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Varsity Track Team Competes In Cobb County Championship

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The Track Pack traveled to Marietta High School over the weekend to participate in the highly competitive Cobb County Championship meet against a talent-rich field from mostly 5A and 6A schools from around the county.



On Saturday, the meet got off to a blazing start with the girls and boys 1600m, where Whitefield was poised to snag some early points. Naomy Grand'Pierre (10th) set the tone in the girls 1600m, taking fourth place in another new personal record time of 5:18.13, slashing 18 seconds off her previous PR and the school record.



In a hotly contested boys 1600m, where the top ten finishers were all under 4:30, Robby Keough (10th) took fifth place in a new season best time of 4:22.74. Senior Morgan Landers also got on the scoreboard for the Pack, taking sixth place in the triple jump, going 33-6.50. The girls 4x100m relay team of Alexis Allen (12th), Corey Johnson (9th), Alice Fugate (11th), and Morgan missed the finals by only half a second, but posted a new season best time of 50.78, inching past the always-talented Our Lady of Mercy girls for the fastest reported time in Class A in the state this season. The neck-and-neck contest has set up a mid-season showdown with Mercy at next Tuesday’s meet at Our Lady of Mercy.



In the Monday running event finals, Alice added more points for the girls, taking 7th in the 100m in 12.97 and 6th in the 200m in a season best time of 27.12, finishing 6th. Robby posted another sub 2:00 time in the 800m, finishing 4th in a new PR of 1:55.74, shaving three seconds off his previous record. Robby’s new PR in the 800m is currently the fourth fastest reported time in the USA for a sophomore and is the fastest reported time in Class A in Georgia.



New personal records at the meet: senior Holt Merkle (4:47.04 in the 1600m); junior J. B. Johnson (24.21 in the 200m); sophomore Brandon Morris (25.46 in the 200m); junior Everett Pollard 47.83 in the 300m hurdles); junior Austin Joseph 50.52 in the 300m hurdles); Corey(13.24 in the 100m and 27.17 in the 200m); freshman Sidney Wingate 20.30 in the 100m hurdles and 56.29 in the 300m hurdles); freshman Mikaela McAlpine (1:02.98 in the 300m hurdles); and sophomore Merritt Enright (2:36.00 in the 800m, 12 seconds off her previous PR).




Hats Off To The Arts This ThursdayHats Off To The Arts This Thursday

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Don't miss our annual Hats Off to the Arts celebration this Thursday, April 4, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Listed below is the schedule of events that evening:



6:30-7 p.m.

Lower School Gallery Opens



6:45 p.m.

Lower School Chorale in Garden

Light Refreshment (vegetable medley) will be served



7-7:40 p.m.

Middle School Gallery



7 p.m.

String Quartet in Middle School foyer



7:25-7:40 p.m.

All Bands in quad



7:45-8 p.m.

All Orchestras in quad

Light Refreshment will be served. Sponsored by Chick-fil-A.



7:45-8:30 p.m.

Upper School Gallery



7:45-8:30 p.m.

Piano soloist (Morris Hall foyer)



8-8:10 p.m.

Middle School Choir/Handbells (Louise Owens Theater)



8:10-8:15 p.m.

Bye, Bye Birdie preview (Louise Owens Theater)



8:15-8:30 p.m.

Jazz Band (Louise Owens Theater)

Light Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Itiah Coffee)



MDJ Reports On Tekele CottonMDJ Reports On Tekele Cotton

Tekele Cotton ('11) Headed To Final FourTekele Cotton ('11) Headed To Final Four

New Upper School Principal HiredNew Upper School Principal Hired

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Jason Van Bemmel

Jason Van Bemmel will become the Upper School principal in July! He is a “proven leader with an educator’s mind and a pastor’s heart” who sensed an internal call to ministry his senior year of high school. Ever since, he has fulfilled that call in two primary ways – education and Christian ministry.



