Our math team brought home TGS’s first state trophy! They won the SCISA State Math Meet, held at the Sumter Civic Center on January 17. The competition consisted of a written math test, then a lighting round where players have 60 seconds to respond to problems flashed at them on a card.

Our team (Elizabeth, Chris, Isabella, Zachary, Grayson and Ryleigh) defeated teams from all over the state, including powerhouse schools like Charleston Collegiate and Beaufort Academy, as well as local rivals Lowcountry Prep and Conway Christian.

As a team, TGS beat the scores of every other Division II school in the state, while Chris and Isabella took individual honors. Chris received the highest score overall of any student in the competition and Isabella tied for fifth place.

Our whole school (and especially our math teachers) are thrilled by this victory. We were by far the smallest school in the SCISA State Math Meet and we nailed it! Congratulations, Nerd Herd Math-letes!

 

 

 

The TGS Academic Quiz Bowl team took second place at the SCISA State Academic Quiz Bowl on Dec. 6, after winning the regional competition on November 29.  Although TGS has the distinction of being one of the smallest high schools in SCISA, we beat out much larger rivals Augusta Christian (last year’s winner), Oakbrook Prep and John-Paul II, before losing to Pinewood Prep by only 15 points.

Each round at the Quiz Bowl consists of 25 toss-up questions on topics from history, art, math, literature and more.  If a team answers a toss-up question first, they receive four bonus questions for extra points.  Tensions were high at this event, but the Kingfishers had a good time, as usual.

“Our ‘Nerd Herd’, as we affectionately call them, enjoyed the showing off their knowledge of math, science, art and literature” said Dr. Gary Gates, Head of School and quiz bowl sponsor, “Their success against schools up to ten times our size is a testament to the strength and breadth of our curriculum.”

 

It almost seemed like a normal field trip at the beginning, getting to school at the normal time and setting off for Charleston around 9:00.  But December 7 was anything but normal!  Kingfishers were in high spirits as we bypassed Charleston and went up lovely Ashley River Road to our first stop: The Inn at Middleton Place, an architectural gem right here in the Low Country.  The award-winning hotel was designed by W. G. Clark, who believes that architecture should be “atonement for the disturbance of the land.”  His buildings are known for fitting in to their natural surroundings, like ruins in an overgrown forest, and The Inn is no exception.  Isaac took 1000 pictures in the first ten minutes.

Back on the bus, we headed to the area around Yemasee to explore our second architectural wonder, the ruins of Sheldon Church, which inspired W. G. Clark in his design of The Inn.  Sheldon Church is just a brick shell now, covered in ferns and surrounded by graves and ancient oaks.  It was twice burned and has never been rebuilt.  Students read the grave markers, wandered in and out of the structure, and tested the water-pump.  This was a very peaceful and beautiful spot.

We kept heading south, eating an early lunch before arriving in the historic city of Savannah.  The high school kids had a tour of the Savannah College of Art and Design while the middle school kids visited the SCAD Museum, then did a walking tour of Savannah. 

After leaving Savannah around dark, we settled down to some serious competition in the bus.  Each senior had a group and the group had to compete in various challenges over the trip.  The first challenges were some head-scratching math and picture puzzles.  “Do you want another hint?” asked Dr. Gates after giving a particularly challenging math problem. “NO!” screamed the groups at the back of the bus.  Chris was the first to bring an answer to Dr. Gates, but there was a slight mistake.  Kate actually got the problem perfectly a few minutes later, and proclaimed herself her brother’s superior.

We arrived at Jaybird’s Inn in downtown St. Augustine in the late evening, making an early night of it to be ready for the next day’s adventures.  On the morning of December 8, we headed the old part of the city and the bus put us out at the Cathedral of St. Augustine.  Seniors and faculty led groups in exploring the narrow streets between there and Flagler College, pausing only to take “interesting” group photos (part of the competition).  When we had regrouped at the Cathedral, Dr. Gates led us along the waterfront to the Castillo del San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U. S.

