Press Releases
For Immediate Release - December 2018
December 12, 2018
Oak Mountain Academy Announces New Athletic Director, Mr. Kevin Nix
Oak Mountain Academy is excited to announce the arrival of Kevin Nix as the new Athletic Director, beginning his tenure on January 2, 2019. Headmaster Patrick Yuran states, “Mr. Nix set himself apart from all other candidates with his extensive leadership experience in other independent and private school environments, offering a true understanding of the role of athletics as a part of the greater mission of an independent school, and especially Oak Mountain Academy.” Mr. Nix states, "What a blessing it is to join the school community at Oak Mountain Academy. I am eager to arrive on campus and journey with you all to the top of the mountain!"
Mr. Nix brings over 24 years of experience in athletics and education, having taught math, computer science, and physical education. He has held Administrative positions as Dean of Students and Athletic Director and even held a short tenure as an Interim Director of Admissions. His coaching experience spans from baseball and football to wrestling and softball, but he also states his excitement for ANY sport and his willingness to lead on the court or field. He truly believes in service to students and their families and looks forward to the opportunity through this new position.
Mr. Nix holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Presbyterian College along with a minor in Business Administration. In addition, he holds a State of Georgia Teacher Certification in Physical Education, Business Education and Math. Mr. Nix has been named Baseball Coach of the Year on four different occasions along with Athletic Director of the Year back in 2005. Mr. Nix states, “My hope is to work in an environment where there is a passion for teaching and learning and where students will understand the value of strong character, a powerful work ethic, and a heart for service.”
Mr. Nix and his wife, Tara, currently reside in Bremen and have three high schoolers, Will, Anna, and Erin.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in Pre-K3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us
For Immediate Release - September 2018
September 10, 2018
Oak Mountain Academy awarded grant to fund West Georgia’s first STEM Fest
The Stephen P. Robinson Collaboration Grant has been granted to Oak Mountain Academy to help launch West Georgia’s first STEM Fest through the University of West Georgia. The goal of the festival is to provide a fun-filled and educational set of events for local families, students, and the public to explore the excitement and wonder of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to inform about current scientific issues, and to connect the public with the local STEM community.
Thanks to the grant-writing efforts of Mr. Andrew Carnes, Upper School science and mathematics teacher at Oak Mountain Academy, along with the collaborative efforts of University of West Georgia, West Georgia Technical College, West Georgia Regional Library System, Carroll County School System, OFS Fitel, LLC, Carrollton City Schools, West Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center and The Burson Center, this free, family event is being offered on Saturday, September 29, at the AMP in Carrollton from 10 am – 2 pm.
STEM festivals are a great way to introduce new and different scientific and technological knowledge, innovation and inventions. They encourage young people to pursue coursework and careers in science by highlighting career paths within the community that can be interesting and lucrative. At the West Georgia STEM Fest, adults and children will enjoy interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities such as 3D printing, Lego challenges, elephant toothpaste, physics demonstrations, and much more.
Exhibitors for the event include a variety of local organizations and businesses: Bowdon Elementary School, The Burson Center, CS Brittan River, Inc., Carrollton High School, Carrollton Police Department, Honda Precision Parts of OA, LLC, Ithica Elementary School, OFS Fitel, LLC, Oak Mountain Academy, UGA Cooperative Extension, University of West Georgia, West Georgia Creamery, West Georgia Technical College, West Georgia Regional Library System and West Georgia Youth Science & Technology Center.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has about 200 students enrolled in grades PreK-3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us
For Immediate Release - April 2018
April 9, 2018
Oak Mountain Academy’s Magnificent 7 Excel on the Court and in the Classroom
Oak Mountain Academy’s 2017-18 girls’ basketball team had one of their best seasons finishing with a record of 22-3, a region championship, and a trip to the elite eight in the GISA state playoffs. What makes these Warriors truly unique is their successes both on the court and in the classroom.
The Warrior’s Magnificent Seven, the juniors and seniors on this year’s roster, were critical to the team’s success. Oak Mountain Academy coach Terrell Barkley relied on seniors Josie Francis and Lilly Parmer and juniors Maggie Harden, Bess Murrah, Christian Pollard, S.K. Pike, and Aubrey Wynn. Not only did they lead the team in playing time, but they also set the tone in the locker room inspiring the younger players with their hard work. Francis, Parmer, Harden, and Pollard were all named to the All-Region team while Pollard and Parmer were honored as All-State selections. Parmer who plans to attend UGA and study business describes the team, “It is great to have a team where everyone is so smart and driven. We study together before games and practices and push each other in the classroom as much as we do on the court.”