During the first years of his vocation, Van Bemmel taught a wide range of subjects including American government, British literature, creative writing, English, French, government, history, Latin, worldviews, and world history. He parlayed this experience to become the head of a small Christ-centered school in Maryland that flourished and more than doubled in size under his eight years of leadership. His legacy there includes launching a successful Upper School with the development of a rigorous curriculum, and the beginning of a competitive athletics program. He led, trained, supervised, and empowered 40 members of a dynamic team. His love for high school students led him to directly oversee the Upper School, while remaining head of the overall school program, PreK-12. As with all gifted people, the story doesn’t end there…



Van Bemmel’s call to Christian ministry has taken him on a fascinating journey. In addition to serving as a deacon, elder, and licentiate at his church, he was a part-time announcer for a Christian radio station in Baltimore, where he also wrote articles and devotions, maintained the station’s website, and produced a weekly radio program. More recently, Van Bemmel attempted to merge his passions for education and Christian ministry by pastoring a church that included a school as a ministry of the church. Though he commanded great respect and built a strong reputation as a preacher, teacher, and speaker, he quickly realized that his calling was indeed to “minister” in a school setting with high school students. He missed the flurry of activity and development of relationships and community that are part of the daily life of a school administrator.



Whitefield Community

The extensive interview process at Whitefield included meetings with students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Van Bemmel’s leadership skills, sharp mind, and clear articulation of an integrated biblical worldview immediately garnered widespread respect from the faculty and administration. Students and parents describe him as genuine, godly, approachable, and unmistakably relational.



Personal

Standing at 6’7”, and having played football and wrestled in high school, Van Bemmel has a commanding presence that is pleasantly tempered with an easy-going, winsome demeanor. He is a scholar who enjoys writing about education, theology, the Bible, and cultural issues. Jason has been married for over 14 years to Beth and has three children – Andrew (9), Jeremiah (6), and Kathryn (3).



Education

B.A., University of Maryland (history major and English minor)

M.Ed., Covenant College (educational leadership major)

M.A.R, Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington DC (religion major, with Greek and Hebrew)

Drew Justice Becomes National Chess Co-ChampionDrew Justice Becomes National Chess Co-Champion

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Congratulations to Drew Justice (1st) who earned the title of National K-1 Co-Champion at the national chess championship this weekend in Nashville. Drew  won all 7 rounds of the tournament and tied for first place in his division. Congratulations Drew for a fantastic showing in the national tournament!

BLOG POST: Alumnus Matt LeCraw Takes To The SkiesBLOG POST: Alumnus Matt LeCraw Takes To The Skies

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Alumnus Matt LeCraw ('07) is currently in Pueblo, Colorado in the first phase of his pilot training for the U.S. Air Force. Pueblo Memorial Airport is home of the United States Air Force Initial Flight Screening (IFS) program. Doss Aviation. Under contract with the USAF, Doss conducts flight screening for between 1300 and 1700 USAF trainees annually. Matt shares about his experience below:







Soloing a plane might not seem very hard to  most.To reference a recent Watch ESPN commercial, many assume it's as easy as hitting a "Take Off" and "Land" button while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Instead, during my first solo flight in my Air Force Initial Flight Screening (IFS) training, I hardly remember what anything but the runway looked like.



Among all the switches, knobs, and buttons are the seemingly endless radio calls. Imagine having to speak a language you have never heard of while also focusing all your senses to your surroundings while on the ground and in the air. Looking back, the preparation and actual flying of the plane was actually an extremely tedious process, yet very rewarding.



After successfully landing a few times, I picked up my instructor pilot and we flew back to base. Few things are sweeter than flying a plane alone (landing), and I'm glad all the preparation paid off. I had not only successfully passed my solo flight, but was able to pass my checkride the next day, ending IFS and moving me on to undergraduate pilot training.




We are proud of you, Matt!

Senior Scholars Honored At LuncheonSenior Scholars Honored At Luncheon

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The annual Senior Scholars luncheon was held yesterday in the Barnett Gathering Room, honoring seniors who earned a 90% average or above during their four years in Upper School. Students enjoyed a delicious meal and shared their college decisions as well as their intended majors. Joining the seniors were Dr. Kevin Bracher, interim headmaster; Dr. Susan Banke, Upper School principal; Adrienne Gilbert, college counselor; Tyrone Johnson, Dean of Upper School students; and the senior advisors.



