LOA Alum Jack Miller Leads Back-to-School 5K for Parkinson’s Disease

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

LOA Welcomes 22 New Staff Members for the 2025-2026 School Year

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!

Order Your School Supplies!

The EPI school supply sale is now up and running!

Celebrating LOA's Cornerstone Teachers of the Month

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.

Ms. Kalie McDaniel

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. morgan Gay

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.

Mrs. tammy Dees

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.

Thank You, Cornerstone Teachers!

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.

Lake Oconee Academy Celebrates 2024 Homecoming Court, King and Queen

(L to R): Dr. Beverly Montgomery, D’Karrah Terrell, Thea Smith, Kaleb Mathis, Thomas Miller, and Dr. Brad Bowling

Lake Oconee Academy announced its 2024-2025 Homecoming King and Queen during a special halftime ceremony at the November 8th football game against Washington-Wilkes. This year’s honorees, Kaleb Mathis and Thea Smith, were crowned by their predecessors, Thomas Miller and D’Karrah Terrell, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Thea Smith was accompanied by her brother, Rhett Smith, while Kaleb Mathis was escorted by his mother, Stefanie Smith. The ceremony highlighted LOA’s strong sense of tradition and community pride, making the evening an unforgettable celebration of the Titan spirit.

Kaleb Mathis being announced as the ‘24-‘25 LOA Homecoming King

Thea Smith being announced as the ‘24-‘25 LOA Homecoming Queen

Homecoming Court with Representatives from 9th-12th grade

1st Row, R to L: Elena Viscarra, Kathleen Peters, Ava Ciavola, Marley Dellinger, Thea Smith, Autumn Hinspeter, Jewell Morrison, Mary Claire McCommons, Lauren Glass, Abby Reddick, Anna Caroline Todd, Sasha Daniels, Kimberlyn Agulier-Lazaro

2nn Row, R to L: Logan Davis, Julio Arriaza-Reyes, Ridge Sardella, Kaleb Mathis, Adam Kalmanowicz, William King, Cason Bennett

3rd Row, R to L: Brady Sitler, Jake McDonald, Marcus Rhodes, Evan Satterfield, Ty Hiter, Drew Urrutia, Henry Hynes

Lake Oconee Academy Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll

College Board announced that Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning GOLD distinction.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while 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.

LOA is proud to announce impressive achievements in its AP program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Among graduating seniors:

• 72% took at least one AP Exam during high school.

• 64% scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam.

• 29% completed five or more AP Exams.

Across grades 9–12, 125 students participated in the AP program, collectively taking 261 AP Exams. These results underscore LOA’s commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for college-level coursework.

LOA’s AP Coordinator, Carina Baxley, shared her enthusiasm for receiving this prestigious honor, “We are extremely proud to be awarded the AP School Honor Roll Gold distinction.  This honor reflects LOA's dedication to building a strong college-going culture by supporting students in their AP journey, promoting college credit opportunities, and fostering balanced academic goals. We’re proud of our students and teachers for their hard work and commitment to academic excellence!”

“AP gives students an opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and to potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools that have earned this distinction are proof that it is possible to expand access to these college-level courses and still drive strong performance – they represent the best of AP.”

College Board’s Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

Lake Oconee Academy Hosts Its 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Night

On October 8, Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) hosted its second annual Hispanic Heritage Night, honoring the rich traditions and vibrant history of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Taking place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, the event highlighted the school’s commitment to celebrating its diverse community. 

"Our Hispanic families take pride in their culture and radiate as they share it with others," said Shannon Hooks, LOA’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher. "This celebration brought together friends and family within our LOA community to experience unique cultural foods, a traditional dance performance, and meaningful connections."

Lake Oconee Academy remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels represented and valued, making events like Hispanic Heritage Night an essential part of its mission to build a connected and supportive community. 

Inspired by the vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities, LOA Spanish teacher - Lizette Delgado, ESOL teacher - Shannon Hooks, and Inclusion teacher - Tabitha Mancill, led this culturally enriching celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event honored the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latino countries worldwide and extended beyond the October 8th gathering, bringing the celebration into classrooms throughout the month.

The Art Department paid tribute to Hispanic and Latino culture across all grade levels, showcasing an array of art spanning from sculptures and pastels to photography. Families from the Hispanic and Latino community shared a variety of delicious, authentic dishes, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities. The event also featured an inspiring performance by Tonalli, a Mexican folkloric dance group from Athens, Georgia, captivating participants with traditional dance and music.

“The Hispanic/Latino community at LOA has roots from many countries,” says Delgado. These roots were represented amongst the various tables that filled the Lower School Cafeteria from the countries of Mexico, Peru, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama and Guatemala.  The rich culture was most certainly on full display. This event has undoubtedly become one of the most highly anticipated cultural events at LOA.

Lake Oconee Academy Community Rallies to Support Neighboring Areas in Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024, the Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) community swiftly united to support nearby communities in need. Within hours, teachers, students, and LOA families reached out to Dr. Brad Bowling, LOA Executive Director, eager to find ways to assist their neighbors. "Service learning is a crucial part of our students' educational experience," Dr. Bowling explained. "I encouraged our students to take the lead in this effort, empowering them to make a difference."

The LOA Junior Beta Club, Youth Leadership Greene, and their faculty sponsors quickly mobilized to support hurricane relief efforts, with Dr. Bowling leading the call for donations from students, parents, and families. The entire school community got involved—from the high school softball team to elementary students in Mrs. Kalie McDaniel’s class, who contributed heartfelt notes of encouragement for those affected. The initiative truly embodied a school-wide commitment to helping neighbors in need.

"The response was overwhelming," said Dr. Bowling. "Our reception areas quickly filled with donations, and we even received contributions from individuals beyond the LOA community." The following week, the Junior Beta Club sponsor, who has a personal connection to the affected area, rented a trailer and accompanied several students to deliver the supplies directly to Midland, GA.

Mrs. Morgen Gay, sponsor of LOA’s Youth Leadership Greene, delivered essential goods to the Wilkes County EMA, showcasing the collective support of the community. "Youth Leadership Greene brings together students from both LOA and Greene County High School, and it was inspiring to witness this collaboration in action," said Dr. Bowling. Both communities expressed heartfelt appreciation, sending hundreds of letters and notes filled with gratitude.

Dr. Bowling expressed his appreciation for the community's generosity, stating, "I am incredibly proud of our students and staff, and deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from everyone who contributed. It’s a true blessing to be in a position to help. Watching our students turn this generosity into meaningful action has been nothing short of inspiring."

 The Lake Oconee Academy community's response to Hurricane Helene highlights the power of service learning and the values of compassion and leadership instilled in its students. Through collaborative efforts, LOA students, staff, and families have made a lasting impact on neighboring communities, demonstrating that together, they can rise to meet any challenge.