The seven upperclassmen have an average grade point average of 4.25, an average ACT score of 28, and an average SAT score of 1308, exceeding the Georgia average ACT score of 21.4 and the Georgia average SAT score of 1050.
Bess Murrah who hopes to attend Georgia Tech to study Civil Engineering, explains the rigor of being a student athlete, “Sometimes it is challenging to balance both academics and athletics, but I recognize my commitment to self, my parents, teachers, teammates, and coaches to strive for success in both areas. My studies are undoubtedly my first priority, but my athletic activities at Oak Mountain Academy require time management and personal responsibility.”
The girls’ 4.25 GPA is even more extraordinary considering the challenge of taking schedules full of Advanced Placement classes. These are Oak Mountain Academy’s most difficult courses where students can earn college credit by passing an AP exam. The seven juniors and seniors have taken an average of six AP classes each, having passed their AP exams with an average score of 3.7. The national average score on an AP exam was 2.86 in 2017.
S.K. Pike and Maggie Harden believe that the team’s athletic and academic competitiveness make them special. Pike explains, “Everyone on this team is extremely competitive on and off the court. We strive to get the highest grades and scores possible to show that we can excel at sports and academics.” Harden, who aspires to be a veterinarian, echoes Pike stating, “We all push each other to be successful, just one reason why our chemistry is often said to be strong.”
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades PreK 3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us
For Immediate Release - January 2018
January 22, 2018
Oak Mountain Academy Announces New Head of School, Mr. Patrick J. Yuran
On January 12, 2018, the Oak Mountain Academy Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Mr. Patrick J. Yuran as OMA’s next Head of School. The national search culminated with a unanimous recommendation of the Head Search Committee along with unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees to appoint Mr. Yuran whose leadership will begin July 15, 2018.
Mr. Yuran will succeed Mrs. Paula Gillispie, who announced in June 2017 that she will conclude her tenure at Oak Mountain Academy in June 2018, concluding forty-five years in education. Upon retirement, Mrs. Gillispie will have served eight years with distinction and extraordinary service to OMA and the surrounding community. A life-time educator, Mrs. Gillispie taught in public schools for twenty-five years beginning her independent school journey in Virginia in 1998. During Mrs. Gillispie’s headship, Oak Mountain Academy has grown by more than 26% in enrollment. Enhanced campus safety measures have been put into place, and a new-found excitement has been felt by faculty and administration as the college-preparatory experience in all grades has become even stronger. She recently led in the re-accreditation process which earned Oak Mountain Academy a five-year approved re-accreditation status through SAIS and AdvancED/SACS. Mrs. Gillispie will leave OMA with Mountain View 2022, a recently implemented strategic plan of excellence, in place for the OMA community to look towards future growth.
“I am looking forward to Patrick joining the OMA family” says Karen Middlebrooks, member of the OMA Board of Trustee and Chair of the Head Search Committee. “He was an immediate stand out for the entire search committee with his passion for education and contagious out-going personality. He truly lights up when discussing his students and contributing to the development of the entire student. I believe Patrick is the one to build on Mrs. Gillispie’s legacy and continue the academic excellence of Oak Mountain Academy.”
Mr. Yuran will assume leadership at the beginning of the school’s 56th year. He brings more than 20 years of education experience to Oak Mountain Academy. He is currently Head of School at Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School in Athens, Georgia, where he has been part of the leadership team since 2011. At Monsignor Donovan, his leadership has touched all areas of the school including board governance, fundraising, special events, human resource management, operations, and building community programs. His leadership has inspired the launch of five new sports programs, the design and implementation of a dual enrollment and home school program, and an enrollment increase of 65%. Mr. Yuran states, “My overall goal as an educator is to instill a desire to learn, a passion for new endeavors, and an unshakable self-confidence in students. Having these skills will provide endless opportunities for them to realize their dreams and become successful, productive members of society. Through an engaging, relationship-based environment [at Oak Mountain Academy], I hope to provide the time, space, knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for all students to realize their dreams and become successful and prosperous.” In addition, Mr. Yuran has taught various Performing Arts courses and has extensive experience in acting, costume design, set design, and theater production.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in Pre-K3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us
For Immediate Release - September 2017
September 25, 2017
Oak Mountain Academy Students Sign Honor Pledge
Oak Mountain Academy recently held its annual Honor Code Assembly for students in Kindergarten through 12th grades. Mrs. Paula Gillispie, Head of School, offered a compelling and encouraging speech about the importance of the Honor Code and the unique opportunity for students to be surrounded by others who ensue the same value system. Students in leadership of the SGA (Student Government Association) also offered comments about the importance of honesty, respect, and responsibility – components that make up the value system commonly referred to as The Warrior Way of Oak Mountain Academy. Students, faculty, staff, and administration attended the Honor Code Assembly and then signed the Honor Pledge for the 2017-18 academic year.
