has always been driven, and she’s proud he's now channeling that same determination into something deeply meaningful. “His commitment to honoring his late father by raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s, is truly inspiring." Coach Baxley said.
When asked about getting the entire LOA Cross Country involved in the event, Coach Baxley added, "It was especially awesome to see our current team of high school and middle school runners participating and supporting the cause. It’s a powerful reminder of how the program continues to grow and transcend generations. There’s a consistent sense of purpose, community, and pride among these athletes.”
Adding to the day’s success, LOA eighth grader and cross-country team member, Nathan Mayer proudly finished first overall out of 76 runners that day. "I loved running with my teammates and family for a good cause,” Nathan said. “It made me feel great and got me to push myself. I’m happy I ran well and excited I placed first in the event!”
Overall, the Back-to-School 5K Run/Walk for Parkinson’s event was a tremendous success, and the impressive turnout speaks volumes to Miller’s drive, passion, and overall event organization.A true inspiration, Miller is actively training to run the prestigious New York City Marathon this November as part of the Parkinson’s Foundation fundraising team.
Lake Oconee Academy celebrates Miller’s inspiring leadership and thanks everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered, making the event an overwhelming success. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting ongoing research, advocacy, and resources for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.
For more information or to support Jack’s continued efforts, visit the Back-to-School 5K Run for Parkinson's event page.
Stay tuned for more alumni stories and community highlights as we continue celebrating the impact of our LOA family.
#ONETitan #TitanStrong #LOAAlumniGivingBack #LOACommunityImpact
Lake Oconee Academy joyfully welcomed 22 new teachers and staff members during its New Staff Orientation, held July 23rd-24th. This passionate group includes 18 new teachers and several individuals joining us in newly created roles, highlighting LOA's continued commitment to growth and excellence.
The orientation provided a warm and engaging introduction to the Titan family, featuring informative sessions designed to equip new staff for a successful start. Highlights included an engaging HR and benefits session with Mollye Treadway and Machelle Usry, an interactive technology overview led by Bobby Zimmerman and Mack Stockdale, practical classroom management strategies from Danielle Bilbo, and essential safety training conducted by Sheriff Donnie Harrison. Katelyn Mellow and Jerante Smith led the orientation with enthusiasm and warmth, ensuring all new hires felt right at home.
“Our orientation is more than just informational; it’s an opportunity for academic-minded professionals to truly get a sense for the welcoming, thoughtful, and community-oriented culture that defines LOA. We’re thrilled to welcome such talented individuals to our dedicated team, and we look forward to getting to know each new staff members better each day!” shared Lower School Director, Katelyn Mellow.
The new team members were treated to a delicious breakfast and iced coffee provided by PJ's Coffee Shop. Our entire school community eagerly anticipates welcoming these wonderful new additions at the upcoming Meet & Greet event and on the first day of school, August 1st.
Stay tuned as we continue to share more inspiring stories about our new educators and the remarkable year ahead!
At Lake Oconee Academy, our mission is rooted in three foundational cornerstones: citizenship, scholarship, and community. These guiding principles shape our school’s culture and inspire our educators to go above and beyond every day. This month, we are proud to recognize three outstanding teachers who exemplify these values through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our students: Ms. McDaniel, Mrs. Gay, and Mrs. Dees.
As the Lower School Gifted Teacher and Spelling Bee Coordinator, Ms. McDaniel brings creativity and enthusiasm to her work with students in grades 1-4. During PIE (Prevention - Intervention - Extension) time, she focuses on the "extension" aspect, challenging students to expand their critical thinking and knowledge across all core subjects, including science, social studies, reading, writing, and math.
One of her recent projects, a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade STEM activity, engaged students in designing, creating, and testing balloon prototypes. This hands-on activity encouraged problem-solving and teamwork, giving students the opportunity to make adjustments and improvements to their designs. Additionally, Ms. McDaniel dedicated countless hours to organizing school spelling bees for grades 1-8, fostering a love for language and competition. Her hard work and passion for education are deeply appreciated.
Mrs. Gay has been instrumental in advancing our middle school gifted education program. Over the past year, she has led the way in conducting gifted testing to identify students with exceptional abilities, ensuring they receive the opportunities they need to excel.
Beyond testing, Mrs. Gay has collaborated with teachers to integrate gifted differentiation strategies into daily classroom instruction. Her efforts have made advanced learning opportunities accessible to gifted students while enriching the overall learning environment for all. Her initiative and dedication have significantly impacted both students and staff, and we are grateful for her contributions.
In our 6th-grade gifted program, Mrs. Dees takes a hands-on, project-based learning approach to inspire and challenge her students. One standout project involved designing and building catapults, blending principles of physics, engineering, and problem-solving. This engaging activity encouraged students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Mrs. Dees’ innovative teaching style helps students develop essential skills for success beyond the classroom. Her commitment to providing meaningful and challenging learning experiences has had a profound impact on her students and the school community.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. McDaniel, Mrs. Gay, and Mrs. Dees for their exceptional work and dedication to upholding the values of citizenship, scholarship, and community. Their contributions inspire our students and staff alike, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements as Cornerstone Teachers of the Month.
2014 National Blue Ribbon School
2014 Best 50 Public Elementary Schools in the U.S. by TheBestSchools.org
2018–2024 AP® Honor School
5-Star School Climate Star Rating by the Georgia DOE
AdvancedEd Accredited
