Prince Avenue Christian School • www.princeave.org2201 Ruth Jackson Road • Bogart, GA 30622 • 678-753-3000

Prince News Inside

January 2013

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Builder Chad Horne, Board of Trustees Chair Jeff Carter, Head Football Coach Mark Farriba, Prince Avenue Baptist Pastor Bill Ricketts, Head of School Danny Howell, Development Director Kim Brannon, Excellence Campaign Co-Chairs Shane & Carri Leigh Todd, and Athletic Director Richard Ricketts ceremoniously break ground for the new Wolverine Fieldhouse.

Excellence Foundation 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Excellence Campaign 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service with a Smile 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

International Flair 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Georgia Dome. So much more than just a football game...

It has been an amazing year at Prince Avenue Christian School, with an amazing future within our reach. The numbers tell the story… •801—ThecurrentenrollmentofPrinceAvenueChristianSchool. •874—Themaximumcapacityoftheelementary,middleandhighschools. •24,2,and47—Thenumberofopeningsinourelementary,middleandhighschools. •5—Elementarygradesthatareatfullcapacity. •6—NewstudentswhoenrolledinJanuary. •90-95%-Normalretentionrateofourenrolledstudents. •48—SeniorswhoexpecttograduateinMay. •54—Newapplicationsalreadysubmittedonline. •26—Additionalapplicationsinprogressonline. The story these numbers tell focuses our attention on two very important areas of emphasisforallofourPrinceAvenuefamilies—reenrollmentandtheExcellenceCapitalCampaign. OurreenrollmentperiodbeginsonMonday,January28andopenenrollmentstarts

Our Foundation of Excellence

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onMonday,February11.AsPrinceAvenuepreparesforthe2013-14schoolyear,Iencourage each of you to begin the reenrollment process early this year since we anticipate some classes reaching capacity. All of our current students will have the first opportunity to secure their place before open enrollment begins. Those who do not complete the process are at risk of losing their place in our classrooms in 2013-14.IencourageyoutomakesureyourfinancialpaymentsthroughFACTSareup-to-date,andthatyoucompletethereenrollmentprocessbeforeFebruary11.We want you to return next year! Our focus at Prince Avenue has been to fulfill our mission, and to partner with Christian families to provide the best Christian education possible for all our stu-dents. As our enrollment numbers increase, our goal is not to be bigger but to get better.Thatiswhywehaveinitiatedourcapitalcampaigndrive—toimproveourcampus for the students who are currently enrolled. We recognize that excellence is the foundation of our future. We have a great start, and have been able to break ground on the new athletic field house, and upon its completion, we will gain two new classrooms in our academic building. Our capital drive numbers elevate our story to Excellence… •$5.5millionneededtoaddacademicfacilities,buildafineartsandassembly gymnasium wing, athletic field house, upgrade technology infrastructure, and renovate our lunchroom. •$700,000cashalreadydonated. •$1,400,000thathasbeenpledgedtotheExcellencecampaignoverthenext three years. •$4,100,000stillneededincashandcommitmentstobeginbuildingthenew facility. •15%ofourfamilieshavemadegiftsorpledgestoourExcellencecampaign. •100%ofourfaculty,staff,andBoardofTrusteesmembershavemadeacom- mitment to the campaign. •1—ThedateinMarchthatweneedtohave100%participationfromourfami- liesthroughpledgestoExcellencebecauseweare“ALLIN.” Together we can make Prince Avenue Christian School the best it can be. We are both retaining and attracting the very best families who desire to provide an excellent college preparatory education grounded in the truth of God’s Word. I ap-preciate the commitment you have made to Prince Avenue Christian School, and to the ministry we share.Blessings,Danny Howell

DouglasNamedSTAR Student

SeniorMarianDouglas,wasnamed2013 Prince Avenue Christian School STARstudentfor2012-13.Sheearnedthe highest score in a single sitting of the three sections of the SAT test. Marian,whoisthedaughterofDavid and Robyn Douglas, selected English teacher Jimmy Phillips as the school’s STAR teacher, recognizing him for the influence he has had on her academic career. MarianplanstoattendTaylorUni-versity next year and major in profe-sional writing. BothMarianandMr.Phillipswillbehonored by the local PAGE organiza-tion.