A bearded park ranger told us not to touch any of the coquina walls and gave us a brief history of this amazing site.  Then we crossed a moat and entered the fort proper, where another park ranger led us from area to area and explained all the architecture and history.  She was the great grand-niece of a writer who helped turn the site into a real museum.  We saw graffiti carved on the walls by Native American prisoners recalling their customs, as well as bunk beds for the soldiers stationed there.  The fort was a really cool place but soon everyone was starving (that always happens in museums!).

So Dr. Gates took us to the Spanish Bakery restaurant for a lunch of empanadas, chili and soup in a little courtyard.  There were several chocolate stores and gelato places in close proximity, a nice bonus!  After fueling up, we went back to the hotel for our beach gear and re-boarded the bus for Vilano Beach.  It was much like our beaches in S. C., but with a heavy shell wash and a rather steep drop-off that discouraged body-surfing (just ask Ethan!).  Most people swam, despite the cold temperature of the water.  Then the competition continued with volleyball and Mölkki (a sort of Swedish beach bowling game).  Everyone was covered in shells, sand and feeling quite chilled by the time we went back to the Jaybird’s Inn for a quick shower. 

Dinner, arranged by Mrs. Montgomery, was on the patio at the Bull and Crown.  The servers had a hard time keeping up with our giant group but it was fun to sit outside and hear the live music (American-Irish folk/rock with guitar and mandolin).  We split up into groups for a final evening challenge: which group could take the most artistic photo?  It was fun to wander around—people on the tour buses kept yelling “Merry Christmas!” and we saw a lot of students from Flagler College.

Back at the hotel, we grouped up to vote on the best photos of the day, then hit the hay for an early start on Friday.  We were packed and ready to go by 9:30 the next morning.  The bus delivered us to the Cathedral again and we walked over to the Lightener Museum, the converted premises of the famous Alcazar Hotel.  There was a lovely courtyard with masses of poinsettias and a pond full of giant koi.  The museum itself was at the back.  We began with Mr. Lightener’s collection of mechanical musical instruments, an amazing assortment of non-electric and partially electric machines, including the world’s first “juke box” and “CD” player. Several used binary code just like a modern computer does.

The Turkish baths, ballroom and giant swimming pool were next, all beautiful and luxurious.  Then we visited two rather eclectic rooms of special collections, including Native American artefacts like a shrunken head, headdresses, arrowheads and clothes along with much more from all continents and all time periods.  Mr. Lightener seemed to collect a little of everything!  When it was time to go, many students chose to buy a tiny hurdy-gurdy as a souvenir of the music room. The most popular choice was one that plays “Amazing Grace.”

After one last walk down Cathedral Street, tired Kingfishers boarded the giant white bus and headed home.  This trip gave us a lot of opportunities to learn about the relationships among Charles Towne, Savannah and St. Augustine in the colonial days and in every war up to WWII.  We don’t think much about the possibility of our cities being raided by a foreign army or pirates anymore but it happened regularly to the people who used to live along our coast.  Traveling the coastal roads and seeing the ruins that resulted from all the raids over the years helps us understand who we are.  Thanks to Dr. Gates and Ms. Josie for planning, to the teachers for chaperoning, and to the parents for not revealing a thing this year!

How’s your knowledge of chemistry, geometry, mythology and Edgar Allen Poe? Seven Kingfishers along with Mme Gates traveled to the Wellspring Megachurch in Myrtle Beach on November 29 to compete in the SCISA Regional Quiz Bowl against Christian Academy, Lowcountry Prep and Pee Dee Academy.  At the end of the day, our team had accumulated an amazing combined score of 635-160 points for first place. Chris Attias, Doug DeVito, Grayha Hejl, Avery Rose Higgins, Isabella Neubauer, Grayson Sossamon and alternate Cathryn Thames are now headed to the State Quiz Bowl on Tuesday! Congratulations on a fine performance and thank you to Christian Academy for hosting the event.

