May 24, 2016
PACS Names 2016 Epistle Award Recipient, Valedictorian, and Salutatorian
Prince Avenue Christian School has named the Class of 2016 Epistle Award Recipient, Valedictorian, and Salutatorian.
The 2016 Epistle Award recipient is Rachel Brannen. The Epistle Award is given annually to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best represents what PACS values more than anything else – a Christ-like spirit that manifests itself in a desire to grow in the Lord and serve others for the glory of God. Rachel is the daughter of Phillip and Jill Brannen and has attended PACS for 12 years. She has been involved in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, cheerleading, and Interact Club. In addition, Rachel is a Georgia Merit Scholar. She is a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church where she volunteers with various activities. Rachel is thankful for the lasting impact PACS teachers and staff have had on her life. “To have been able to spend twelve years in a place where I was not only provided a solid education, but also equipped and strengthened in my relationship with the Lord has been a huge blessing to me.” Rachel advises younger students to be thoughtful of others. “Know that even during the simplest day of school, God can use you as a blessing of love and encouragement in someone else's life.” Rachel plans to attend the University of Georgia where she will study pre-nursing with the plan to become a pediatric oncology nurse.
The 2016 Valedictorian is Mary Martin Harper. Mary Martin is the daughter of Dan and Ashley Harper and has attended PACS for 14 years. She is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Interact Club. Mary Martin has been recognized by the Honors Society of Phi Kappa Phi for academic achievement and has received the Georgia Certificate of Merit. For 9th–12th grades, Mary Martin was the Wolverine Gold Academian scoring the highest overall grade point average each year. Outside of school, Mary Martin was an equestrian. She competed in horse shows for nine years and was the Year End Division Champion for seven of those years. Mary Martin is a member of Athens First United Methodist Church where she has been a part of Engage Bible Study, Wesleyan Youth Choir, and the First Light Acolytes. She is active in Young Life and spent a month volunteering at Young Life summer camp. Mary Martin expresses appreciation to PACS teachers who have been generous with their time and resources, and she advises PACS students to make plans to go on the Senior Mission Trip. “It was amazing to see God work in my peers' lives as well as my own.” Mary Martin plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in International Affairs and Linguistics.
The 2016 Salutatorian is Madeline Jackson. Madeline is the daughter of Travis and Missy Jackson and has also attended PACS for 14 years. Madeline is a member of the Interact Club, Beta Club, and National Honor Society serving as this year’s NHS chapter president. Madeline was a Wolverine Academian her freshman, sophomore, and senior years, and was honored her junior year with the Levite Award, given to a student who shows character and excellence in Fine Arts. In addition, Madeline was recognized as an AP scholar and has been awarded the Georgia Certificate of Merit. During her four years of high school, Madeline has run Cross Country and been active in the Band program playing in the concert band, jazz band and drum line. Madeline is a member of Athens First United Methodist Church and has served as a volunteer in the soup kitchen, the youth ministry, and the children’s music ministry. Additionally, Madeline has gone on mission trips with AFUMC to Costa Rica and Mexico. Madeline advises younger students to lead a balanced life in high school. “Work hard but also have fun and enjoy your years as a student because they’ll go by faster than you think.” Madeline plans to take a gap year in which she will go on a nine month mission trip with the World Race organization. She will spend three months in Thailand, three months in Malawi, and three months in Guatemala. In the fall of 2017, Madeline will attend UGA.
Pictured left to right: Rachel Brannen – Epistle Award Recipient, Mary Martin Harper – Valedictorian, and Madeline Jackson – Salutatorian