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A crowded lunchroom is one of the areas the Excellence Campaign will remedy.

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The Prince Avenue Christian School Academic Team defeated Lamar County in the WSB-TV High Q competi-tion in early December. The contest was televised by WSB. Team members included captain and senior Marian Douglas, juniors John Butt and Grant Simpson, and sophomore Curry Cross. In only its fourth year of academic competition, the varsity team ad-vanced to the second round of the High Q tournament. The team will compete against North Gwinnett High in another televised round on Saturday, March 2. The team is coached by David Douglas and Katie Gamble.

AcademicTeamCompetesonWSB-TV

The piano students of Sharon Reid, piano instructor at Prince Avenue Christian, performedtheirannualChristmasrecitalSaturday,December15,atAthensFirstPresbyterianChurch.Thefollowingstudentswererecognizedfor“Superior”ratingsatAthensMusicTeachersAssociationSonatinaFestivalheldinOctober:EllaBray,CharlieFrierson,KathrynAnneFrierson,AddieLeeFrierson,CamilleHardin,andBreannaKus-chel.Picturedaretheperformerswiththeirteacher(frontrowlefttoright):McKenziePaul,KylaBowen,KinsleyBowen,EllaBray,EvanWebb,CharlieFrierson,BrennaHardin,MacMcDonald,DanielHarper;(secondrow,left)GracieHarris,KathrynAnneFrierson,StevenDurocher,NinaKillian,AbbyWeaver;(back,lefttoright)AddieLeeFrierson,ReidBaker,AshleighSayles,SarahAnthony,CamilleHardin,CurtisBatchelor,BreannaKuschel,AbigailDurocher,EmmaAllen,andMaggieAllen.EachstudentreceivedaCDof all the Christmas pieces he/she had learned to perform this season.

Senior Ward Evans was named the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen for Prince Avenue Christian School. Ward, the son of Parrish and Julie Evans, was selected by the high school teachers for his service, dependability, leadership, and patriotism. He was asked by the DAR to write an essay which has been entered into a local DAR competition. Ward will attend the University of Georgia next year.

David Richt, the son of Mark and Katharyn Richt, was named the Prince Avenue’s Rotary Student of the Semester for the Fall. He chose Billy Meeks as his most influential teacher. David plans to attend Belmont University and major in Music Business. He and Coach Meeks were honored at a Rotary lunch which was also attended by his parents, Head of School Danny Howell, and High School Principal Seth Hathaway.

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Head of School’s Honor RollThe 9th - 12th grade honor roll is based on SEMESTER grades, and is published twice a school year, at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. The 4th - 8th grade honor roll is based on QUARTER grades, and is published four times a school year.The Head of School Honor Roll recognizes those students who have earned all As in all core courses, including Bible.

Emma AllenMaggieAllenCassie AthaJakeBachmanAudreyBlissElizabethBrantleyLoganBrownSamBrowningTori CameronAddi Kay CarterJoe ConnerJaxon ConnerleyKellie CucuzzaAbigail DurocherErin EleyGarrison HammondCamille HardinSarah HiltonEmily HinsonJake JohnsonEvanMcCallEllen PattonGabriella RiceLivi RichtOlivia ShiverAshton WalkerTanner WellsReece Wyatt

Sean AdamsGia AlbertDanielle AnglinReidBakerJacobBennettTaylorBondAshleyBrittCadenBushAllie CarterKelly CascellaMackenzieCaseMegChandlerAleah CraneHamilton CulpepperKathryn Anne FriersonAlex GilmoreAnsley HallGracie Harris

Walker HensonSammy HodgesMaggieHoltHudson HousemanTaylor HowardSeele JarrettJack JohnstonJocelyn JonesCaleb LandSarah LashleyShannon LeeBenjiLehmannKaliMarloweAbbigailMerharCarolineMiddlebrooksTrentNesbitLauren PollockLandon RagleLindsay RogersMattisonRuffThompson SewellEmilie ShuttKaylee SmithFaith SteeleTrey StilesTaylor StudniskiAnna Kate Thurmond

ChaseBarkerPatrickBrannenJaredBreedloveMadisonBrittDaniel HarperJosh HiltonMollyHowardTraceJeffersSavannah JohnsonSarah KelleyCarson KooistraDanny LeeCaitieSueMedfordAveryMulfordShelby ReeseThomas RossBooneSeayAdam SmithWill ToddSted Wilfong