On Sunday, November 6, about 220 hungry friends of TGS joined with Kingfishers under the grand tent in Francis Marion Park.  The afternoon sun was gorgeous and the air was filled with the smell of steaming oysters and hot pilau.  We scurried around, dumping oysters on the tables and making sure all the condiments were in place.  Local guitarist Will Ness kept the mood mellow with his music–everyone was in fine spirits!  “This is the best party ever,” said one patron as he sampled the chicken and enjoyed a beer overlooking the lovely Sampit River.

As the afternoon wore on, patrons were really enjoying the oysters and eventually Dr. Gates had to go out and get four more bushels to satisfy the demand.  Our source East Bank Seafood up on  Wood St. sent two complimentary bushels of fresh blue crabs for everyone to enjoy.  It was a fine day all around.

TGS would like to thank all the families who volunteered and made this event such a success, especially Lisa and Bryan Miller, Laura Tate and Liz Attias, plus master oyster-cookers Jeep Ford and Brad Payne.  The donations were great and the Silent Auction brought in a lot of money.  Many thanks to our faithful sponsors: H & S Oil, Better Brands, East Bank Seafood, the River Room Restaurant and Pretty Penny Restaurant (Hemingway).  We also got amazing help from our friends at the S. C. Maritime Museum, the Family Justice Center, and S.C.E.L.P.  See you in 2017!

Come on out and glow in the dark!  Georgetown’s first-ever after dark 5K—the Glo-n-Go Fun Run–will be held on Saturday, August 6th, at 8:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome: runners, walkers, people with dogs, and families with strollers. The Glo-n-Go 5K Fun Run is sponsored by our board, our PTO, and MamaLights.com.

The Glo-n-Go Fun Run will begin and end in front of our school.  The circuit will take participants through beautiful downtown Georgetown and around East Bay.  The cost is $25 through July 22 for everyone older than 7, then goes up to $30. Kids seven and under participate for free, but still must register. All paying participants will receive T-shirts and reusable LED slap-on wrist bands from MamaLights. There will be prizes in both traditional and fun categories.  MamaLights will also be on hand with a unique selection of glow-in-the-dark merchandise. And yes, there will be snacks for hungry Kingfishers as well!

Registration can be done through the school’s website (thegeorgetownschool.org) or by dropping by the school Monday through Thursday 8:30-1:00.  Forms are also available at Green Bean Consignment on Front Street.
The Glo-n-Go 5K Fun Run offers a unique opportunity for families and athletes to enjoy being active after dark under the live oaks and along the marshes of Georgetown–with the added fun of glow-in-the-dark accessories.  Parts of the circuit will be lit with street reflectors and downtown residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights, and come out and cheer.  “We just want to get everyone out and have a great time together,” said race organizer Matt Wesolowski. “Kids will love seeing all the decorated people, dogs, and strollers!”

Family, friends and faculty of The Georgetown School of Arts and Sciences gathered at 5:00 pm on May 27 in the historic Winyah Auditorium to honor the Class of 2016.

Sara Gayle Cyr, Nathan Frank Gates, Zachary Quinn McKinley and Brian Anthony Williams proceeded down to the stage to the traditional music “Pomp and Circumstance.” Reverend Eric S. C. Manning of Bethel A.M.E. Church gave the invocation, taking his text from the book of Proverbs.  The president of the school’s Board of Directors Mrs. Joyce Gates welcomed the crowd warmly.

Zach McKinley gave the salutation, expressing his deep gratitude to his family and teachers for their part in his education.  “Without all of you, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” he said, “So thank you for everything.” He said that he and his fellow students were like brothers and sisters, looking out for each other. McKinley will attend USC next year.

Nathan Gates gave the valediction, pointing out how all the small things eventually add up to a complete education. He thanked his teachers for their generosity and commitment: “They have given so much of their time,” he said, “especially in moments when they didn’t have to.” He had a word for rising juniors and seniors.  “College pressure can get overwhelming,” he said, “But just do the work and then suddenly it’s all over and you’ve done it.” Gates chose a scholarship to attend the Honors College of USC over offers from UCLA and UVa.

