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January 8, 2025: Annika Villafranca

Our guest speaker today was hardly a guest—she’s more like a family member! Annika Villafranca graduated from TGS last year and came in to speak to us about her experiences at college so far. She was our first speaker of the new year!

Annika is a forensic science major at the University of New Haven in Connecticut with a minor in criminal justice. She shared with us some key differences between college and high school. College classes are longer and don’t meet every day. For example, Annika’s “Intro to Forensics” course met once a week for two hours and 45 minutes. This different schedule allows more free time but there is no one there telling you to use your time wisely.

Annika advised us to work on our study and time management skills before college. “Pay attention in class now,” she said. “It will help you in the long run, especially in math.” Annika was very far ahead of her peers in Chemistry because she had learned her unit conversions so well at TGS.

Annika’s study techniques include rewriting and summarizing her notes, and using note cards to learn terminology. “Don’t be afraid to email teachers or go to the tutoring center if you need help,” she said. “Take advantage of all the resources.”

College isn’t just studying and taking tests—it’s all about trying new things and branching out. “Find things that interest you,” Annika told us. She herself enjoys attending campus events with her friends and participating in Dance Club and Forensics Club. We thank Annika for her visit and wish her best of luck in the spring semester!

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September 18, 2024: Andrew Birkin

Our speaker today Andrew Birkin came all the way from Wales, England! Andrew is an old friend of Ms. Grippo’s and a noted film maker who was enjoying a short visit to the States and graciously came to talk to us about his career.

“I fell in love with filmmaking for all of the wrong reasons,” said Andrew. The only reason he applied for his first job in the film business was in order to meet his favorite actress! He did end up meeting her, but by then he realized that he enjoyed film making and decided to stay in the business.

Andrew had the privilege of helping in the production of Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 science fiction masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. One of Andrew’s jobs was photocopying the scripts for the actors. He said that although the script was top secret, he got to read segments of it when the Xerox machine charred the paper. 


One of Andrew’s other jobs was helping to write Omen III: The Final Conflict, and it came with a huge opportunity: while on this project, Andrew was given 48 hours to write, and five days to shoot his own short film Sredni Vashtar. He based it off of the short story of the same title by Saki. Sredni Vashtar was nominated for an Oscar. Andrew laughed, “I shouldn’t win anything for it because it was easy to do.”

Andrew then told us about his recent trip to Africa. There he taught kids in Malawi how to shoot short films on a smartphone. He noted how far technology has come since he was making his first film.

“Any of you can go out and make a movie,” Andrew told us. “Just make it short!”

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September 11, 2024: Captain Mark Smith

Captain Mark Smith, Fire Marshal for the Georgetown City Fire Department, spoke to us today to honor the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Many of us are too young to remember what happened but Capt. Smith will never forget.

He was drinking coffee when his fiancée called with the terrible news of a terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. “It was hard to see,” he told us, “but it was a reality we needed to face.” Capt. Smith reminded us that 340 first responders also lost their lives that day. “Everyone else is running out of the building and firefighters run in,” he said.

Capt. Smith got his first training as a volunteer firefighter in West Virginia State and found that he enjoyed the work. He got certified as an EMT, eventually got hired by the City of Georgetown, and became a specialist in hazardous materials, especially chlorine. “Even with 23 years of experience, I still go to school,” he told us. The most difficult calls for him are when there are kids or babies involved.

Capt. Smith told us about some technological innovations in firefighting that make his job safer and easier. For example, communication is much better. The chief can talk to his firefighters from outside the burning structure and manage their movements. A computer keeps track of how much air is in their air packs so they don’t run out of oxygen. They also wear trackers that set off an alarm if the firefighter stops moving for too long. These trackers also notify people on the outside that someone is in trouble. A lot of time is spent at the fire station checking and inspecting the equipment every day.

Capt. Smith reminded us to keep our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors up-to-date. If you need one, the Fire Department has them for free and will install them. He told us that kitchen fires involving grease are the most common type of home fire. He reminded us never to throw water on a grease fire! “Every family should have an escape plan in case of fire,” Captain Smith concluded.

We thank Capt. Smith for his timely and informative talk.

By Sara

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Graduation 2024

Congratulations to our three graduates of the Class of 2024: Sage Fairclough, Emily Pilot and Annika Villafranca! Sage will be attending Western Carolina (UNC-Cullowee), Emily will study at the College of Charleston here in SC, and Annika will be heading to University of New Haven in New Haven, CT. We are so proud of these graduates!

On May 24, 2024 at 5:30, friends and family of our Class of 2024 gathered in the Winyah Auditorium for commencement exercises. Dr. Gates welcomed the crowd and introduced the salutatorian, Emily, and the valedictorian, Annika. Both students expressed their gratitude to the school and much affection for their fellow-students. Dr. Laura Gates gave the faculty address congratulating the class for having overcome many challenges and wishing them all well. Mr. Dedric Bonds then said a beautiful prayer on behalf the three students, committing them to God’s grace and care.

Finally, Dr. Gates called the roll. He recalled key moments from each student’s development at TGS and wished each one all the best as they continue their education. Sage, Emily, and Annika came forward and received their diplomas from Mr. Sonny Burgoon (TGS Board) and Dr. Gates pronounced them certified. With joy, everyone clapped and rushed down to get pictures before enjoying a lovely reception in the front hall put on by the Class of 2026.

Many thanks to Mrs. Kathy Newton for providing our music, Mrs. Amy Rogers for the floral arrangements, and to the parents of the rising juniors who did such a wonderful job with the reception. Sage, Emily, and Annika, you are on your way and we can’t wait to hear what next year brings!

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TGS Senior Wins DAR Scholarship!