MatthewColquittSydney CrawfordDini DiCostyAddie Lee FriersonMegGarrettMeganGarthJohnMorganMcDonaldSarah OwensMaryGracePalmerEmili PinsonVannahStrozierSara ThompsonEmily WeaverLuke Wells

BenCarrPreston ChandlerChase DeatrickMacyFrazierSeth LashleyAshleyMcCallFordeNorrisHannah PayneBayleeRogersJohn ShumakerRobert West

Warren AlbertConnorBachmanJessicaBondRachelBrannenJon Conrad

Hazael CorteseGrant CrowellWill DouglasMaryMartinHarperAbby HathawayNickiHoodMadelineJacksonSarahBethJohnsonFerrell LavenderDrew LayLandon LivesayAndrewMedinaMadisonNaeherJessica PringleZachary RaglePeyton RickettsMatthewSherrerJordyn SmithZachary WareWesley WellsAnnaBethWommackHamilton Armit

ToryBowlesCarolineBrannenLauraBrannonCatherineBrayAmandaBrownLeahBuczynskyBenButlerChandler CareyThomas ClementsSarah CroweClaire DanielJonah DosterSarah Kate DuncanKelsey FitzpatrickAndrew GignilliatLauren GilstrapAshton GlennKatelyn GriderJosh HamptonJohn HaydenSydney HendersonTerry KoJamie LeeMayraLeyvaClare Looney

HaleyMalaierEmmaMeeksAndrewMorganSuttonNorrisRhett ParrMadisonPittmanCaroline TaylorVictoriaTownLuke WallaceJosh WhalenJack WilfongErica WiseJake Woolery

EllaBrightwellGracieBrownleeAnna CailJacobColquittRoss CrowellAmanda HillYiYing (Elaine) LinMackenzieLowmanMaryCatherineMcElroyKatieMillinerChristian PayneBrandonSalleeConner SibleyJames WagnerMonicaWalcott

MadisonAkinsCancyBlackwellWesleyBridghamChuchu ChenCollyn CownMarianDouglasDrew DudleyWes HendrixHarrison HoyleSam KennonFernandaMackayMadelineMeeksAnnabeth PruettDevan SchwartzNicoleStephensDavid Zeagler

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

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Principals’ Honor RollThe 9th - 12th grade honor roll is based on SEMESTER grades, and is published twice a school year, at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. The 4th - 8th grade honor roll is based on QUARTER grades, and is published four times a school year.The Principals’ Honor Roll recognizes those students who have earned an A average in all core courses, including Bible.

Wyatt CampbellAbby CearleyWill ElrodZach HamiltonAnna HardwickHaley HolcombeTate JerniganNickKatsegianesPhillip KelleyColin KitchensBreeKuschelJonathan LehmannGarrett LoftinAnnaGraceMarableAndersMedfordBransonMeelerReidMurraySamNaeherGracie PowerChas ScogginsWillow SmithNickStudniskiMatthewThompsonTrent Tredwell

MaryBrookeBarberTyler Chappell

BonnieKateCollinsworthEmilie DavidSara DrinkardHolly EvansSara FrantzGavin HarterPaige HolcombeMaxJohnsonJake PittmanHannah RughAshleigh SaylesEden SolomonDrew WardSeth WardBoWarrenRiley WilsonMaddyWilson

NateAldinCurtisBatchelorBrooksBlizardPaytonBowlesJamesBrinsonAlayna CearleyMayaFranklinChristopher HardingJanie HendersonElijah HynesMeganJackson

Sarah JeraldCadeMurrayGracie RickettsNickRobinsonMackSimmonsEliza TaylorLogan ThomasLolly TitshawDrew Wright

Emily ArkansasMaryHamiltonBottomsEmily CoxAriana CraneAddison EvansBeccaHathawayCaroline HillElaine HinsonMillicanJarrettMariaJohnstonWill KahlstorfRebekahMachovecAnnieMcElhannonKelleyMcKeithanDaltonMeelerGeorgina PlattGabriella SposatoAynsley StierEmma Taylor