After the meal Dr Banke announced this year's valedictorian and salutatorian. The 2013


Validictorian is Holt Merkle; the 2013 Salutatorian is Morgan Landers.



"Better get your speeches ready," joked Dr. Banke.



Tyrone Johnson closed out the luncheon by praying over the student scholars.



Congratulations to Holt, Morgan, and all of the seniors who earned this distinguished academic achievement!

Whitefield Lacrosse Keeps On WinningWhitefield Lacrosse Keeps On Winning

Varsity Track Team Excels Before Area MeetVarsity Track Team Excels Before Area Meet

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The Track Pack traveled to Fayetteville this week to face Our Lady of Mercy, Paideia, Atlanta International School, and Mount Pisgah. The excitement is building as track season approaches the Area Championship meet beginning next Tuesday at the Whitefield track.





The girls, ranked sixth in the state, drew a line in the sand in the much-anticipated 4x100m relay. Facing a talent-rich OLM team head to head for the first time this season, the team of senior Alexis Allen, freshman Corey Johnson, senior Morgan Landers, and junior Alice Fugate slammed the door, solidifying their claim to the fastest reported time in Class A to win the event and break the school record in a new season best time of 50.09.



Morgan won the triple jump going 33-05. Alice won the 100m in 13.24 and finished third in the 200m in 26.98. Sophomore Naomy Grand Pierre continues to attract attention in the 1600m, taking first in 5:28.64 and fourth in the 800 in 2:34.64. Other points scorers for the girls were junior Katie Kassis (4th in the 3200m in 15:43.31), Corey (2nd in the 100m in a new PR of 13.31 and tied with Alice for 3rd in the 200m in another new PR of 26.98), and freshman Sydney Wingate (3rd in the 100m hurdles in a new PR of 20.16 and 3rd in the 300m hurdles in another new PR of 55.81). Freshman Mikaela McAlpine also scored points for the team (5th in the 100m hurdles in 22.61 and 4th in the 300m hurdles in a new PR of 1:01.68).



The boys, ranked ninth in the state, claimed some early wins in the field events. Senior Everett Pollard won the high jump going 5-2. Junior Austin Joseph won the triple jump going 39-10.5. In the running events, sophomore Robby Keough posted another sub 2:00 time in the 800m, taking first in 1:59.37.



Others scoring points for the boys were freshman Kerry


Martin (2nd in the 3200m in 12:07.84), the 4x100m relay team of junior J. B. Johnson, sophomore Brandon Morris, Everett, and junior Jaylen Hudson (3rd in 47.31); J. B. (3rd in the 400m in 56.09 and scored in 4th in the 200m in 24.62), freshman Adonis Akin-Cole (scored in 4th in the 400m in 1:00.62), Brandon (tied for 7th in the 100m in 12:39), freshman Evan Johnson (also tied for 7th in the 100m in 12:39 and scored in 5th in the 200m in 25.61 and also scored in 4th in the long jump going 17-05 for a new PR), Everett (2nd in the 110m hurdles in a new PR of 19.87 and 2nd in the 300m hurdles in another new PR of 45.69), senior Holt Merkle (3rd in the 800m in 2:11.21 and 2nd in the 1600m in 5:07.30), freshman Brendon Myles (5th in the 1600m in 5:35.90), and Jaylen (scored in 5th in the shot put going 33-05).



Make plans now to attend the Area Championship meet which will begin at Whitefield on Tuesday, April 16, with the field event finals and the running event preliminaries. A number of Whitefield athletes are favored to win their events. Come on out and support the Whitefield Track Pack as they look ahead to sectionals and the state championships. 

Middle School Lacrosse Team Secures Two Wins

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The Middle School lacrosse team secured two wins this week, boosting its record to 7-3 overall and 7-2 in league play. On Tuesday night, the WolfPack hosted the Riverwood Raiders. Jack Charles (7th) got the WolfPack on the board with a goal off a feed from Sam Hamilton (8th). The team jumped out to a 5-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, and took an 8-2 lead into halftime. The Raiders netted 4 goals in the third quarter to tighten the margin, but the WolfPack came back strong with 5 straight tallies in the final quarter.