On April 17, TGS senior Annika was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Winyah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, part of whose mission is to support exemplary students. Annika will use the DAR scholarship in the amount of $2500 to help cover her college costs this fall. Applicants had to submit their resume and letters of recommendation, then write an essay. This year’s topic was: What do you think is the most important problem our society faces?

“I wrote about how there’s a lack of individual thought among people,” Annika said. “We see others doing something and go along with it, without thinking of the consequences.”

The DAR gave out its scholarships and Good Citizens Awards at a small ceremony held in the Parish Hall of Prince George, Winyah. Family, teachers, and friends of the winners were on hand to hear excerpts from each winner’s essay and congratulate these outstanding students afterwards.

We are very proud of Annika for this wonderful achievement and grateful to our liaison Mrs. Laura DeChamplain and the Winyah Chapter of the DAR for continually supporting our school.

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TGS art on display at Myrtle Beach Art Museum

                                         

The Myrtle Beach Museum of Art once again played host to an amazing exhibition of art by local high school students at the 24th Annual Myrtle Beach Horry Georgetown High School Art Show. Works are on display from April 21 to May 19 and entry is free to see the show at the museum at 3100 South Ocean Boulevard.

We are very proud that Saylor’s piece, A Jester’s Walk, was accepted into this prestigious competition. Saylor used graphite pencils to depict a clown walking his clown dog. “I am very happy that I got to add my dog to my work,” she said. “It was a very interesting piece to make.” Mrs. Patrick says, “I’m very proud of Saylor for being chosen for this honor.”

The show features 2D and 3D pieces, including a handmade dress and many fine examples of printmaking from about nine area schools.

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April 17, 2024: Kaya Clavier

On April 17, 2024, Kaya Clavier, an Admissions Scholar from the University of South Carolina, visited our high school. Kaya actually went to USC herself. “I interned at the admissions center before graduation.” Kaya told us. She addressed us on the topic of college life and the application process for USC. She also distributed pamphlets that highlighted the experience of studying at USC.

The University of South Carolina offers a plethora of exciting activities for students to indulge in around its sprawling campus. “From enjoying a peaceful picnic to kayaking and canoeing, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had,” Kaya said. “Columbia is the perfect place for both urban enthusiasts and adventure seekers.” In fact, WalletHub has recognized this vibrant city as one of the top ten destinations in the country to kick-start a career. The University of South Carolina provides over 100 majors, ensuring that you can discover a field of study that resonates with you. Additionally, their honors college offers close to 600 courses, and there’s the Capstone Scholars program, which runs a two-year academic enrichment program. You can even participate in a study abroad program!


A big part of USC life is the sporting events. Kaya told us that as a student you will be able to get free tickets to games, as long as you register for them ahead of time. They have many different sporting and outdoor activities such as football, baseball, basketball, golf, and much more! “There is bound to be something for everyone at USC.” Kaya said.


Thank you so much Kaya for visiting our school and telling us about the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!

By Sage

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April 16, 2024: Jason Flynn

On April 16, 2024 some Science classes got to listen in on Jason Flynn’s presentation to the Friends of the Library. Jason is a Horticulturist at Brookgreen Gardens with an interest in ecology, the environment, and most importantly, geology.

Growing up in northern South Carolina, Jason had access to geological deposits and plenty of interesting rocks to examine. He now works at the magnificent Brookgreen Gardens. But the Earth itself is a garden, Jason told us, and we should do our best to study and preserve it. Only 18% is left untouched by human hands, a consequence of human activities. We were very surprised to find out that our bodies are technically made from stardust, recycled into different objects over the course of 4.5-4.6 billion years. 

Jason brought a variety of different rocks to accompany his talk. The most interesting was the SC state rock, Winnsboro blue granite. (Fun fact: it was used in construction projects in the capital in Washington D.C.) Jason later said that one of the reasons for geologic diversity and why we have the rocks we do in South Carolina is the shifting of the continents. His overall message was that we need to preserve our planet before it is too late.

Jason Flynn was a very passionate speaker who had a deep understanding of the geology of South Carolina. We would like to thank him for giving us a wonderful presentation on geology and the environment and also thank to the Friends of the Library for inviting us!

By Larson

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The Partial Solar Eclipse

On April 8th, 2024, The Georgetown School once again got a clear view of the extraordinary solar eclipse. Students and teachers began to gather outside during sixth period, marveling at the changes in light and shadows all over our campus. The eclipse was at its peak at 3:10pm, which is after school, but lots of kids hung around to enjoy the spectacle. .

With a few pairs of official eclipse glasses, everyone was able to view this mesmerizing event. Some kids were using “pinhole cameras” to watch the progression. One student squinted up with a large piece of welder’s glass. Scott Harper from GAB News was on the scene (he had been with us in 2017 for the total solar eclipse). He took some video and interviewed Annika and Kipper on what they remembered of their experience of the total solar eclipse in 2017. 

Overall it was an amazing and fun experience of nature, and we hope to see another beautiful eclipse in the future.  

By Kipper

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Pi Day 2024!

On March 14, TGS celebrated Pi Day. Pi (π) is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and its first three digits are 3.14, which is why it is celebrated on March 14. To celebrate, many students in Mrs. Crosby’s math classes brought pies to share, and some did activities related to pi. “I convinced Mrs. Crosby to watch the video 100 Digits of Pi,” Branton said proudly.

During lunch middle schoolers gathered on the porch to get slices of pie. There were two tables set out. One had nut-free pies, and the other had pies with nuts. After all the middle schoolers had gotten their slices of pie, the high schoolers were invited to participate. “It was a mountain of chocolate,” Bristol said. “It was delicious.” Students liked the apple pie and cookies & cream pie the best. Pi Day is a fun celebration that combines learning and food.

By Annika