Taylor TitshawMcNealWilfong

MarlanAdamsMarkAldinNathanAndersonHaleyBarkerCailynBloodworthAndrewBrayNicholasBrownVirginiaBethButlerMatthewButtNoahCampbellNatalieCrewsSam GignilliatJared GilstrapAlex HardingPalmer HeathAnna JeraldValentinJimenezAmelia LovelessDanielle PlattBrantleyPowerSammi RichtMeganSchwartzWill ShiverNoahShoemakerSam ToddMaxWoolery

JaredBloodworthNickBoarmanTylerBreedloveJonathan DaulerAnna DiCostyJoy HarrisClaire HurleyJake KirbyKateMarloweChristopherNunnAngela ScoginAllison ShirleyMillerTownsendAmanda Wooten

MaggieAldinMatthewAllen

WalkerBoswellKalynBrownSeabon DavisMistyKingKristian KnowlesHannah LongChristopherNelmsIsaac PowerMary-FrancesStearnsRachel SteeleSilas Stocks

SamBrannonCaroline ClarkZackary GrahamEmmi HardingElli HeathPeyton HowellGracyn LastingerAnnaMachovecAustinMcCallMontanaMcCullersChloieMedfordLydiaMegdalAnderMullinaxGrant SimpsonAutumn StephensJames WootenJason WuSarah Anthony

Kaitlin ApplebyKadijah ArnoldEmilyBehtzCaitlynBlackTitus CampbellHayden CareyWard EvansGloria JeongPenny JiaCarlMattoxDavid RichtMatthewSmockChappel TalleyJordan WilliamsKristin Witcher

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Freshmen

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FieldhouseGroundbreakingisJusttheBeginning!Excellence has broken new ground at Prince Avenue Christian School, with con-struction beginning on the new fieldhouse, but pledges and gifts are still needed to meetthe$5.5milliongoalfortheschool’scapitalcampaign,accordingtoDevelop-mentDirectorKimBrannon. “We are really excited that construction is underway, and that we will begin thenextschoolyearwithadditionalclassroomsandanewfieldhouse,”saysHeadofSchoolDannyHowell.“Wereceivedover$700,000incashsinceourcampaignkickedoffatourVisionofExcellenceprograminOctober.Thiscashflowallowsusto move forward in our plans to improve the academic, arts, and athletic facilities on ourcampus.” Ms.Brannonsaysthat$1,400,000ofthe$5.5millionhasbeencommittedthroughpledgesfromtheschool’sfamilyandfriends,but$4,100,000isstillneededin order to advance the campaign to the next level. “We are encouraging all our familiestomakeacommitmenttothefoundationofexcellenceofourschool,”shesays. “We would like to have all our pledges for the campaign submitted to my of-ficebyMarch1.Weneedeveryonetobe‘AllIn’aswemovetowardourfuture.” “The two classrooms we will gain in our school building next year will really helpustoimprovethequalityofouracademicprograms,”saysHowell.“Wewillbe

able to move the existing weightroom from the academic building to the new fieldhouse, as we convert that space foracademicuse.” The Excellence capital campaign began at the end of October as How-ell and campaign co-chairShaneTodd explained the long-rangeplansfor excellence at the

campus. The campaign is designed to address the most pressing needs of the school, says Todd, “focusing espe-cially on the need for more academic space, fine arts facilities, technology infrastructure, and a new assembly

Construction of the Fine Arts and Assembly Gymnasium wing will begin when the $5.5 million has been pledged, and half of the money has been received.

Excellence Priorities

Capital Improvement: $5.5 MillionAcademic FacilitiesFine Arts SuiteTechnology InfrastructureSchool Assembly, PE, & Athletic FacilitiesCafeteria & Wolverine Den ExpansionCourtyard & Playfield

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Donate Online & Auto Gift PaymentsYou can now donate to the Prince Aenue Christian School Excellence cam-paign and the Annual Fund online. You can also schedule automatic payments through our new web based system.

