SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS 2017-18

Anna Kate Alford doesn’t plan on pursuing the same career her whole life even though she often is stuck eating a grilled cheese sandwich with lettuce. During her eight years at Stratford, Anna Kate has participated in  Key Club, ADL, French club, Pep Club, Theatre Club, and band.  In theatre, her favorite play was the Seussical, where she played the Sour Kangaroo. “It was the biggest pa...

Tejas Athni remembers his fear of the unknown his freshman year at Stratford. Fortunately, it was short-lived. “Starting out ninth grade it was kind of like entering a tunnel not knowing where I’m going and kind of starting to find myself during my high school career,'' he said. "As the years progressed I found my interests. Not only at school but extracurricular wise and outside of school. I t...

Along with his many academic and athletic accomplishments, this is Mark Barrow’s fourth time appearing in the Stratford Gazebo.  He was featured in February when he was named Stratford's STAR student, and later as  Bibb County's STAR student after scoring a 1560 out of 1600 on the SAT. He also was interviewed for this week's Gazebo newscast as the No. 1 player for the undefeated and defend...

Josh Bevill enjoys going to Stratford football and basketball games to cheer on the Eagles. He likes to yell at the referees, too. Josh has attended Stratford for 14 years. He has played baseball, soccer and has run cross country. He has had many ups and downs going through sports practices, like the time he tried to hurdle the eagle statue on the track and got his pants caught on it. He was aw...

Faith Boyington has attended Stratford Academy since the ninth grade. She has been a part of many clubs during high school. She played volleyball and has been a member of the track team. She runs short and long distance and the hurdles. Faith has had many great times at Stratford, but she had no difficulty choosing the best. “My favorite memory was the Stratford vs. FPD football game my ...

Catherine Brown has been at Stratford since she was in Pre-K. She has enjoyed her time at the Academy. Her favorite teacher has been science teacher Ms. Jackie Waters. Her favorite school subject is English. She is undecided about her college choice, but has Ole Miss and Georgia College in mind. Her biggest goal her senior year is to make lots of memories and enjoy her last months at Stratford. H...

Amelia Bunker has attended Stratford since she was in kindergarten. Some things she will miss most about Stratford are her friends and the FLIK burritos. Her favorite teachers have been Mrs. Mary Beth Gumbart and Dr. Frank Katz. Not only is Dr. Katz one of her favorite teachers, but his AP Literature class has been her favorite class at Stratford. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing i...

Ellie Cleveland has been at Stratford since pre-K.   She has been a member of Key Club, Pep Club, Ecology Club, and SOAR. She also played varsity tennis. Among Ellie's favorite FLIK lunch specials is Mexican Day, and the nachos servings. She has fond memories of  the after-lunch frenzy, when she has to “sneak her styrofoam cup around the authorities” to avoid getting caught and given a deme...

Emma Davis has attended Stratford for 14 years. Her favorite sport has been softball because she really enjoyed cheering on her teammates and having a good time together. When she graduates, she said she will miss having her friends around all of the time the time most about her time at Stratford. Emma also will miss her favorite teacher and coach, Coach Tyler Brown, her favorite class, c...

Leah Davis has been at Stratford for three years. She came to The Academy as a freshman, then transferred to Howard High School after her sophomore year. She returned for her senior year. Outside of school, Leah enjoys listening to music and watch tv shows and movies on Netflix and Hulu. Leah works part-time at the Douglass Theatre downtown. “I use to go to summer camp when I was little at the t...

Miller Ann Davis has attended Stratford since kindergarten and made many great memories, friendships, and relationships with her teachers. Her favorite class is AP Environmental Science, and her favorite teacher Ms. Carol Lanier  The best FLIK food, according to Miller Ann, is the cheese pizza. At Stratford, she has enjoyed participating in tennis since middle school. Her favorite memory...

Whether it’s on the tennis court or in a classroom, Lora Kate DiPonzio is always putting in her full force for this school. She has attended Stratford Academy for five years. Her favorite FLIK food, which is the fan favorite, their chocolate chip cookies. Of the many teachers that Lora Kate has had here, one in particular has stood out. Mr. Bobby Stecher has impressed her with his wit of ...

Nick Dorogy said he will miss leaving Stratford at 3:20 p.m. every afternoon. He has been a student at The Academy for 12 years. Nick is in his fourth year in the journalism program. He joined The Gazebo during his freshman year and is editor this year. “My sisters had taken it and they told me that it would be fun,'' he said. Nick said his favorite teacher was former English teacher Mr...

