Kate emerged as the star of our Chess Team at the SCISA State Chess Meet this year.  Mr. Bonds (team sponsor along with Dr. Gates) took Jack, Naomi, Rebecca and Kate to the Sumter Civic Center on November 13 to compete with 140 other kids.  At the Civic Center, each participant played seven rounds of speed chess against different opponents.

“It was a good day,” said Mr. Bonds.  “I was satisfied with the level of personal fulfillment that each student walked out with.”

“The Chess Meet was great and very well organized,” said Naomi.  “Everyone was really nice playing and I made a friend named Raj.”  Naomi beat Raj pretty easily in the first round and they both had a good laugh.  Naomi went on to say that the team had fun and learned a lot from playing against people they didn’t know.  Apparently, the team picked up an exciting five-move checkmate strategy which some of them were able to use successfully in later rounds.  Jack agreed, “It was very fun!”

Kate won five of her seven rounds while the other Kingfishers each won two.  The whole team learned a lot from the experience even though they did not place.  We have high hopes for this young team.  Good job, Chess Team!

They arrived in a white panel truck from Livingston’s Bull’s Bay Seafood—36 cold bushels of McClellanville oysters neatly tied up in white bags.  It wasn’t long before the bivalves were steaming in giant pots over propane stoves.  The chefs (Dr. Gates, Dr. Crosby, Dr. Newhard, Mr. Kaminski and Nathan) then transferred them to giant trays to be delivered by students to the plywood tables under the big tent.  Happy oyster-eaters wearing bright orange gloves then grabbed their knives and started shucking.  The 2018 Oyster Roast was underway!

Besides oysters, people enjoyed delicious pilau and hot dogs with cold drinks.  They wandered past the many items on display at the Silent Auction and made bids for beach houses, art, jewelry, and much more.  There was a bake sale out on Front Street with cupcakes, brownies, and lemon pound cake on display.  Will Ness played his guitar all afternoon, creating a mellow atmosphere that was just right for the day.

Kingfishers were tired but happy when it was time to break down.  They stacked the tables and chairs, returned the borrowed items, packed up the Silent Auction, and hosed off oyster tables and pots. Shells were taken to the recycling center and the whole area policed for stray trash.  The white oyster truck went back to McClellanville until next year’s Oyster Roast.  Aw shucks!  Thanks to all the many sponsors, donors, parents, teachers and students who made this event a success.

The College of Charleston and the historic Dock Street Theater were the destinations for a daylong field trip for grades 8-12 on October 24.  At the College of Charleston, Kingfishers met up with TGS alumna Avery Rose (2018), who shared her extensive knowledge of the campus and the ghosts that supposedly inhabit it.  After hearing Avery Rose’s tales of haunted dormitories and cursed paths, the group settled down at the Cistern to enjoy a peaceful lunch, then a walk to the Dock Street Theater.  At the theater, they saw the Charleston Stage production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.  Everyone agreed it was a thrilling performance, with some students and even teachers in tears at the play’s heartbreaking conclusion.

By Ryleigh

Our TGS volleyball team ended their season with a smile October 1 with the traditional celebration of Senior Night.  The Kingfishers had played a tough game that night, losing to rival North Myrtle Beach Christian.  Despite the disappointing loss, Senior Night was a lot of fun.  Junior Margaret Buxton (#15) gave a heartfelt speech on the court, then each senior was presented with a gift and flowers.  Captains Brynn (#14), Cathryn (#60), and Sydni (#7) were each given volleyball charm bracelets to commemorate their time on the team.  Volleyball boys Grayson and Zach were presented with bow ties in our school colors.  “Everyone loved it.” said Margaret. “We had a great time.”  The 2018 Volleyball season had come to a bittersweet end.

By Ryleigh

Naomi and Rebecca represented TGS at the State Cross Country Meet, held on Saturday, October 27 at Heathwood Hall in Columbia.  Spectators and runners alike enjoyed cool temperatures and a mix of sun and clouds for this outdoor event.  Naomi finished in the top 20 with a time of 29:48 and Rebecca in the top 30.  “The course was beautiful,” said Rebecca.  “It felt so peaceful out there.”   Congratulations to Naomi and Rebecca for finishing strong!