Mitchell Ryan (8th) netted the final goal off a feed from Josh Turner (8th) to help secure a 13-6 win. K.J. Cainion (7th) secured two ground balls and had three shots in the match, while Robert Matherne (6th) also picked up two ground balls and got off two shots. Preston Bates (8th) and Rhett Haverty (7th) helped lead an attack line-up that kept the pressure on the Raiders throughout the game.



The WolfPack were back on the field Thursday evening in an important league game against the Blessed Trinity Titans. The WolfPack traded goals with the Titans at the start before pulling out to a 5-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. The two teams netted one a piece in the second and third quarters, leaving the margin at 7-4 going into the final quarter. With an important league game on the line, the WolfPack stepped up and played a solid fourth quarter, outscoring the Titans 3-2 to secure a 10-6 win. Brad Becker (7th) led the scoring with 7 goals and 1 assist. Carter Dixon (8th), Sam Hamilton (8th), and Jonathan Wood (8th) also netted goals, while Sid Brendel (8th) contributed two assists.





Varsity Baseball Team Defeats CampbellVarsity Baseball Team Defeats Campbell

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The varsity baseball team defeated Campbell High School, 12–6. The offense was led by Roc Sherrell (12th), Matt Olson (10th), Nile Ball (10th), and Ryan Wesley (10th). Each of the guys collected two hits each. The highlight of the game was Matt and Nile’s back-to-back homeruns over the center field fence. Matt, Ryan, and Luke Miltner (9th) played a pivotal role defensively for the team as they pitched 4, 2, and 1 inning(s) respectively. We are proud of the boys for their efforts!



Students Earn Recognition At Hats OffStudents Earn Recognition At Hats Off

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April at Whitefield was dedicated to celebrating the fine arts, beginning with our annual Hats Off to the Arts evening. Guests strolled across campus, viewing the artwork of our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students while listening to Whitefield musicians and enjoying snacks at each station. The artwork has been on display throughout the month. Middle and Upper School artwork was judged by Smyrna artist Steve Stoichev based on technical skill, personal vision and style, originality and creativity (graphic design work was also judged on effective communication). Congratulations to the winners below:











MIDDLE SCHOOL



Drawing and Painting

1st place –Samara Huggins

2nd place – Griffin Combs

3rd place – Katie Cella

Honorable Mentions – Audree Grand’Pierre,

    Preston Bates, Katherine Martin



3-dimensional

1st place –Patrick Spellissy

2nd place – Isabel Miller

3rd place – Sam Fuller

Honorable Mentions – Audree Grand’Pierre

   & Bailey Koenig



Mixed Media

1st place –Katherine Martin

2nd place – Zack Lundy

3rd place – Sam Fuller

Honorable Mentions – William Hellier

    & Maddie Fry



UPPER SCHOOL



AP Studio Art Body of Work

1st place – Bella Pefianco

2nd place- Justin Brendel

3rd Place – Chloe Areu

Honorable Mentions: Harrison Bradley,

    Micah Owens, Zac DiGiorgio



Graphic Design

1st place –Catherine Hamilton

2nd place – James Schultz

 

Graphic Design (cont)

3rd place – Noah DiGiorgio

Honorable Mentions – Catherine Hamilton, Jordan McAlpine, David Lewis



Photography

1st place – Anna Moore

2nd place- Sam Fishbeck

3rd place Caitlin Kleefeld

Honorable Mentions: Alexa Perez, Leanza Gilbert-Dumas



Drawing

1st place – Sophie Kemether

2nd place Caroline Langella

3rd place – Brittany Pritchett & Chandler Reagan

Honorable Mentions: Gabrielle Boswell, Margaret Reed



Painting & Mixed Media

1st –Audrey Garrett

2nd place Anna Long

3rd place – Matt Milburn

Honorable mentions: Kate MacPhail, Catherine Hamilton



Three-Dimensional

1st place – Sam Fishbeck

2nd place – Jonathan Thomas

3rd place – Audrey Garrett

Honorable Mentions: Mary Kendrick Elizabeth Weaver



Judge’s Choice Awards

Kristen Corliss

Peter Sengsen







 