Tori Dover said she will miss the Friday night football games, student sections and the close relationships formed between teachers and students. Her favorite teacher has been English teacher Ann Dromsky because of the bonds she created between her students. One of her most memorable Stratford moments was the FPD v.s Stratford Football game her freshman year in 2014, when the Eagles won 28-21. ...

Whether she is playing soccer or watching movies with her friends, senior Carolynn Dromsky is always busy. “Soccer takes up most of my time,” said Carolynn. Her life revolves around soccer, whether it’s for club or school. Carolynn has played soccer since she was five. Carolynn joined the volleyball team her junior year, which has become one of her main three sports including track. ...

Katie Belle Duke came to Stratford in the sixth grade. She has participated in Band, Color Guard, Anime Lunch Club, and Gaming Club. Her favorite sport to watch is football while she is participating in the band. Katie Belle’s favorite FLIK food is the fried chicken tenders. She said the thing she will miss the most about Stratford are the teachers. She said her favorite teachers are “almost e...

Of Caroline Durkee’s 14 years at Stratford, her senior year has been her favorite. Caroline has participated in many sports and activities in high school, including JV and Varsity cheerleading, swimming, and tennis. She has enjoyed all of them. She said she has made many friends that she will miss after she graduates. She also will be sad to leave her two dogs, Cash and Ginger, when she leaves ...

Stephen Durso spends many hours in the gym. During his free time, he enjoys working out and is doing his senior project at the Kinetix gym. He will assist with personal training, maintenance, fitness, and learn how Kinetix runs its business. He will miss FLIK’s yogurt, his friends and Dr. Frank Katz the most after high school. He is going to the University of Georgia in the fall and hopes to ...

Emily Fackler is relieved  she survived high school, especially after her experiences the band Orlando trip three years ago. Her favorite memory is when she decided to on Splash Mountain with Shawn Shivdat. He didn’t sit down fast enough, so he ended up falling onto  the ride. The operators had to stop the ride for three hours. But, when they finally got off, they got fast passes for Spac...

Amelia Foulkes has been at Stratford for 14 years. Amelia’s favorite subject is science. She has had a number of favorite teachers, including Dr. Frank Katz, Mr. Bobby Stecher, Mrs. Susan Hanberry Martin, and Mr. Ross Bridges. Her biggest goal for her senior year she said is simply “to graduate.” She said she is proud of her senior classmates. “I guess just how they’ve matured and how well...

Trey Giles transferred to Stratford from Tattnall Square Academy after his eighth grade year. He has participated in baseball, football, Pep Club and Key Club. His favorite memory at Stratford came on the football field this past fall. “My favorite memory has definitely been beating Tattnall in football this year,'' he said. "It was a thrilling game. It came down to the final seconds. ...

Cole Gilleland has been at Stratford since his freshman year of high school. He plays lacrosse and enjoys building tables in the tech room with the other interns. He enjoyed his Stratford experience but said that he would have wanted to get into clubs earlier if he could go back. Cole played lacrosse and was part of the beginning of the program, which only started varsity competition three ye...

Fourteen years ago, Carson Greene set foot on the Stratford campus and has been very involved since. He has contributed as a member of the Chess Club, Model U.N., his two favorite clubs Tech and Classics. Carson could not choose a favorite from his top three Dr. Lolis, Mr. Nicodemo, and Mr. Wells and his favorite class he has taken was Senior Humanities. His most embarrassing moment involved ...

Senior Katherine Hall has been at Stratford for six years. She was Stratford's nominee in English for the prestigious Golden Eagles awards. Katherine has been a member of the "Weagles" swim team, and has been swimming year-round for the past seven years. Her favorite teachers include English teachers Dr. Frank Katz and Mrs. Mary Beth Gumbart, science teacher Mr. Luke Harrington and math t...

Grayson Harrell has been at Stratford since Pre-K. She has had many favorite teachers over the years, but she said her favorite is math instructor Mr. Griff Ethridge. “I had him for Pre-Cal, and now I have him for Human Relations,'' Grayson said. Her favorite memories at Stratford are cheering and participating in pep rallies. Her favorite activities at Stratford are playing tennis and ch...