• Todonateonlineand/orscheduleautomaticpayments:• Visitwww.princeave.org• Click“DonateOnline”• Setupanaccount,orloginasa“Guest” (To schedule payments, you must set up an account)• Complete the online form, schedule your payments if you wish to do so,

and make your payment by bank withdrawal or credit card.

gymnasium. These were the areas our parents identified as the most impor-tant as we assessed ways to improve ourschool.” Capital expansion plans call for a new wing to be built adjacent to the Wolverine Cottages. The new build-ingisdesignedtohousestate-of-the-art music, drama, and band facilities, as well as a new gymnasium which can be used for school assemblies as well as elementary and middle school physical education, and athletic prac-tices and games. Howell says that construction on the new wing will beginwhenthe$5.5milliondollarsare committed and half that amount has been contributed.

ItAddsUpIfWeAreALLIN!Need:$5.5million

Pledged:$1.4million

CashGiven:$700,000

FamiliesWhoHavePledged:15%

Faculty-StaffWhoHavePledged:100%

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PACSMinistriesExtendLoveofChristtoCommunitiesPrince Avenue Christian School stu-dents are learning tos hare Christ in a myriad of ways as they impact the lives of others through their involve-ment in service and ministry projects. The Art Honor Society recently completed their second annual Emp-tyBowlsauctionwhichraised$2,000for“ABiggerVision,”anorganizationwhich helps to feed the hungry. Stu-dentsandstaffcreatedpotterybowls,and filled them with goodies and placed them for auction. MembersofthehighschoolNationalBetaClubandthemarket-ing class are currently collecting cans ofChef-Boy-Ardeeraivoliaspartofthe“Ravolution”.ThecanswillbedonatedtotheOconeeKid’sMissionwhich places weekend meals in the backpacks of Oconee County needy elementary children who might not have any other food. Their goal is for everystudent,staffandfacultymem-ber to contribute a can. Students in the marketing class alsoraised$150toprovidea“BlessingBasket”toaneedyfamilyatThanks-giving. Elementary, middle and high students are always big supporters oftheschool’seffortstosupporttheSamaritan’s Purse Operation Christ-mas Child program. This year, the studentscontributed451boxesthatwere delivered to children in coun-tries all over the world. Mrs.NikkiFranklin’sfirstgradeclass has been raising money for Sin-telec Christian Academy in Romania throughapartnershipwithBeliefinMotion.Todate,thestudentshavecontributedover$100tohelppro-vide tuition support and hot meals to theRomanianchildren.Mrs.Franklin

will be taking the money to Romania in June. Prince high school students have organized an Interact Club, sponsored by historyteacherNathanVigil.Theclub’sfirstprojectwastoworkwithStopHungerNow,an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food to starving children around the world. They worked with students from other schools to

create 10,000 food packs of six meals each. InDecember,theMiddleSchoolHonors Chorus helped support a local hospice by singing at the Georgia Club’sTourofHomes,whiletheNa-tional Honor Society distributed gift bags to Prince Avenue’s support and maintenancestaff.

Prince Avenue students brought over 450 gift boxes to share with children all over the world through Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Prince Avenue has partici-pated in the program for many years. Denise Brittain considers which bowl she will bid on in the Empty Bowls silent auction, which raised $2,000 for A Bigger Vision. Interact Club students participated in the Stop Hunger Now food distribution program by helping to fill over 10,000 packages of food.

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Prince Avenue Christian School freshman Madeline Jackson and senior Devan Schwartz were awarded the Jon Desso Memorial Scholarship in recognition of their scholarship, commitment to Christian service and friendships, and financial need. The scholarships were awarded by the Jon Desso Foundation, Inc. established by classmates and friends of the Prince Avenue alumnus who died in 2004. The students were honored at the Wolver-ines vs Lakeview basketball game, attended by Jon’s parents Rob and Jane Desso, and several foundation committee members including Bill Simpson, Alyson Satterfield White, and Micah White. Pictured are Travis, Missy and Madeline Jackson, Rob and Jane Desso, Leigh, Robert and Devan Schwartz.

“BrotherBlake”showsthirdgradestudentshowwoodwaschoppedandnotchedinpreparationforbuildingahomebackinthe“PioneerDays.”ThethreeclassesspentthedayatJeffandChelseaHenson’sfarmlearningaboutcandle-making,lifeinateepee,squeezingjuicefromapples,andotherwaysofdaysgoneby.Thisspecialfieldtripgave the students a chance to gain a perspective on how difficult life could be in the early days of America.