BLOG POST: Circle Up For Prayer And BasketballBLOG POST: Circle Up For Prayer And Basketball

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by Jesse Breite, Upper School English teacher



Atlanta Mission is the city’s largest and longest-running provider of services to homeless men, women



and children. Established in 1938, Atlanta Mission provides emergency shelter, temporary shelter, recovery programming, job attainment, and transitional housing for more than 950 men, women, and children daily. Jesse Breite meets with some of these men every week on the basketball court.



On Tuesdays from 6 -8 p.m., I play basketball with men from the Atlanta Mission at North Avenue Presbyterian Church gym. After we all arrive, Mike Buchanan, a church member and friend, shouts “circle up." The phrase informs the men who come to play pick-up basketball that it is time to begin. After we link arms, shoulder-to-shoulder, in a circle mid-court, we briefly exchange names, and someone volunteers to pray. As the prayer goes up, a sense of eagerness and gratitude is evident in the voices and bodies of the men. After we finish, we shoot for teams and play commences.



After a few plays, it becomes clear that this is more than a game. Old all-stars and tireless, young amateurs dribble, shout, shuffle their feet—all expending themselves in play. To the men of the Atlanta Mission, Mission graduates, and a few members of North Avenue, this is an opportunity to release from the routine—to express ourselves physically and often emotionally in the game. Though play is intense, and at times, calls are contentious, we all enjoy competing. As one game ends, men shake hands, smile and laugh, drink from the water fountain, and return to the old wooden floor as long as time allows. Though we are sweaty and tired by 8 p.m., we again circle up and pray out. At the final prayer, we uplift players who are physically hurt that night or those who may be encountering difficult issues with family or work. As we go to take the elevator back down, we are refreshed by the experience and hope to make it back next week.



I have done this most Tuesdays for the past two years. I have seen troubled men come in, grow over weeks, months, or years and leave with a new perspective. I have also seen men suddenly disappear, deciding to leave the mission. But I feel blessed to get to know these men, pray with them, and witness their growth. I share their joy, and I also share in their sorrow when a man gets kicked out or goes back to jail after his struggles. As I continue to volunteer, I hope I can help the men find jobs. Employers do not want to hire felons without high school diplomas, and my credibility can be ruined if the employment does not work out. But I remain hopeful, and I am encouraged by their optimism and faith.    

Back-To-Back Wins For Varsity BaseballBack-To-Back Wins For Varsity Baseball

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This past Friday night the WolfPack took on Walker in a varsity baseball game and came out victorious with a score of 6-4. Everett Joiner (12th) was the star of the contest as he pitched a complete game striking out five batters. The defensive was strong and led by Ryan Wesley (10th) who contributed with a steady performance at shortstop. Please come out and support the team this week as the Pack has home games on Monday and Thursday. 

Junior Varsity And Varsity Lacrosse Add Another WinJunior Varsity And Varsity Lacrosse Add Another Win

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Inspired by a season-ending injury to senior Chandler Reagan, Whitefield varsity lacrosse players, wearing Chandler’s #14 on their helmets, defeated the Fellowship Christian Paladins, 16-3, at home on Friday. The win is the seventh in a row and improves the season record to 11-2.



Ten different players scored in the game: junior Alex Manning (3 goals, 2 assists), senior Dallas Darling (2 goals 3 assists), senior Preston Blair (2 goals), junior Justin Brendel (2 goals), sophomore David Ballew (2 goals), senior Max Rieves (1 goal 3 assists), senior Carter Fiveash (1 goal), senior defenseman Brennan Saul (1 goal), junior Braelen Phillips (1 goal), and sophomore Marcus Jones (1 goal).