Michael Hicks was student body president for the 2017-18 school year. He has attended Stratford since kindergarten. On Mondays, Michael would tell a joke before he read the daily announcements at the morning assembly. Michael said his favorite joke for the year was: “Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!” He said this was his favorite joke because he “had ...

Gracie Holliman has been at Stratford since the second grade. She has participated in  cross country, cheerleading and soccer. Her favorite has been cheerleading. Gracie has many nicknames given to her by friends and family, including “Geeb.” Her favorite FLIK food is the cookies. When she is not at school enjoying FLIK lunch, Gracie likes to go to long lunch at Barberitos or anywhe...

Nathan Hunt came to Stratford as a junior last year. He transferred from Covenant Academy. “I regret not being able to be at Stratford my whole high school career,'' he said. "It kinda hurt, I like this school a lot.'' Nathan is a four-sport athlete for the Eagles. He is a standout on the football field and basketball court, and also plays soccer and runs track. His favorite memory from high...

With hopes to become a veterinarian, Kaylee Jellum wants to attend Syracuse University or Skidmore College in New York. She has been a part of the Spirit of Stratford's Color Guard since her freshman year. Kaylee has participated on Stratford's swim and soccer teams. Outside of Stratford, she enjoys playing violin and horseback riding. Sitting outside with friends during lunch by the benches is...

Aman Jindani has been attending Stratford for the past five years. He said he has made many memories. His favorite is  Stratford beating FPD in football for the past five years. He plays lacrosse and has participated in soccer in the past. In addition to having great memories here, he has also had many good teachers. His favorite is Mr. Mike Kelley, who teaches AP Geography and AP Governme...

Tyler Jordan has embraced Stratford since he came to the Academy in the ninth grade. A key member of the  football and basketball teams, he has made a lot of big plays throughout his career. He specifically remembers Stratford’s win over Tattnall Square Academy earlier this year. “It was a close game and we made the game-winning touchdown,” he said, He also remembers the basketball game before...

One senior Eagle who is flying high this year is Parker Kight. Parker has been working on the weekends in Perry on getting his pilot's license. He moved from Atlanta in his junior year and enrolled at Stratford. He is the captain of the swim team, and plays on the football and lacrosse teams. He has a younger brother, Preston, in the ninth grade. He said even though they, “bump head...

Sarah Koplin has attended Stratford Academy for 14 years. She has been a member of the lacrosse, track, and swim teams.  Sarah has made many memories on each of these teams, especially on the swim team. Her favorite Weagle memory includes forcing her friendship among the freshmen swimmers. Sarah would like to make one apology to Coach Travis Morrison before she leaves.  “I’m sorry for complaining about ...

Lucy Lee has been at Stratford Academy since Pre-K.  She has participated in cheerleading, tennis, track, shooting team and soccer. Out of all of these activities, cheerleading has been her favorite. This year, Lucy has had the privilege of experiencing a year in high school with younger brother, Jay, a freshman.  “It’s fun. I try and give him advice on what to do, but it isn’t like he...

One Stratford senior who has had a good ride at The Academy is Sammy Martin. He has played football and baseball for four years for the Eagles. He said he had a good time playing football with his teammates and learned a lot from Coach Mark Farriba.. Sammy also said he has learned how to manage sports and school from football. His younger brother, Gavin Martin, is a freshman this year. ...

Morgan Mathis has attended Stratford since preschool. She is co-valedictorian of the Class of 2018, with Tejas Athni. She has participated in Drama Club, Beta Club, Key Club, Pep Club, and Ecology Club. She plays softball, lacrosse, and is very involved in theatre. Her favorite teachers at Stratford have been Mr. Brian Wells, Mrs. Mary Beth Gumbart, and Dr. Frank Katz. She said her theatre c...

Evans McCook has been at Stratford for 14 years. She has been involved in many sports and clubs. She played basketball, softball, and tennis. She was also a part of SOAR, Pep Club and Key Club. Evans has made many funny memories at Stratford, but her favorite happened in eighth grade. "We were in P.E. and Sarah Koplin pantsed Emily,'' she said. In her free time, Evans enjoys hanging ou...

Murray McCormack’s favorite classes include AP U.S. History and AP French. Murray is looking forward to living on her own without parents to watch her and “delving into her major and becoming more specialized.” Her favorite teachers are French teacher Mrs. Rachel Chabot, English teacher Dr. Frank Katz, and history teacher Dr. Scott Shubitz, who left last year. Murray has been in danc...

John McMaster has been attending Stratford since 4K. He has changed a lot since then. In fact, he's changed quite a bit since the start of high school. In this year's "Senior Superlatives" in the yearbook, John was voted by his fellow seniors as "Most Changed'' since the ninth grade. "I've changed vertically and horizontally,'' he said. Some of his favorites teachers have been Tyler Brown and Mike Kel...

Anna Kate Medlin's favorite classes have always been her English classes, “because the teachers are really fun.”   She is looking forward “not sitting in a desk for 8 hours a day.” Her favorite teachers are Dr. Frank Katz, Mrs. Michelle Fleming, and Mrs. Rachel Chabot. Anna Kate is planning on attending Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She has been in dance for 14 years and she i...

On the coast, there are many things Ellie Minette can do. She can swim or pursue her dream of collecting litter on beaches. Ellie has been a student at Stratford since the second grade. During her time at The Academy, she has been a member of the Ecology, Key, and Beta clubs and president of the Spanish and Drama clubs. Ellie has been on the swim team ever since middle school, and has mad...

Denny Nguyen’s has been at Stratford for the past eight years. He said his favorite teacher is Mrs. Theresa Ferrari, Upper School assistant principal and math teacher.  “She is an overall great person,'' he said. He will be working at a hospice in Macon for his senior project. “It is something I can see myself doing in the future,'' he said. Denny will be attending Georgia S...

Andrew Palmer has been at Stratford for 14 years. One thing Andrew will miss about Stratford are the sports and the friendships he has made over the years. He will also miss the teachers who have helped him during his academic career. “Mrs. (Patsy) Hayslip in the LSC has helped me a lot by helping me keep my grades up and making sure that I finish all of my assignments,'' he said.  An...

Ellie Peterson is a spirited Stratford Eagle, who has been at The Academy her entire career. She participated in many activities, including different sports. She enjoyed being a part of a team and also learned a good lesson on how to balance school and activities. She obviously succeeded. She was named "Most Athletic" in the yearbook's "Senior Superlatives.''  She participated in Key Club, Pep Club, Ec...

Emmie Cate Powell is new to Stratford this year. She transferred from First Presbyterian Day School during her senior year. Her favorite subject is English, and her favorite teacher at Stratford is science teacher Mr. Ross Bridges. Emmie Cate recently got into the University of Georgia and will be attending there in the fall. She said  her biggest goal for her senior year was “to cheris...

When Olivia Pruett graduates she said she will miss her friends, Jennifer the lunch lady and having TAD with Mrs. Theresa Ferrari. Her favorite teacher during her years at Stratford has been science teacher Mr. Ross Bridges. During her free time she enjoys playing "Fortnite'' and having am "Girls nights with her friends. Her peers voted her "Most Likely To Sign In Late'' as her senior su...

Sloane Ramsbottom has been a student at Stratford Academy since preschool. This outstanding senior has made many memories with her classmates.  Some of the ones that stick out are making crafts in preschool as well as having class parties organized by the room moms. Her favorite teacher is Upper School math teacher Mr. Griff Ethridge. “He has been here forever, is a Stratford legend, and als...

Akshay Rannabhotu is a senior in the Class of 2018. He plays tennis and is a member of the Model United Nations team. Akshay has applied to several colleges, but hopes to attend either North Carolina State or the University of North Carolina to study medicine. He said that he looks forward to the area and the community in North Carolina.  “I just like the area around there, because I...

Mei Mei Randolph has been at Stratford since the third grade. Mei Mei plays soccer for Stratford, and participated in the Winter Musical her senior year. She enjoyed both of these activities. Throughout her 10 years at Stratford, Mei Mei has made many fun and embarrassing memories. One of her favorite and funniest memories is leaving her phone on the bus after the Georgia Aquarium field tr...

Sydnie Rouleau began attending Stratford in the third grade. She stayed until seventh grade, when her family moved away for two years. She came back to The Academy her 10th grade year. Sydnie has moved around many times, because her father serves in the U.S. Air Force. She was born in Alabama, then she moved to Florida, Oklahoma, and  Georgia. She moved to Hawaii, and then moved back to Georgia. ...