GrandparentsVisitPACS

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Editor’s Note: This year, five Chinese and one Korean student are enrolled in Prince Avenue’s high school. I had the chance to talk with seniors Chuchu (Miranda) Chen, Yuening (Penny) Jia, juniors Dongdi (Jason) Wu, Yichen (Eric) Yang, and sophomore Yeong han (Terry) Ko . Junior YiYing (Elaine) Lin was in Taiwan during this interview, attending the funeral of her grandmother. Penny and Jason attended Prince Avenue Christian School from January – May in 2012, and returned for this school year. They were joined by the other students this year. The Chinese students come to Prince from various regions in China, through a program called China Project Hope, and they live with host families. Terry came to stay with Prince Avenue Baptist Church’s Korean Pastor Park, a friend of his parents. This essay is written to give our families some insight into the experiences of these international students. Our family serves as the hosts for Jason this school year.

International Students Learn to Live Like Wolverines

Penny Jia’s intro-duction to indepen-dence was tested very soon after the 17-year-oldleftherhome in China en route to Hartsfield –Jackson Airport. She was delayed in a long line going through customs in Seattle, and missed her connecting flight to Atlanta. Shehadtoquicklyfigure out how to book another flight, all without the help ofherparents.Mis-sion accomplished, travel continued, and Penny arrived in time to enroll in classes at Prince Avenue Christian School last January. For Penny and the other inter-national students, developing their independence is a new experience for these teens. The Chinese students do nothavesiblings.Intheirstate-man-dated“onechildperfamily”culture,their parents’ attention has been pri-marily focused on helping them to be successful. For Korean Terry Ko, this was an opportunity to gain a better education. They all learned to speak English before coming here. Notmanyofuscanimaginewhatit must be like to allow our children to move to a foreign culture when they arestillsoyoung.Buttheseteenshave adapted well, and are focused

on accomplishing their goals. These internationals came to America as a high school student to improve their English skills, become immersed in the American culture, and receive an education that prepares them to succeed at a univer-sityintheUnitedStates. Penny,Miranda,Eric,andJasonallsaythat the opportunity for acceptance at the good Chinese universities is extremely competitive because so many students are trying to earn the limited number of open-ings. The standardized entrance exam is onlyofferedonce—dowellonthattestand

have high grades in school, and you just might get an acceptance to the university. Otherwise, your chance may slip away. Chinese students who come to America in high school and who successfully adapt to the culture and academic life usually will be able to enroll in an American college or university, and eventually return to China with a degree and improved employment opportunities. For these students, the advan-

From Left to right: ophomore Yeong han (Terry) Ko, juniors Dongdi (Jason) Wu, and Yichen (Eric) Yang, senior Chuchu (Miranda) Chen, Junior YiYing (Elaine) Lin, and senior Yuening (Penny) Jia.

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tages they gain are well worth the sacrifice of living abroad and adjust-ingtoaverydifferentculture.Se-niorsPennyandMirandaareaiminghigh—theyhaveappliedtoschoolssuchasGeorgiaTech,UniversityofGeorgia, California State, Alabama, Auburn,Clemson,andVirginiaTech.Bothplantomajorinchemistry.Jason is already thinking ahead, and looking at universities with strong international business programs. The Asian school system is dif-ferent in many ways than what these students experience in America. The school day is much longer, and a greater emphasis is placed on math andsciences.Miranda,Jason,Penny,Eric and Terry all mentioned that they like America’s shorter school hours. These students have enjoyed watching movies, playing video games, attending sports events and simply“hangingout”withsomeofthe free time they have gained. For these students, much of their extra time is still spent studying. To learninadifferentlanguagethanwhat is native to them, they have to study longer and more intently than most Americans. Courses that are languagebased—likesocialstudiesandEnglish—aremuchmoredif-ficult because these students must translate much of what they study to Chinese or Korean, and back again to gain an understanding of the mate-rial they are learning. They also must prepare to take college entrance tests, like the SAT or ACT, as well as the TOEFL, the exam that determines their level of understanding of the English language. Butlivingwithhostfamilieshelps these students in several ways. ForJason,havinghis“hostbrother”David around to help him study vo-cabulary and history facts has made it easier for him to prepare for tests. And the host families provide more than simply food and transportation, adding security and entertainment as they work to blend their lives and cultures. In many ways, these students become a part of the family. For example, Josh Douglas describes