The other members of the TGS Class of 2016 have big plans as well.  Cyr will attend St. Andrews University with an equestrian scholarship. Williams is accepted at UNC Pembroke and Wingate University.  He is considering a gap year in order to travel and work abroad.

Dr. Wade Razzi gave the faculty address, in which he defended the idea of a liberal education and talked about TGS’s graduation requirements, stressing that education without service to others is of little value. “Every day is an opportunity for learning,” he said, “ and for using that learning to benefit others.”

Head of School Dr. Gary Gates then certified the graduates and called the roll.  He praised the each student individually for his or her particular contribution to the common life of the school and congratulated each one on a bright future.

With loud applause and mortar boards flying, the Class of 2016 was on its way!  After the benediction by Reverend Manning, the third commencement exercises officially ended.

The weather held and Kingfishers are now de-stressed and ready to prepare for finals. Thanks so much, Dr. and Mrs. Crosby, for a wonderful afternoon and evening!

Isabella , Avery Rose and Ryleigh flew to Phoenix, Arizona, recently to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2016 (May 8-13). The Intel ISEF is the largest pre-college science fair in the world. Isabella joined 1760 students from over 75 different countries and territories who were competing for $4 million dollars of grant money for research. She got to be among some of the world’s most promising young scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Avery Rose and Ryleigh were chosen to be observers and guides.

Isabella won the all-expenses paid trip by taking top prize at the Lowcountry Science and Engineering Fair, held at the College of Charleston in April.

Isabella said the quality of projects was extremely high. “People were really smart, so it was kind of scary,” she said. “The guy across from me pretty much had success at curing OCD and he didn’t win a prize.”

 The much-coveted awards were announced at the end of the week. Han Jie (Austin) Wang, 18, received first place Gordon E. Moore Award and $75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells that more efficiently convert organic waste into electricity. Syamantak Payra, 15, of Friendswood, Texas was awarded one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for developing a low-cost electronically-aided knee brace. Kathy Liu, 17, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the other $50,000 award for developing an alternative battery component that could improve battery performance and safety. In addition, more than 400 Inter ISEF competitors received scholarships and prizes.

For Isabella, Avery Rose, Ryleigh, and the other participants, the week wasn’t all serious. On the first evening, they all broke the ice through an organized pin exchange. “With almost 2000 nerds who don’t know each other, what else are you going to do?” Isabella laughed. Dr. Neubauer, Isabella, Ryleigh and Avery Rose also visited the Grand Canyon and drank cactus milkshakes. “I hope I get invited to Los Angeles next year,” said Isabella.

 

 

Kingfishers were at the school by 7:15, then rolling north on Highway 701 just after 8:00.  It was our first real bus trip! All we had to do was sit through Finding Nemo and The Lion King and Robin Hood … and suddenly, we arrived in Charlottesville, VA, and began moving into the Cavalier Inn. Then we were off for a tour of the grounds of the University of Virginia, meeting student guide Diane at the top of the Lawn. Diane told us all about the great academics and sense of community that makes this school so special. Students were intrigued to hear about the professor who held his office hours while jogging and about all the secret societies.

 

Dinner was the all-you-can-eat student cafeteria at Newcombe Hall, a hot spot for all the college students. There were almost too many options, from vegan dishes to pizza to comfort foot—it took a while to learn the system but after some scouting, hunting and gathering, Kingfishers were eating heartily. We ate a lot of desserts but definitely did not break the soft-serve machine!

The next adventure began the following morning: ice skating at the Main Street Arena in downtown Charlottesville. We bravely strapped on our skates in the chilly air. For many of us, it was the first time. A few of us had skills, like Turtle who took off gracefully and even skated backwards. We helped each other and also used stacked paint buckets to get around the rink, eventually joining in a game of “hockey soccer.” The ice skating brought back childhood memories for some and became a great first-time memory for others. “It was really funny when people fell,” said Victoria.

