LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF SPELLING BEE

Greensboro, Ga. (January 31, 2019) – Lake Oconee Academy recently held its annual Spelling Bee competition for first through eighth grade students. Students competed in three categories:  first-third grade; fourth-fifth grade; and sixth-eighth grade. The competition was intense, with spellers spelling such difficult words as aphorism, proboscis and exordium.

The winner in the first-third grade competition was Leighton Seybt, with Beckett Christensen as runner-up.  Emilia Viscarra was announced the winner of the fourth and fifth grade competition with Kensley Windham as runner-up. Keerti Ahluwalia came out on top as the winner of the middle grades competition, with Jewell Morrison as runner-up.

Winners in the fourth-eighth grade groups advanced to the Greene County School District competition on February 5, 2019, at the Lake Oconee Academy auditorium. Congratulations to all the winners and participants in this year’s spelling bee!

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Photo: Top row (L to R): Jewell Morrison-6th-8th runner-up; Keerti Ahluwalia-6th-8th winner; Emilia Viscarra- 4th-5th grade winner.

Bottom row (L to R): Beckett Christensen- 1st-3rd runner-up; Leighton Seybt- 1st-3rd winner; and Kensley Windham-4th-5th runner-up.

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM COMPETES FOR FIRST TIME

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM COMPETES FOR FIRST TIME

Team Takes First Place in Robot Design

Greensboro, Ga. (January 8, 2019) – Lake Oconee Academy entered its first-ever middle school robotics team, the Iron Titans, to compete in the FIRST Lego League regional robotics competition on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Students traveled to Middle Georgia State University in Macon to compete against eleven other teams from middle Georgia.

The robotics competition includes four categories: Robot Design, Robot Performance, Core Values, and a comprehensive Project. The Iron Titans were awarded first place in Robot Design and third place in the comprehensive Project.

“Robotics allows students to solve complex problems and learn new technology,” said LOA teacher Eric Harper. “The students don't always see eye-to-eye so there is the opportunity to learn conflict resolution and develop leadership skills. At tournaments, the students get to showcase their work, interact in a positive way with other teams and judges, and compete with robots. It is truly a unique and invaluable experience.”

The team will advance to the Middle Georgia Super Regional in Warner Robins on January 26, 2019. The Iron Titans are directed by LOA teachers Eric Harper and Xeuchao Jiang, and the team is sponsored by Novelis.

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Photo: LOA’s Iron Titans middle school robotics team took first place in Robot Design at the FIRST Lego League competition. Team members are (left to right): John Paul Turiano, Will Moore, Jason Beall, Chase Carter, Mason Honea, Lauren Glass, Summer Abramson, and Camden Cronic.

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY STUDENTS COMPETE IN SPANISH POETRY DECLAMATION AT CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kerry Minster

706.454.1562

kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Greensboro, Ga. (November 8, 2018) –  Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) students in grades 7-12 in Spanish Level 1 through AP® participated in the 46th annual Clemson University Poetry Declamation Contest in Clemson, South Carolina, on October 27, 2018.

Clemson University hosts schools across several states competing in American Sign Language, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Latin, and Italian. Students recite from memory two poems being judged on accuracy, intonation, pronunciation, and presentation. Of the eighteen students representing LOA, seventh grader Remi Baker won third place for Spanish I, and in the highest category of Spanish IV/AP, junior Azariah Chester finished in third place and junior Mahnoor Sultan finished in first place.

"The Clemson Poetry Declamation continues to help me grow in more ways than one,” said Sultan. “This year was such an amazing experience for me not just language-wise but also with culture. To see people from different backgrounds compete and join together is astounding. I look forward to next year!"

While at Clemson University, LOA students had the opportunity to tour the campus and learn more about the dual language undergraduate programs Clemson has to offer. 

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Photo: Mahnoor Sultan, Remi Baker and Azariah Chester (left to right) had outstanding performances at the Clemson University Poetry Declamation Contest for Spanish.

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY’S AZARIAH CHESTER NAMED TO GEORGIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD

Greensboro, Ga. (October 31, 2018) – Lake Oconee Academy student Azariah Chester was named one of five high school students across Georgia to serve on the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Student Advisory Board (GSPA). The GSPA at the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism was organized in 1928 to promote the understanding and practice of journalism. The organization encompasses all forms of scholastic media including broadcast, literary magazine, newsmagazine, newspaper and yearbook.

