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.

Celebrating the Cornerstone Teachers of Lake Oconee Academy

Pictured L to R: Danielle Bilbo, Joanie Patrick, Jennifer Hart

At Lake Oconee Academy, our mission is anchored in three essential values: Citizenship, Scholarship, and Community. These cornerstones not only define our school’s culture but also guide our educators in shaping a supportive and inspiring learning environment. We are honored to recognize three exceptional teachers who embody these values and have each received the prestigious Cornerstone Teacher Award for their dedication and impact.

Ms. Jennifer Hart and Ms. Joanie Patrick, who teach in the Early Intervention Program (EIP) for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, are integral to our lower school. EIP supports students who may be at risk of falling behind academically, providing the individualized attention and resources they need to reach grade-level proficiency. Through their work during PIE (Prevention - Intervention - Extension) time, Ms. Hart and Ms. Patrick help identify academic challenges early on, creating targeted plans that address each student’s unique needs.

Their commitment to building academic confidence and providing one-on-one support has made a transformative difference in the lives of countless students. By filling in learning gaps and offering tailored instruction, these two educators enable their students to flourish, fostering a love for learning that grows along with each child’s academic success.

Mrs. Danielle Bilbo is recognized for her remarkable approach to differentiation and student-centered instruction. With an innate ability to understand her students’ individual needs, Mrs. Bilbo creates customized learning pathways, ensuring every child can progress in a way that supports their strengths and areas for growth.

When faced with challenging units, Mrs. Bilbo fosters a collaborative classroom by bringing in additional support and seeking out the resources necessary for her students to succeed. Her dedication to crafting an inclusive learning environment reflects her commitment to LOA’s core values and her students’ personal and academic growth.

Ms. Hart, Ms. Patrick, and Mrs. Bilbo exemplify the spirit of Lake Oconee Academy. Through their dedication to the principles of Citizenship, Scholarship, and Community, they are shaping the future of our school and empowering our students to achieve their best.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding teachers for their hard work, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Their impact will be felt for years to come, as they inspire students to reach their full potential and carry these core values forward into the world.

Lake Oconee Academy Celebrates Students Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Program

Pictured L to R: Wyatt Imhof, Andrew Urrutia, Jaida Tripp, Emerson Hill, Brady Sitler, Noah Colby, Grace Finch, Maria Marquez

Program recognizes over 90,000 high-performing students to help open opportunities for their future. 

Students at Lake Oconee Academy earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. The programs celebrate the hard work of thousands of high school students nationwide to help them showcase their strong academic performance.

 For the first time, the academic honors recognize first-generation students, in addition to rural and small town, Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/or Latino students. The program opens college access for more students because many institutions use the awards for their recruitment efforts.

 At Lake Oconee Academy, 8 students were awarded: Noah Colby, Grace Finch, Emmy Hill, Wyatt Imhoff, Maria Marquez, Brady Sitler, Jaida Tripp, and Drew Urrutia               

 “We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing. We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams,” said Executive Director, Dr. Brad Bowling. “There’s so much that makes our students unique, and this honor reinforces their individuality and achievements as assets for their future.

 Eligible students must meet the following criteria to qualify:

• Earn a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher.

• PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.

• Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, or a first-generation college student.

The program expanded this year to include a fifth award. Over 35,000 students nationwide received the inaugural National First-Generation Recognition Program Award.

Senior, Grace Finch, is among the first to be recognized as a First-Generation student. “It makes me feel confident knowing that I am taking the right steps to further my education that will better myself for the future. I'm very grateful to have these opportunities to even go to college and do something that my parents never got to do,” says Finch.

Every year, students can verify their eligibility on BigFuture® during their sophomore or junior year. At the start of the next school year, students receive their awards for their communities to celebrate them and colleges to recruit them as they head back to school for their junior or senior year. Thousands of nonprofit colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service™ can connect with awardees during the recruitment process to share more about their postsecondary programs. 

“This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever so that the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for their future,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “We’re proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program offers one way they can strengthen their recruitment efforts to students that will thrive on their campus.”     

Lake Oconee Academy will be closed tomorrow, September 27th, 2024.

Lake Oconee Academy will be closed tomorrow, September 27th, 2024 per the recommendation of Georgia Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security, and due to the potential significant impacts of Hurricane Helene.   All after school activities are also cancelled for tomorrow.  

We will continue to operate on a normal schedule for today, September 26th, 2024, and release at the same time we always do (2:30 pm).  

Titan Tech and indoor extracurricular activities will also operate as normal for TODAY. However, we understand that some parents may prefer to adjust plans during such conditions. Please note that participation in Titan Tech and any after-school activities is entirely optional, and you have the choice to keep your child home if you feel it’s best for their safety. For athletic practices and school sponsored clubs, please contact your child's coach or sponsor should you have questions or concerns. 

Stay safe,
Dr. B 

Lake Oconee Academy Celebrates Its AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

Over 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

At Lake Oconee Academy, six students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™. Additionally, two students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2023-24 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills essential to academic success.

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Dr. Brad Bowling. “With the help of dedicated teachers, our AP Capstone students explored their passions through scholarly research as part of an impactful, multiyear program. This meaningful college readiness program will serve our students well after high school.”

 To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP® Exams of their choice. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Student participation in the AP Capstone program has been steadily increasing, with Over 100,000 students in over 2,500 schools worldwide taking part during the 2023-24 academic year. Approximately 21,000 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 11,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.

 “We have been witnessing students’ renewed passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” shared Bianca Peart, global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “Together with the guidance of talented educators, students are building essential college and career readiness skills while exploring subjects that are meaningful to them.” 

 At Lake Oconee Academy, students focused their research on a range of topics. Some include Ethnocentrism in American Media and Responses to Data Breaches, The Influence of Latin American Cultures on Immigration and Political Law, and The Growth of Digital Technology and its Effect on the Global Phenomenon of Service Tipping.

 “Congratulations to the thousands of students who worked so hard to earn AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement® Program. “These students are creating the pathways for their future academic and professional careers by building highly sought-after skills in project management, presentation, collaboration, and research.”

 Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Lake Oconee Academy:

• Six students were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are Sydney Pattison, Arya Naran, Jewell Morrison, Maria Marquez, Adam Kalmanowicz, and Irem Erturk.

• Two students, Rylee Oyler and Ana Garcia-Rangel earned scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and Research and were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

• Two graduating seniors in the class of 2024 were Rylee Oyler and Sydney Pattison. Rylee attends Savannah College of Art and Design, and Sydney Pattison attends Georgia Institute of Technology.

 College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.

In partnership with the higher education community, the College Board developed AP Capstone courses to help students build and master skills essential for success in college and career.

 “What so distinguishes the AP Capstone program as a hallmark educational experience is its emphasis on holistic development of inquiry and articulation skills essential for success and persistence in college, the workplace, and everyday life,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, associate provost for academic affairs at Purchase College, SUNY.