 

The bus picked us up at the top of the Mall and we left Charlottesville for Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, where we had a pleasant picnic, then a couple of tours with really excellent guides. Students learned that Jefferson was an insatiable reader and book-lover, an innovator, architect, farmer, and patriarch in addition to all his service to our country. Under the house, we saw his wine cellar and kitchen, then emerged on the side of Monticello where the slave village stood. We got to see how the slaves lived and worked, and to hear their fascinating and very moving personal stories.

Back in Charlottesville, we had an early dinner at Citizen Burger before going to our evening destination: Jump Charlottesville, a large indoor trampoline park. All of us had a blast, especially Jesse who is a good jumper. There was a foam cube pit to hurl yourself into. “People couldn’t get out, said Jesse, “and it was fun to watch.” Daring students tried the “ninja warrior” obstacle course. Joe completed the circuit in an amazing 28.8 seconds while Avery Rose led the girls with a time of 1:21. Students really enjoyed the wall-to-wall trampolines where you could jump, dunk a basketball or play dodgeball. The experience was great and very equalizing!

Thursday morning, we boarded a new bus with a new bus driver, then headed towards Washington D.C. Our first stop was the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

 

Students were given free rein to wander through the museum in small groups. There, we were able to see such interesting and amazing artifacts of the aerospace industry as WWII fighter planes, gliders, and the space shuttle Discovery. Students could also ride in simulators or follow the evolution of plane engines throughout the 20^th century.  All of us enjoyed viewing the wide assortment of planes and learning about the science of aeronautics. Doug said, “It was a very interesting experience to see these stunning feats of aviation.”

After eating sandwiches prepared on the bus (speaking of amazing feats!), we went downtown to the Washington Mall. Middle School split off with Mme Gates, Dr. Neubauer, Dr. Razzi and Mrs. Crosby to visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Tour guide Joe Eisner took us down to the Q?rius Lab, where there were lots of interactive stations (whale ear-wax!) and a whole wall of drawers full of specimens: human skulls, dead birds, minerals, shells, ferns, and much more, with table and microscopes for examining them. Lucy said, “I liked how you could open the drawers and see everything inside them. “It was fun!” Amelia agreed, “We got to touch a bunch of specimens.”

 

For the second time in our school’s history, the high school entered the National Gallery with Dr. Gates and Mrs. Patrick. We split into two groups led by two different curators. The first group explored the gallery where Daniel in the Lion’s Den by Rubens is located and discussed the art. The second group visited the gallery where Impressionist and Fauvist art is displayed.

The High School and Middle School regrouped, then headed off to the Newseum in the cold drizzle. We were immediately escorted downstairs to watch a short introductory video, then students wandered around the Newseum in our scavenger hunt groups. Most of us saw the Berlin Wall exhibit, then rode the glass elevator up to the top-floor outdoor platform, where we could enjoy a view from the Capitol all the way to the Washington Monument. Groups saw the history of journalism room, an exhibit on presidential dogs, and a look at the Civil Rights Movement at age 50.

 

 

The bus took our tired and damp group to Cantina Marina Restaurant, down on the Potomac River. As guests of Bruce and Joyce Gates, we enjoyed a delicious buffet of tacos and barbeque. The wait staff was very complimentary of our students. “Everything was please, thank you and yes m’am,” one waitress told Joyce, “Those kids are great!”

 

Friday morning we packed the bus and went to the Mall again. This time we visited the newly opened Museum of the American Indian, which had tons of cool and very colorful artifacts. The building itself is quite interesting from an architectural standpoint. It is constructed of what appears to be sandstone, layered liked the desert cliffs of the American West.

For lunch we enjoyed the food in the Cascade Café at the National Gallery, then boarded the bus for our long trek home. You would think kids would be worn out and tired, but we kept chatting and bouncing around almost the whole way. When the bus rolled in to our parking lot at 1:00 am, everyone was glad to get off but happy to have gone. Spring Trip 2016 was a great experience! We are just left wondering, who’s got the BearMoose?

 

(By all the members of the Journalism class)