Pennyashis“borrowed”sister,andPennyspends a lot of time with Will watching movies—especiallytheirfavorite“SherlockHolmes.” The Chinese students, though, have found the American teen culture to be verydifferentfromwhattheyexperienceinChina.MirandaandPennybothtalkedabouttheaffectionAsianteenagersshowtowardoneanother—oftenlinkingarmsor holding hands as they walk through the halls of school. In China they enjoy going to restaurants, shopping, or just hanging out or performing Karaoke. What they have found in America is similar to what any student would feel when they came to a newschoolorculture—friendshipsherearewell established, and it is difficult to feel the same connection with new friends as it is with the ones they left behind. All the students have said that all their classmates have been very friendly, and extended invitations to event and activities, but they recognize that they are somewhat outsiders in most social situations. For Terry, who is living in a Korean host home and attends a Korean church, there are not as many social adjustments, except within the schoolsetting.Buttheyallgettopursueother interests. For instance, Jason and EricloveNBAbasketball,andhavebeentoAtlanta to see the Hawks play. They have attended their first college and high school (American) football games. Food.Nowthereisaculturaldifference.Go to a Chinese restaurant, and you’ll eat American-Chinesefood.Itisreallynotthesame as what these students are used to eating.Andtheyarelearningtoeat—andinmanycaseslike—Americanfood.You’veprobably never really thought about it, but the Chinese don’t cook with cheese. Wedo—alot.Andweeattoomuchfastfood—somethingthesestudentsprefertodo without. Krista Elayan, host mother to Elaine, mentioned that Elaine emailed her while she was in Taiwan and said she missed icedteaandcoldwater—bothbigchangesfrom the tepid water and hot tea she preferred when she first came to America. Food changes alone are an adjustment. And what we cook and what they eat is a balanceofculture—helpingthemtoadjustto American cuisine, yet letting them at times sense a taste of home.

It is very important, however, for these students to feel that they are demonstrating kindness and respect in their relationships with others. Eric and Jason especially consider respect an important characteristic to com-municate—especiallytotheirhostfamilies. And we have found Jason tobeexactlythat—polite,consider-ate,respectfulandgenerous--andwehave appreciated those times when he relaxes and joins in our teasing andlaughter.Buttheencouragingatmosphere of American family life has also helped these students gain confidence and assurance in their abilities to succeed. MirandaandTerryhavebothbeen involved in church and youth activities. Terry’s involved in the Ko-reanchurchministry,whileMiranda’shostfamily—Marshall,Anne,SydneyandWhitneyHenderson—intro-ducedher“toherfaith”shesays,andencouraged her involvement in their church youth group. These students come to America without any Ameri-can religious cultural context, yet are immediately immersed into a Chris-tian culture and school. Some have a Buddhistheritage,whileothershaveno religious background whatsoever. Communicating what we know to be the truth of the Gospel has to be reduced to the very simplest of vo-cabulary. We also have to recognize the Christian cultural confusion these students see and hear. Think for a moment of how you might commu-nicatethemessageofChristmas—Je-sus came to earth as a baby, born in amangertosaveoursins—andthenadd Santa Claus, and the Grinch and the angels and Frosty the Snowman and Christmas trees, and gifts, and on and on. The potential for confusion is easy to see. And this is a reminder for all of us at Prince Avenue Christian School. What these international students learn about Jesus this year, they will mostly learn from those of us they interact with everyday. And that will most likely not be through the words we say, but through the way we live.

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100 Days of Fun and Learning! Prince students Jake Hall, Taylor Thomas, Porter Wood, Chandler Dennard, Landon Russell, and Rory Smith make sure everyone knows they have completed 100 days of kindergarten!

Winter SportsUnderway

Senior Annabeth Pruett and sophomore Matt Allen have helped lead Prince bas-ketball, while junior Jacob Colquitt has qualified for the GHSA state swim meet.

Wolverine supporters “Packed the Dome Like it was our Home” for the state champi-onship game in December. The Wolverines played a tough game, losing 33-0 to a big-ger, strong, faster Eagles Landing team, but the experience was an incredible highlight for the players, coaches and fans, and the Georgia Dome was a great place to end an awesome football season.