Other board members include Cassidy Hettescheimer, Mill Creek High School; Avery Householder, Calvary Day School; Isabelle Manders, Marietta High School; and Paul Nickles, Thomson High School.

“I am excited to be a part of GSPA because of my interest in journalism and technology, especially broadcasting,” said Chester, a junior at LOA. “I felt this program would help me increase my experience and knowledge. My role in the GSPA as a Student Advisor is to assist in helping with the Fall and Spring conferences, attend virtual conferences monthly, and to serve as a general ambassador for the GSPA.”

“Azariah is such an important part of our LOATV crew,” said Mrs. Lindsey Chamberlain, Audio Video Technology and Film instructor. “She brings organization, creativity and leadership as one of the producers of LOA’s student news show, The Current. We are so proud to see her represent LOATV and the rest of the Lake Oconee Academy family on the GSPA Student Advisory Board.”

Lake Oconee Academy is a member of the GSPA. Eight LOA students attended the Fall Conference on Monday, October 22, 2018, at the University of Georgia Tate Student Center with over 900 students from across Georgia. Students attended workshops on a variety of topics including effective social media strategies, interview skills, and photojournalism.

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY ADVANCED PLACEMENT® STUDENTS OUTSCORE STATE, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL MEANS IN 2018

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY ADVANCED PLACEMENT® STUDENTS OUTSCORE STATE, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL MEANS IN 2018

Greensboro, Ga. (August 13, 2018) – The Advanced Placement® (AP®) program at Lake Oconee Academy allows students to challenge themselves with rigorous AP coursework, and students are meeting the challenge. LOA’s 2017-18 AP exam scores once again top the state, national and global mean scores.

The AP program is administered by the College Board and offers college-level coursework to high school students. Colleges and universities will often grant course credit and advanced placement for qualifying scores on exams. AP exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5: 5 - extremely well qualified; 4 – well qualified; 3 – qualified; 2 – possibly qualified; 1 – no recommendation.

The 2017-18 mean scores for students taking AP exams for courses offered at LOA compared to students taking those same exams at the state, national and global level are:

LOA	Georgia	National	Global
3.28	2.91	2.87	2.89

In 2017-18, LOA administered 155 AP exams to 91 students, with 79.1% of students scoring a 3 or higher. Of the 79.1% who scored a 3 or higher, 39.7 % scored a 4 or 5.

Below is a table showing four years of data at the school, state and global levels. The table illustrates the percentage of total LOA students who scored a 3 or higher on AP exams for courses offered at LOA compared to students taking those same exams at the state and global level.

Year	LOA	Georgia	Global
2015	81%	57.2%	60.7%
2016	74.4%	58.1%	60.3%
2017	74%	58.9%	60.3%
2018	79.1%	61.2%	61.3%

LOA is pleased to have 30 students who were named AP Scholars for 2017-18. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. Among those 30 students, 17 students earned the AP Scholar award that is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. The AP Scholar with Honor, for students who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four more of these exams, was awarded to four students. Finally, the AP Scholar with Distinction, granted to students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams, was achieved by nine LOA students.

A LOA graduate was also named an AP National Scholar, LOA’s first student to receive that designation. This student earned 46 college credit hours while still in high school.

In addition, LOA was named an AP Honor School for 2018. Based on 2017 AP courses and exams, LOA earned the Honor School designation in the following categories: AP Challenge School, AP Merit School and AP Humanities School.

“AP courses offer students opportunities to prepare skill sets that are essential for success in post-secondary options,” said Dr. Hester Vasconcelos, AP coordinator at LOA. “AP teachers employ strategies that challenge students to develop habits of mind for critical thinking and problem solving. Students learn to dig deeper and provide meaningful answers to complex questions. Taking risks, accepting the challenge, and developing perseverance are patterns prominent in AP courses. Teachers prepare to teach AP courses through extensive professional development to help all students achieve success at extraordinarily high levels.”

During the 2017-2018 school year, LOA offered 17 AP courses: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB, Computer Science Principles, Microeconomics, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, US Government and Politics, Human Geography, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture, Studio Art 2D, Studio Art Drawing, US History, Capstone Seminar, Physics 1: Algebra -Based, and Physics C: Mechanics.

