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“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

Wise words for such a young lady.  However, big goals require dedication, discipline, and the determination to keep going when the path gets difficult.  Bella Henson is no stranger to difficulties.  One month after auditioning, being selected and committing to a role in the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, injury attempted to shatter that dream.

“My most recent injury, a pilonidal cyst, was operated on in the first week of November. At that time, I had already been committed to the Nutcracker for nearly a month.”

With a very intense rehabilitation schedule, last Wednesday night, Henson took the stage adding one more accomplishment to her dance resume.  A journey that started when she was merely two years old, it was at age 4 that the realization settled in with her that dance was a way of life for her.

“Watching the older girls at my very first national competition was the moment I fell in love with dance. In that moment, even at four years old, is when I decided that I was born for this, and that passion has continued to grow.  It challenges me and is a constant for me!”

Fast forward 13 years, Bella has danced her way across the United States in various competitions.  Henson has been crowned Petite + Junior Dancer of the year, named Teen Dance America, and most recently was selected for KAR Protege, a program that offers the opportunity to travel, assist, and train with industry leading choreographers and master instructors. 

Currently, Henson spends about 10 hours a week in the studio in addition to the time she dedicates on her own.  Each year, she competes in around 5 conventions, 10 competitions, and 3 nationals each year.  While the schedule can at times seem grueling, her built in support system and inspiration serves as motivation to never settle.

“My mom has been a huge inspiration to me.  She has shown me what hard work looks like, while always going above and beyond to make sure I have all the training and opportunities possible.  She is by far the most determined person I know. Her determination and work ethic inspire me to not give up when things get hard, and to always continue to push myself to be the best version of me I can be.”

While injury reared its ugly head, perseverance ultimately triumphed.  The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will always serve as a defining moment that Henson can revisit when adversity creeps in.  As for the future, all roads lead to dance.

“I hope to make a college dance team, possibly become a dance choreographer, or maybe even own a dance studio.”

Congratulations, Bella!  

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

The end of the year sometimes serves as a time of self-reflection. A moment where we pause to look back on where we started…the journey we took…and where we finished.  For junior Aubrey Coyle, that finish line was none other than the completion mark of the St. Jude Half Marathon.

“Since I was a little girl, I have been surrounded by a family that believes in the power of physical fitness.  The women,especially my nanney, Paige Thompson, are my inspiration. We share a special bond through health, fitness, and a love for running.  As I have grown up, I witnessed first hand the positive results that come from taking care of your body,” explained Coyle. 

Each year, the St. Jude Marathon is held in Memphis, Tennessee. Initially, the race was named the Memphis Marathon when it originated in 1977, but in 2002 it was changed to the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. Over the years, millions of dollars have been raised for research on childhood cancers in hopes of discovering a cure. 

Marathon…it’s definitely a word that hints at the requirement for endurance, and perhaps even preparation.  After all, who can just up and run 13.1 miles without some extensive training?  Coyle spent many months building her stamina, and not only physically preparing her body, but also mentally preparing her mind.  I think most, if not all participants, would agree that physical events such as these require a mind over matter mentality. 

“Training for this half marathon took a lot of hours and dedication.  I usually walked at least 6 miles a day in addition to incorporating runs throughout the week.  But, it was also time spent with my nanny and aunt that I am grateful for.”

As the race day approached, Coyle found herself anxious, yet excited.  The atmosphere is truly something you cannot understand unless you have experienced it first-hand. Coyle recalls it being vibrant, inspirational, and just when you wanted to throw in the towel, the cheers and smiles around the corner pushed you to just keep running.

“My time was 2 hours and 21 minutes, but time did not really matter. When I was in the middle of my run, which was the most difficult, and my body was aching, those children were the motivation I needed to keep going.  When the finish line was in sight and the cheers from the spectators were loud, a ton of emotions hit me and my adrenaline drowned out any ache or pain I was feeling. It was a wonderful day.”

With her first race under her belt, Coyle insists that this is only the beginning.  She’s hooked.  

“I will be running the next one in Memphis next year!”

Congratulations, Aubrey!  

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

One thousand cheerleaders from all over the United States gathered at what has been deemed “the happiest place on earth” to celebrate the holiday season.  Junior GCHS cheerleader, Marlee Wilkerson was one of those 1,000 All American cheerleaders that marched down Main Street U.S.A. for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“This experience meant a lot to me. I was able to do what I love in one of my favorite places ever,” expressed Wilkerson.