The defense was strong again led by senior Chris Washington, senior Brennan Saul, senior Matt Milburn, and sophomore Sky Dupree. The Pack play next on Tuesday at Area 1 opponent Whitewater.



The junior varsity squad finished their season undefeated


and 3-0 with a 6-5 win over the Paladins. Junior Braelen Phillips scored one of his two fourth quarter goals with less than 30 seconds to go in the game to put the Pack ahead for good. Phillips and eighth-grader Sid Brendel had two goals each. Junior Harrison Weller and sophomore David Ballew each had one goal. Freshman Ty McLemore had a nice game at goalkeeper to help preserve the win. 

Varsity Girls Soccer Team Ties Against LovettVarsity Girls Soccer Team Ties Against Lovett

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The varsity girls soccer team traveled to Lovett last night to


take on the #3 Ranked AA Lovett Lions. The Lady WolfPack played in a back and forth game that ended in a 0-0 tie. Strong play by defenders Elaine Sharitz (11th) and Mary Beth Snyder (12th) among others and 9 saves by goalie Emma Wright (11th) kept the Lions at bay. Two of Emma's stops were ESPN Top Play worthy. The girls continue their tune-up for the state tournament by traveling to Strong Rock today.

Middle School Lacrosse Team Prevails Against Opponents

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The Middle School lacrosse team traveled to College Park this weekend for a three-way event with Pace and Woodward. The WolfPack faced the Pace Knights in the first game, and jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead off two goals from Jonathan Wood (8th), and one a piece from Sam Hamilton (8th), Sid Brendel (8th), and Brad Becker (7th). Bradley Washington (8th) anchored the net with three saves and allowed only one goal while helping to lead the WolfPack to a 6-1 halftime score. Noah Howard (6th) took over the netminding duties in the second half, recording multiple saves on the way to a 9-4 final victory for Whitefield. Jonathan led the scoring with four goals and an assist, followed by Sid with two goals and three assists, Sam with one goal and one assist, Carter Dixon (8th) with one goal and one assist, and Brad with one goal.



The WolfPack took a short break and then jumped back on the field to face a talented Woodward War Eagles team. The War Eagles struck first with two quick goals, but the WolfPack tied things up during the first quarter off of goals by Brad and Rhett Haverty (7th). Woodward was anchored by a very strong goalie, and despite a barrage of shots, the WolfPack could not find the back of the net during the second quarter. The score was 2-3 in Woodward's favor at the half. The WolfPack defense, led by goalie Wills McCutcheon (7th) and defenders Carson Brown (8th), Brenner McCutcheon (8th), Joseph Schwartz (7th), and Connor Callan (8th), took over the game in the second half. The WolfPack shut out the War Eagles in the second and third quarters, with Wills recording nine total saves for the game. Carter scooped up six key ground balls, while Sid, Brad, and Jonathan netted four more goals during the second half for a final 6-3 win.



The Middle School team faces Mt. Paran and St. Pius tonight in another three way league match up at Mt. Paran. Join us at Mt. Paran to support the team!

Varsity Baseball Team Victorious Over FellowshipVarsity Baseball Team Victorious Over Fellowship

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The varsity baseball team continued its winning ways yesterday with a victory over Fellowship Christian School. Matt Olson (10th) pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters. Max Kemether (12th) and Ryan Wesley (10th) each drove in two runs for the Pack to lead the offense. The Pack takes on North Cobb Christian this afternoon at home at 5 p.m. Please come out and support the Pack!

Middle School Girls Soccer Team Takes Down PaceMiddle School Girls Soccer Team Takes Down Pace

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The Middle School girls soccer team finished the season with a hard-earned win on the road against Pace Academy on Monday, April 15. The Pack jumped out to a quick lead with Hannah White (6th) scoring in the second minute of play. By the end of the first half, thanks to a strong defensive effort and great hustle by the offense, the ladies were up 3-0.



Pace came out in the second half and scored first, followed by a goal by Macy Kendrick (7th), putting the Pack up 4-1. Pace then scored again followed by a final goal by Hannah (her fourth), ending the game with a score of 5-2. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding, memorable season!
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