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LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY NAMES 2018 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY NAMES 2018 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

Greensboro, Ga. (May 21, 2018)– Lake Oconee Academy held its Senior Honors Ceremony on Friday, May 18, 2018, to honor LOA’s first graduating class. The faculty and staff were pleased to announce Anna Harris as Salutatorian and Kunj Sukha as Valedictorian of the Class of 2018 in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Anna has been a leader both in and out of the classroom. Her rigorous academic course load allowed her to qualify for graduation from LOA in just three years. Anna completed 11 AP® courses during high school and was named an AP® Scholar by the College Board. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Senior Beta Club. She also earned the Georgia Bi-literacy Seal, International Skills Diploma Seal, and an International Spanish Academy diploma. Anna served for two years as the race coordinator for the Shoes of Service 5K to benefit the Surgeons of Service, a partnership with local doctors fostered by Anna to provide funds and donated shoes for children and families in need in the Dominican Republic. Anna will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall.

Sukha, who achieved the highest academic ranking of the senior class, will deliver the Valedictorian address during LOA’s Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Kunj completed 18 AP® courses in high school to earn an AP® Scholar designation from the College Board. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Senior Beta Club, and also earned the International Skills Diploma Seal and an International Spanish Academy diploma. Kunj was active with the broadcast team coordinating camera operations, lighting, and live streaming of various school events. He was also named a Titan Tri-Athlete all four years of high school for competing in a sport each season during the school year – cross country, basketball and baseball. Kunj will study Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Photo: Anna Harris and Kunj Sukha were honored as the Class of 2018’s Salutatorian and Valedictorian at the Senior Honors Ceremony on May 18, 2018, for their outstanding academic achievements.

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LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY SEVENTH GRADER HAILEY HEINEN TO COMPETE IN SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY SEVENTH GRADER HAILEY HEINEN TO COMPETE IN SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

Greensboro, Ga. (May 14, 2018) – Hailey Heinen, a seventh grade Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) student, is heading to the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. from May 29-31, 2018. She will join spellers from all over the world as they compete during “Bee Week,” with portions of the Bee to be televised on ESPN.

Hailey has won every class spelling bee since first grade, and she has been the winner of every schoolwide spelling bee since fourth grade. She has moved on to win the Greene County spelling bee three times and has also competed in the Georgia Regional Spelling Bee three times.

Hailey is a high honors student in school. She enjoys piano, musical theater, reading, serving as a student government representative, and competition cheerleading. Finding time to study for the Bee can be challenging, especially when spellers are told that the most inclusive study tool for the National Bee is the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Champion spellers also study etymology (the history of words and their origins) to give them the best chance of spelling difficult words that are unfamiliar to most people.

“Going to the National Spelling Bee has been a goal of mine since 1st grade,” said Hailey. “I love the competitive atmosphere, and I am excited to meet new friends from around the world.” Hailey would like to thank LOA faculty Lindsay Lipscomb, Caroline St. John, and Katie Cobb who continue to help her study in the early mornings before and after school, and Greene County teacher Tara Burdette who helped her prepare for the Greene County Bee and Regional Bee.

Photo: LOA seventh grader Hailey Heinen will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. May 29-31, 2018.

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LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY NAMED 2018 AP HONOR SCHOOL

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY NAMED 2018 AP HONOR SCHOOL

Greensboro, Ga. (April 23, 2018) - Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has been named a 2018 Advanced Placement® (AP®) Honor School by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Based on 2017 AP courses and exams, LOA earned the Honor School designation in the following categories: AP Challenge School, AP Merit School and AP Humanities School.

The AP program is administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT, and offers college-level coursework to high school students. Colleges and universities will often grant course credit and advanced placement for qualifying scores on exams.

"Now that LOA has expanded to a complete high school with grades 9-12 for the 2017-18 school year, our AP program has really grown," said LOA CEO Dr. Otho Tucker. "Last year we were named an AP Merit School, so to achieve the additional designations this year is a good indication that our students are taking advantage of the opportunity to enroll in the most rigorous classes and earn college credit during their high school careers. They are truly preparing themselves for post-secondary education."

The AP Honor School categories achieved by LOA are defined as follows:

AP Challenge Schools (56 named in 2018) are schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and students testing in four of the core areas (English, math, science and social studies).

AP Merit Schools (67 named in 2018) are schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50 percent of all exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

AP Humanities Schools (134 named in 2018) are schools with students testing in the following courses: at least one ELA course, two social science courses, one fine arts course and one world language course.

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Photo: LOA student Cydney Bish works on an AP Studio Design project in class. LOA was named a 2018 AP Honor School, including a designation as an AP Humanities School to include students taking ELA, social science, fine arts and world language courses.