The mission of Oak Mountain Academy is as follows: Oak Mountain Academy provides a challenging college-preparatory education in a safe family environment. The school nurtures the ethical, spiritual and physical development of students as they become confident leaders inspired to serve. In support of this mission, the integrity, trust, and nurturing conscience of each individual at the Academy are outlined and ensured by the Honor Code. It is the foundation of discipline for all to follow. The Honor Code instills in each student a strong sense of individual integrity and provides each student the opportunity to demonstrate his or her growth and responsibility in making personal decisions. It is also understood that an Oak Mountain Academy student will not lie, steal, cheat, or commit a dishonest act.
Oak Mountain Academy senior Alex Rakestraw stated “Honesty allows credibility to be established and integrity to be gained; trust to be built and a reputation to be secured.” This statement truly embodies what Oak Mountain Academy is about – The Warrior Way.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades Pre-K 3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us or visit www.oakmountain.us.
For Immediate Release - August 2017
August 31, 2017
Oak Mountain Academy Announces Scholarship Recipients
Oak Mountain Academy has announced the recipients of the 2017 Savannah Leigh Barber Memorial Scholarship. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students must be currently enrolled in Oak Mountain Academy’s upper school division and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must also demonstrate outstanding citizenship. Each student applicant must submit a written essay as to the positive impact that the student can have on the Oak Mountain Academy community. The Barber Family established the endowment fund in memory of their daughter, Savannah Barber, Oak Mountain Academy, Class of 2003, to provide scholarship opportunities for deserving upper school students.
Since the establishment of the scholarship program by the Barber Family in 2005, twenty-seven (27) Oak Mountain Academy students have received scholarships totaling over $140,000. Ken Barber, Savannah’s father, noted, “The Barber family is most appreciative and humbled by the support from the many friends and family of Oak Mountain Academy for this special gift. OMA had a special place in Savannah’s heart, and we are very thankful and pleased to know that this tribute in her memory will be shared by many OMA students in the years to come.”
The 2017 recipients of the Savannah Leigh Barber Memorial Scholarship are Oliva Byers and Ruby Hembree. Oliva is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Byers of Douglasville, Georgia. Ruby is the daughter of Ms. Lisa Hembree and Mr. Graham Court, both of Villa Rica. Both recipients are currently Seniors at the Academy and are exploring post-secondary opportunities.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades Pre-K 3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us
For Immediate Release - June 2017
June 15, 2017
Oak Mountain Academy Earns SAIS RE-Accreditation
Oak Mountain Academy has earned re-accreditation as a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). To earn re-accreditation from SAIS, Oak Mountain Academy complied with quality standards, was evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, and implemented a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance in accordance with the school’s mission: Oak Mountain Academy provides a challenging, college-preparatory education in a safe, positive, and nurturing family environment. We commit to join sound learning with ethical, spiritual, and physical development to produce a responsible citizen who is prepared to be a leader in tomorrow’s global community.
A team representing SAIS conducted an on-site visit to review the school’s self-study and standards compliance and its adherence to its mission. The team was comprised of diverse educational leaders from some of the finest institutions in the southeast. The visiting team sought the answers to critical questions the school asked of itself.
SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools that have demonstrated success in educating children. As such, SAIS accreditation is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers.
In today’s world of accountability in education, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school’s demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for children. A school that achieves accreditation demonstrates a commitment to a process that requires the school to meet a set of rigorous standards; to engage in a program of continuous school improvement; and to demonstrate quality assurance to its stakeholders through self-evaluation and peer-review. SAIS accreditation provides schools access to an integrated network of services and technical assistance that supports every school’s ability to identify and meet its goals for improving the teaching and learning process and mission-focused outcome for students.
SAIS began its organizational life in 1903 as the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). In 1953, another organization began as the Southern Association of Independent Schools, providing a forum for independent school administrators to work with public schools through SACS and to contribute to the larger interest in accreditation in the Southeast. MAIS and SAIS merged in 1986 to form the present-day SAIS, which now works at the state, regional, and national levels, to serve and strengthen member schools through the promotion of the highest quality educational standards and ethical conduct. The mission of SAIS is to provide leadership, accreditation services, and professional development resources that will strengthen member schools as they fulfill their missions.
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades Pre-K 3 through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or katiekilgore@oakmountain.us