Each year, the cheerleading team attends a summer camp.  During that National Cheerleading Association cheer camp, Wilkerson participated in a tryout at the conclusion of the week that judged the skills that had been taught.  Her hard work paid off, and Marlee was named to the All-American Cheerleading team.  While the opportunity offered a national or international event, Disney World was a no-brainer as it is familiar to Wilkerson. During her visit, she maximized the time she had to enjoy those familiar sights she loved, but she also followed a structured schedule of practices to prepare for the parade…even before she left home. 

“About two months prior to the parade, I was sent a video of the routine with the expectation of being fully prepared to perform upon arrival at Disney World.  The day before the parade, we had an optional 1 hour practice for front formation tryout and a mandatory 4 hour practice that night from 5-10pm.  I did try out for the front formation and was able to make the front formation of the parade.  In the 4 hour practice, we perfected the routine and learned some new things.”

When the first march began, it was an immediate transformation of the atmosphere. It was electrifying, with each participant capitalizing on all the experience had to offer.  But, in the midst of great performances, with people from various parts of the country,  the realization of what that day really symbolized came to surface for her.

“Being a student at GC has taught me how to be a leader, how to be kind to everyone, and how to communicate with others.  Through this experience, I was able to interact with so many people, but most of all I was able to lead and represent what GC has taught me to do.  It’s because of the support system I have through my family and GC that I was able to have one of the best experiences of my life.”

Some may argue that it was a simple holiday parade, but it certainly taught far more than choreography and timing. It was a true visual illustration of how powerful it can be when people from different backgrounds come together for a shared purpose. Learning to communicate, encourage others, and work as one with teammates and performers surely strengthened her ability to adapt, listen, and connect across cultures. With her junior year almost to the halfway point, Marlee is certain that those experiences helped prepare her heart for the future where understanding and embracing diverse perspectives will be essential in building relationships and sharing hope with others.

“After graduation, I plan to attend nursing school to become an RN.  Upon completing that certification, I will enter the mission field sharing the love Jesus has for everyone.  I may not know exactly what that looks like right now, but I am called to be a missionary.”

Congratulations, Marlee! Wherever your mission leads you, remember you can always return to the nest.

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

It’s been an exciting time at Central Elementary School.  Not only did the KSA test results from spring 2025 reveal that Central was a blue rated school, but the U.S Department of Education has named the Knights a National Blue Ribbon School.

The National Blue Ribbon award was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize the outstanding achievements of students and the educators that pour into them each day.  Several factors play a role in determining which schools are worthy, and the application process and requirements are quite extensive.

“As part of the application process, we submitted narratives explaining the teaching culture in our building, the key strategies our educators use to encourage and challenge students physically, socially and culturally, as well as the creative and innovative programs Central implements. It’s an extensive application, but it really provides a very detailed description of Central’s DNA and everything that contributes to our success,” explained Principal, Keri Cornwell.

The home of the Knights opened in 2004.  During their 21 years, they have experienced great success.  However, the hard work…the dynamic in the building…the overall culture…it all plays a role in the lives of the students and the educators.  Really, it’s a concept that you holistically need each person to buy into so to speak. With the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), Kagan structures that encourage engagement and collaboration, Knights and Squires mentoring program, and leadership opportunities, educators and students are seeing and reaching their highest potential every day. 

“We tell our students daily that we want them to be the school everyone wants to be at; we want them to understand the importance, responsibility and pride that comes with being a Central Knight.  School pride creates pride and ownership in themselves.”

While academics are always a top priority within the walls of Central, at the core of their success is something deeper…the relationships.  Truly, you see what some would refer to as “the domino effect” at work.  Administration intentionally pours into the staff, who responds by intentionally pouring into the students by creating a loving environment that guides and instructs the whole child. It’s a simple concept that produces monumental dividends. 

“Our school is known for high academic expectations and rigorous curriculum. However, the most instrumental practice is adopting, believing and instilling a people first culture and mindset. We prioritize the well-being, individual needs, and human connections of every member of the school community…students, teachers, staff, and parents…above purely academic achievements.  Implementing this culture allows teachers to feel valued and supported.  Families are valued, respected, and invited into our buildings frequently as we work together for their students. And, most importantly, our students are acknowledged, empowered and celebrated for their efforts.  As a result, they are excited to enter our buildings each day and they work hard to demonstrate the pride of being a Knight.”

National Blue Ribbon School…it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?  Proud is certainly an understatement, and while Ms. Cornwell insists that becoming complacent isn’t an option, she also plans to fully celebrate this amazing accomplishment with all of those who made it possible.

“Central is truly a remarkable place to be.  I’m humbled and proud, but not surprised that Central won such a prestigious award.  There is no other staff that works harder for their students and the students in turn rise to our expectations. Each staff member has a growth mindset and the will to want to be a little better today than yesterday.”

Congratulations, Central Knights! We are proud of you!

 

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether