Congratulations Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Salutatorian Benjamin Greene Dugger, Dr. Shannon Kersey, Valedictorian Joshua Seides.

 

Valedictorian: Joshua Seides.

Alpharetta High School is pleased to announce Joshua Seides as Valedictorian for the Class of 2016.  Joshua’s transcript is beyond impressive with a cumulative numeric average of 104.979, the inclusion of fifteen Advanced Placement courses, and an almost perfect SAT score of 2370!  As Salutatorian Joshua ranks number 1 out of 531 seniors. 

In addition to Joshua’s wonderful accomplishments in the classroom, he has also exceled in extra-curricular activities. Josh has served as Treasurer, Vice-President, and Executive Council member of the Future Business Leaders of America organization. Other leadership roles include President of the Beta Club, Founder and President of the National Technical Honor Society/Technical Student Association, and Secretary of the National English Honor Society. Josh has participated in MIT’s Launch Entrepreneurship Program and the Duke TIP program. He has published literary writing, played competitive tennis, and worked with Technoacademy all while maintaining his excellent grades! Joshua excels in all of his endeavors. He is a leader, humanitarian, athlete, and entrepreneur!

Salutatorian: Benjamin Greene Dugger.

Alpharetta High School is pleased to announce Benjamin Greene Dugger as Salutatorian for the Class of 2016.  Ben is brilliant, capable and a gifted student who is respected and admired by all who know him.  As Salutatorian Ben ranks number 2 out of 531 seniors.  His highly competitive program of study along with his dedication and commitment have allowed Ben to reach this honor.

Along with his attention to advanced, AP and Honors courses, Ben is Co-President of the Alpharetta High School FBLA, Vice President of the National Spanish Honor Society, Member of the AHS Charter Governance Council as well as a member of the Alpharetta High School Golf Team.  He is a leader in and out of school.  Ben is Senior Patrol Leader in Boy Scouts, OA Troop Representative and Patrol Leader.  Making contributions through scouting as well as his ability to make time to excel in golf make Ben Dugger a highly motivated young man with an excellent future ahead of him.  College decisions are pending further information. but we know wherever college is lucky enough to get him will be

 

 

Forensics class

Students in AHS’ forensic science class performed a blood spatter lab Friday (2/26) outdoors.   They used imitation blood to simulate spatter patterns while walking and running.   They learned that the speed of the person’s gait affects the shape of the spatter markings (more circular or more oval) and that the “spines” extending out from the primary blood drop can tell investigators which way the person is moving.   Mathematical equation(s) can then be used to find the person’s approximate speed.

AHS forensic science is currently in its second year in Fulton County BOE curriculum.   It is a senior elective in which students earn credit towards their science graduation requirement.   Students study a variety of CSI type topics including, but not limited to blood spatter analysis, DNA analysis, fingerprints, hair and fiber evidence, glass, handwriting and document evidence, fire/ arson, firearms/ ballistics, etc.   

Legally Blonde the Musical coming soon

Alpharetta High School’s Theatre will come to life with the spring musical “LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical” on March 17th. This multiple Tony and Olivier Awardwinning, critically acclaimed musical is the all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy about knowing who you are and showing what you've got! Performances run through Sunday, March 20th. Based on the Amanda Brown novel and the 2001 Reese Witherspoon film of the same name, “LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical” is the story of college sorority sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods (played by Morgan Shields). Elle isn't the type to take "no" for an answer, so when her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Cade Jarrett), dumps her for someone a little more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School to win him back. With the help of her new friends Paulette (Kelly Lumpkin), Emmett (Josh Maddox) and her Chihuahua, Bruiser, Elle sets out to prove that she's got what it takes to become "serious" on her own terms. LEGALLY BLONDE's show-stopping musical numbers and its script with enormous heart are so much fun it should be illegal! AlphaTheatre’s production of “LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical” is directed by Sarah Stoffle, with musical director Michelle Austin and backed by the talented Alpharetta Orchestra, directed by Sheldon Fisher. “LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical”, will be presented Thursday and Friday, March 17th & 18th at 7:00pm, Saturday, March 19 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and Sunday, March 20th at 3:00pm Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www.seatyourself.biz/alphaproductions or contact Nan Bodeep at nan@bodeep.com. Tickets are also available at the door for $15, although reservations are suggested.

Congratulations Ms Magill

Teacher of the year- Kendra Magill and Professional of the Year- Saida Dzaferovic

Alpharetta High School is filled with amazing individuals who make magic each and every day. Our TOTY and POTY program allows us to take a moment to honor two individuals and their special kind of magic.

POTY Saida Dzaferovic leads our virtual lab and works closely with many students who need special attention to pass credit recovery classes. Not only does she have a full schedule with the lab, show opens it every day during both lunches, after school, and even Saturdays to support our students. She loves her students, her job, and her school, and it shows.

TOTY Kendra Magill coaches and teaches six classes each day. She is the AP Art History PLC leader and has grown the program from a couple classes to 10 classes, from one teacher to four teachers, from fewer than 50 students to over 250 student. She makes each lesson come alive and ignites a love and appreciation for visual arts in those who enter her tiny room. She is passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to her students, the arts, and AHS.

We are very fortunate to work in a building with such talent!

Andrew Fu is named PAGE STAR Student

Andrew Fu, a high school senior, has been named 2016 PAGE STAR Student for Alpharetta High 
School.  The announcement was made today by Julie Goldberg, President of the Midtown Atlanta 
Rotary Club, local sponsor of the Fulton County STAR program.  Fu, of Alpharetta, selected Anthony Murdock, AP Physics teacher at Alpharetta High School, as his STAR teacher. "We are very proud of Mr. Fu and Mr. Murdock and the academic excellence they exemplify at Alpharetta High School.  We are thrilled to recognize them for their accomplishments." said Mrs. Goldberg.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 58th year, is 
sponsored, administered and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educations (PAGE) Foundation. Since its inception, the STAR program has honored nearly 25,500 students and 
the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic achievement.  
To obtain the 2016 STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single 
test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.

STAR begins each year in participating high schools throughout Georgia when the STAR Student is 
named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition.  The students and their teachers 
are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the 
more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the 
STAR program.  Students then compete for school system titles, and those winners compete for 
region honors. Region winners compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. 
STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the PAGE Foundation supports PAGE, encouraging and receiving 
charitable gifts that advance the association’s core business and PAGE Foundation programs such 
as PAGE STAR, PAGE Foundation Scholarships, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, the 
PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon and PAGE TV. To learn more about the PAGE Foundation and 
to donate, please visit www.pagefoundation.org.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), the parent organization of the PAGE
Foundation, is a statewide professional association of more than 90,000 teachers, administrators and support personnel. PAGE provides professional learning to enhance competence and confidence, build leadership and increase student achievement, while providing the best membership, legislative and legal services and support.

Congratulations Perry!

Seated, Patricia Brandes, Perry Brandes and Robert BrandesBrother Alex is standing in the back row.

Senior athlete Perry Brandes puts one in the records books. Perry will attend the University of California San Diego as a division I Water Polo Recruit.

This marks the first time in GA State history that an athlete has received a D1 invite in the sport of Water Polo. Perry received athlete of the year in water polo by Positive Athlete Georgia as a junior.

Congratulations Perry and Family, we are very proud of you.

Legally Blonde

"OMG you guys!" Alpharetta High School’s Theatre will come to life with the spring musical LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical on March 17th. This multiple Tony and Olivier Award-winning, critically acclaimed musical is the all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy about knowing who you are and showing what you've got! Performances run through Sunday, March 20th.

Based on the Amanda Brown novel and the 2001 Reese Witherspoon film of the same name, LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical is the story of college sorority sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods (Morgan Shields). Elle isn't the type to take "no" for an answer, so when her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Cade Jarrett), dumps her for someone a little more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School to win him back. With the help of her new friends Paulette (Kelly Lumpkin), Emmett (Josh Maddox) and her Chihuahua, Bruiser, Elle sets out to prove that she's got what it takes to become "serious" on her own terms. LEGALLY BLONDE's show-stopping musical numbers and its script with enormous heart are so much fun it should be illegal!

AlphaTheatre’s production of LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical is directed by Sarah Stoffle, with musical director Michelle Austin and backed by the talented Alpharetta Orchestra directed by Sheldon Fisher. 

Tickets to LEGALLY BLONDE, The Musical, will run at the Alpharetta Theatre March 17^th and 18^th at 7PM, March 19^th at 2:00 and 7:00 PM, and March 20^th at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at our ticket website www.seatyourself.biz/alphaproductions or contact Nan Bodeep at nan@bodeep.com. Tickets are also available at the door, although reservations are suggested.

AHS in the News

The Alpharetta Theatre Department competed at the Ga Thespian conference this weekend.  A HUGE congratulations to Morgan Shields for receiving straight superiors for solo musical. Also congratulations to Kelly Lumpkin, Michael Masi, Morgan Shields, Josh Maddox, Lara Strydom, Christina Nguyen, Alex Atchison, Kathik Ramiswami, Sarah Gusowoski, Coyvan Greer, Grrace Palmer, Olivia Palmer, Nicole Vitale, Suma Yellamarju, Anders Nelson, and Irene Velez for receiving a superior rating for group musical in their rendition of 21 Guns from American Idiot.

The Alpharetta Speech team competed at Emory’s Barkley Forum last weekend. Congrats to Karthik Rramiswami and Alex Atchison for reaching quarter finals for Duo Acting and Emma Svital for reaching quarter finals in Humorous Interpretation

Top Lara Strydom, Anders Nelson, Michael Masi, Arteen Afshan, Kelly Lumpkin, Kevin Smith, Madison Boyd

3rd: Suma Yellamraju, Skyler Robinson, Karthik Ramiswami, Coyvan Greer, Charles Boykin, Ceirra Burchfield, Rachel Young, Alex Atchison

2^nd:  Sarah Stoffle, Irene Velez, Christina Nguyen, Nia Snow, Maddie Maddox, Josh Maddox

1^st: Olivia Palmer, Nicole Vitale, Sarah Gwuzowski, Grace Palmer, Morgan Shields

AHS Signing Day

Athieno Ngowe
US Naval Academy- Lacrosse womens
Karen Kanne Ngowe(mom),
Yosef Ngowe(brother),
Barry and Judi Kanne (grandparents)
Coach Karen Bolt, Coach Gao, Coach Zumwalt

Gillian Burns
Rowing   University of Louisville
Kevin and Margaret Burns
Coach Jason Berric, St. Andrews Rowing Club

Sydney Pineda
Troy University- Volleyball
Sharon and George Pineda, sister Maddy
Coach Grace Fossier and Coach Megan Powanda

Nick Carlton
Football - Army/ West Point
Terri , Kia and Keauna Carlton
Coach Jacob Nichols and Coach AJ Merine

Johnny McDonald Jr.
Football / LaGrange College
Johnny McDonald Sr.,
Patricia McDonald,
Asya McDonald,
Jordan McDonald Coach Jacob Nichols

Kaitlyn Thornhill
University of Illinois at Springfield
Tennis
Michelle Presley, Doug Thornhill,
Ally Thornhill , Coach Brandt

Shawn Finnerty
Lacrosse - Mercer University
Stan and Cathy Finnerty
Claire Finnerty, Josh Finnerty
Coach Zumwalt, AD Mike Scheifflee,
Coach John Snow (not pictured)

K'Hari Cobbs
Football - Virginia University of Lynchburg
Mr & Mrs. Cobbs,
Coach Dan Devine
and Coach Jacob Nichols

Chandler Eaton

Golf- Duke University

Kim Eaton, Scott Eaton

Sam Morton

Boston University- Rowing

Tracy and Jamie Morton

Coach Jordan Smith, Coach Sarah Law

Harry Cokley
Football- Brevard University
Tanika Cokley, Coach Nichols

Pre-Rollout

Alpharetta High School will be the first High School in Fulton County to deploy over 2,000 Microsoft Surface 3 this coming week- February 8,9 and 10.  This new tool will help teachers customize learning to individual students’ needs, skills, and interests. Thank you Fulton County taxpayers and the SPLOST one-cent sales tax because we are able to provide mobile devices that will help teachers better meet the needs of all students. Additionally, Alpharetta High School is grateful for the Microsoft store at Perimeter for donating 2,000 bags to help us with this endeavor.

Alpharetta High School Wins Lights Camera Save

Keyworth Bank Awarded Alpharetta High School 1st and 2nd Place in the video competition "Lights, Camera, Save."  The award was presented to Tracy Misner, Video Instructor at Alpharetta High School.

Max Ambrogio and Nathan Calvis received 1st place for their "Save Your Money" video.  In addition, the pair shared the $250.00 prize.

Kathleen Willson, Erin Tackett, and Anita Ramanathan shared 2nd Place and $125.00 in prize money.

Presenting the award was Keyworth Bank President, Neil Stevens and Loan Operations  Assistant Manager, Monica Wright.  This was the third straight year Alpharetta High School has won this competition.

Tracy Misner selected as Student Television News Teacher of The Year 

Carlsbad, CA~ The Student Television News (STN) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Tracy Misner as the 2015-2016 STN Teacher of the Year. Mr. Misner currently teaches at Alpharetta High School. His students have won Student Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Georgia Media Festivals, Public Safety Awareness Programs, and the Fulton County STEM Program. Their Morning Show is seen in over 20 countries and 30 states. Prior to teaching, Mr. Misner owned and operated a media production company where he spoke nationally on the event video business. He has brought his practical business experience to the classroom with programs that encourage students to take ownership of their work in a professional manner and better prepare them for real-life work post high school. His student recommendations listed him as “the best teacher I have ever had,” and “He is someone who has influenced my future career, life decision, college decision and has guided me in every project I have decided to endeavor.” According to the Executive Director of CTE Education for Fulton Country Schools, “Mr. Misner utilizes research-based teaching strategies in this classroom including: differentiated instruction, personalized learning and exercising student voice and choice. “He mentors new teachers at this high school and on the district level...is the district liaison for curriculum, and assists in professional development across his career cluster.” 

STN is proud to welcome Mr. Misner to the outstanding group of teachers who have earned the STN Teacher of the Year Award. Please look for him at the STN Convention and congratulate him on this wonderful achievement.

AHS is getting ready for one to one! 
We will deploy devices February 8, 9, 10.
Ask Pam Kelly, your department chair, or department administrator for details regarding the plan. Juniors get them 2/8, sophomores on 2/9, freshmen on 2/10. Seniors will receive devices each day during 3rd and 4th periods. Students will go with their homeroom. We will NOT be on an alternate bell schedule. 

AHS Star Student & Star Teacher

The Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club honors STAR Students and STAR Teachers in Georgia. Andrew Fu is Alpharetta High School’s STAR Student for achieving academic excellence. Each high school STAR Student is asked to name his or her STAR Teacher. Andrew named, Anthony Murdock, as Alpharetta High School’s STAR Teacher for helping him and other high school students reach their goals. The STAR Students are recognized by the PAGE Foundation for having the highest SAT scores in their respective schools earning  a GPA in representing the top 10% of their class.

Building Connections

Dr Kersey with Kenneth Zeff, Interim Superintendent  at AHS staff meeting “building connections”

Learning Happens at AHS

Leadership Team 2015-16

New Arrivals at AHS

New student charging stations at AHS! Open to all!

Congratulations Alpharetta Teachers

Team of the Month: Science Department

 Professional of the month: Colin Renaldo

Teacher of the Month: Teresa McGahee

Professionals of the Year

Carolyn Vezeau, Saida Dzaferovic, Jimmy Marshall

Teacher and Professional of the month

Teacher of Month- Teresa McGahee 

Professional of the month-Colin Renaldo

Thomas Time: Professional Development January

Congratulations Band Students!

The final round of all state band auditions were held this past Saturday at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA.

Congratulations to the following 8 Alpharetta Band members who have been accepted by audition into the 2016 Georgia All State Bands:

Caleb Colburn - Flute

Megha Desai - Clarinet

Anthony Elengickal - Alto Sax

Daniel Gelber - Trumpet

Haiwen Gui - Flute

Ethen Metcalf - Clarinet

Eric Tam - Bassoon

Michael Tang - Clarinet.

It should be noted that this is Haiwen’s (unprecedented) 7^th time as an All State Band member – and she is FIRST CHAIR!  Haiwen will be our feature soloist at Carnegie Hall in March.

The All State Bands represent the top 2% of all band members in the state of GA - YOU GUYS ROCK!! 

The All State Band event is March 3-4-5, 2016 in Athens, GA.  Details will be published this week.

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!

Culinary Students

Alpharetta Culinary Students catered for 500 people- Superintendent's Annual Holiday Luncheon last Friday 12/11/2015

Academic Team

“Our AHS Academic Team has been the Champions in 3  and runner-up in one, out of 5 tournaments so far this year. Our team is qualified for the most prestigious “2016 NAQT High School National Championship" at Dallas, this summer. We have already qualified for another National Championship PACE-NSC to be held at Chicago”

Pink Out

Mia Fuller, Shannon Kersey, Patricia Daniel, Tracy Morton

On October 9th, 2015, the Alpharetta High School PTSA, in partnership with Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute, will celebrate its annual Pink Out event. This event began in 2011 as a way to celebrate and remember family and friends in the Raider Nation community who have or are currently battling breast cancer. This year’s honorees will be brought front and center to the AHS field as they are presented with a bouquet of flowers from our vice principal Mr. Charles Chester. In addition, a school produced video will be shown on the jumbo-tron that celebrates these honorees. At the end of the celebration, pink balloons will be released to symbolize the fight for a cure to beat Breast Cancer.

The AHS PTSA Pink Out committee does a great job of representing the Raider Community. The committee members represent band, football, cheer, trainers and Webb Bridge Middle School. This committee begins preparations for the Pink Out event in the summer. In addition, the students and their families come together for the night to represent AHS and show support of this great cause.

The AHS PTSA donates the funds raised during Pink Out through t-shirt sales and concessions to Northside Hospital’s Cancer Institute, as well as an AHS scholarship for seniors involved in the scholarship application process.

A special thank you to this year’s committee:

Mia Fuller, chair

Tracy Morton, honoree chair

Mary Lee Arnold

Rene Bracey

Heather Bumstead

Kim Casey

Jen Dolan

Alison Downing

Wendy Estes

Maria Fragle

Lisa Gelbers

*A special thank you to Mr. Tracy Misner for his constant support of this event and talent.

*A special thank you to Danna Kelley for maintaining the ahsptsa.org website for Pink Out

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