On Tuesday, October 16, a group of students from the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades set out to Hobcaw Barony to explore Winyah Bay on a DNR Discovery Boat. Once they were on the river, they helped to collect data samples and test water quality. So soon after the hurricanes, the usually salty marshes had filled with fresh water, and their nets caught mostly catfish and leaves. “We had a really good time.” said chaperone Hannah Grippo. “I had to keep all the 5th graders from jumping off the boat.”

After returning to land and having their lunch, our long-term friend Beth Thomas of Hobcaw showed the kids around the Discovery Center. They got to see aquariums and terrariums of live animals, hold a live turtle and snake, and view samples of marshwater and feeding barnacles under a microscope. After spending some time indoors, the group took a short trip outside to check out a sculpture made of trash before heading back to school. According to the students, it was “cool, fun, interesting, and awesome!”

By Ryleigh

Chris and Isabella were each awarded a $4000 Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship by the S.C. State Elks Association.  The award is based on scholarship, leadership, and academic need.  Chris and Isabella found out just before they headed out to the University of Alabama and Washington University, respectively.  Congratulations, Chris and Isabella!

“Once again, the Elks organization is proud to recognize and support these students,” said Exalted Ruler Lodge #900 (Georgetown/Pawleys Island). “We wish them all the best as they continue their education endeavors.”

Chris and Isabella (Class of 2018) join Nathan (Class of 2016) as TGS recipients of this prestigious award by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Robotics Team training

in Hanahan.

The TGS Robotics Team took a trip to Charleston to hear a talk by Don Thomas, a retired astronaut who has been on the International Space Station four times.  They were very interested to hear all about the dangers of space travel, hoping to use this information in their Robotics competition.  This year’s Robotics competition’s theme is “Into Orbit,” and it challenges students to find innovative solutions to the problems of space travel.

Students were amazed by Thomas’ tales of outer space, especially by his photos of Charleston taken from the Space Station, and of astronauts floating through the halls of the Space Station. “It was worth the drive,” said Robotics sponsor Mrs. Crosby. “They were absolutely fascinated.”

According to Thomas, there are several problems with space travel.  The first is that you feel very far away and disconnected from everyone else.  The second is that your muscles and bones can atrophy in the lack of gravity, causing you to feel dizzy and made of lead when you come back home.  However, Thomas claims the worst issue of space travel is the food.

Using the five core skills of the Robotics Competition (discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork), the team will attempt to find a solution to one of the problems that Thomas mentioned in his talk.  The team will present their solution in the regional competition this November.

By Ryleigh

The Kingfishers faced off against the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Knights on August 27 in our first volleyball match of the season, winning 3 out of 5 games.

The game started off with a blast. Led by their coach, Dr. Neubauer, as well as their captains Cathryn (#60), Brynn (#14), and Sydni (#7), the Kingfishers started out strong. Starting server Ryleigh (#17) worked with her team to score again and again. It didn’t take long for the Knights to find their rhythm, and they soon began to catch up.

The Kingfishers barely won the first game, lost the second, and went on to win the third. “Keep it up, girls!” said Coach Neubauer, as the teams took a quick break in between games.  “We got this.”

The Kingfishers were frustrated to lose the fourth game. Pulling together for one final pep talk, the teammates urged each other on. “If we win this one, we’re done.”  Margaret (#15) told them. “Keep it hype.”

Both teams started out the fifth game strong, every player determined to do her best and bring home a victory. The Kingfishers managed to pull ahead, but it all came down to the last few points. The Kingfishers scored the final point with a killer serve and won the match.

Everyone at TGS was overjoyed to win our first match. Even more than that, we were happy for a chance to play and to test our skills. Thank you to St. Elizabeth for a great game. We can’t wait to play again in the future.

By Ryleigh

Chris has added another notch to his belt of achievement: he was recently named a National AP Scholar!

The National AP Scholar distinction is granted to students in the U.S. who receive an average score of at least 4 on all Advanced Placement exams taken, with scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of them.

Chris took 9 AP exams and scored 4 or 5 on 8 of them–an amazing performance.  Way to go, Chris!  We wish you good luck and a great first year at Alabama.