Emily Sheridan has developed many relationships and made many memories in her 15 years at Stratford. In high school, Emily took part in both JV and Varsity cheerleading, tennis, and the Winter Musical. Of these, cheerleading has been her favorite. There are many different aspects of Stratford that Emily will miss after she graduates.   “After graduation, I will really miss FLIK’s cu...

One of this year's salutatorians, Shawn Shivdat founded Chess Empowerment and Stratford’s Chess Team. He started chess team in fifth grade and started Chess Empowerment in his freshman year. He also has participated in tennis and soccer in the past. He played saxophone in the Spirit of Stratford Band. He plays piano and steel drum, along with the saxophone. His most embarrassing mome...

Senior Alex Smith is president of the Tech Club and a member of the Chess Club. His top college choices are the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. He already has been accepted at Ole Miss. He wants to study international business in college. His father, Chris, a Macon attorney, has served as honorary consul of Denmark and was knighted by Queen Margrethe in 2016 for his loyal ...

Jadyn Stephens has attended Stratford Academy for seven years. He has played baseball and football. His favorite has been Friday night football. He likes being in high school with two of his siblings -- Jayce (junior) and Jansyn (freshman) --even though the teachers often confuse their names. Everyone in the Stephens family's first name begins with the letter "J." His parents are Johnny an...

Logan Thomas has been at Stratford for eight years. He has played soccer and tennis, and participated in cross country and swimming. When not playing sports, he enjoys cheering in the Stratford student section with his friends. His favorite memory was in the fourth grade when one of his classmates, Alex Smith, dressed up as Mario for character day but didn’t have a mustache. Alex went to ...

Tobe Umerah, senior student-athlete, has been at Stratford for eight years.  Many know him for his athletic abilities. During his time at Stratford, he has participated in basketball, track, and football. He is signed to play football at Stanford University.  However, there is more to Tobe than his athletic future at Stanford. He also plays piano.  “I used to play for a long time,'' he sai...

One thing Sahan Vangala will miss about Stratford is the close environment. “I have made a lot of good friends and memories so I will miss the close environment,'' he said. Sahan has been at Stratford since seventh grade. He was elected Homecoming and Prom King.    “When I found out I won Homecoming King I thought it was completely rigged because everyone was talking about me being hoc...

Manasa Vemuri is University of Georgia-bound and is planning to be pre-med with a major in psychology. Manasa was a part of Key Club, Math Team, Beta Club and Pep Club. She served as President of Classics Club and organized the blood drive for Key Club.  If she had to shadow one person in the world dead or alive it would be "Maze Runner" star, Dylan O'Brien. “Going to LatinCon in my soph...

Ellie Wangerin participates in many extracurricular activities here at Stratford, though it’s ironic how she doesn’t plan on pursuing a career. She would much rather inherit a lot of money from a mysterious source, and not have to work a day for the rest of her life. Ellie has attended Stratford since the eighth grade. During her time her time here, she has been a part of: the Lacross...

Carlin Weinberg has been attending Stratford Academy since the first grade. One of her favorite high school memories was attending Latin Con, where there her favorite activity was the chariot races. “Last year we placed fifth and got a ribbon,’’ she said. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Brian Wells, Mrs. Hollie Wangerin, Dr. Ann Dromsky, and Mrs. Michelle Fleming. Carlin’s favorite FLIK food ...

Cal Whitworth is a senior at Stratford Academy and a videographer for the Stratford Gazebo. He came to Stratford his sophomore year from Covenant Academy. His sister, Ramsie Whitworth, attended Stratford for four years and graduated with the Class of 2016. Cal played football and lacrosse his sophomore year and ran for cross country. He continues to be a member of the lacrosse team. His intere...

Carey Woodcock has attended Stratford since Pre-K. Throughout her 14 years at Stratford, she has taken part in many sports and clubs, such as soccer, basketball, Key Club, and Pep Club. Her mother, Wendy Woodcock, is a fifth-grade teacher at Stratford. She has many memories of her school years, but her favorite is when fellow senior Emily Sheridan got “pantsed” during P.E. class. ...

Savannah Zawacki, nicknamed Vannah,  has attended Stratford since her freshman year. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, shopping, and hanging out with friends. Vannah’s favorite teachers are Dr. Frank Katz, Mrs. Morley Conn, Mr. Bobby Stecher, and Dr. Ann Dromsky “When I moved here, I didn’t have a lot of friends,'' she said. "Dr. Katz was always a person I would go to. He would ...