Giving Back
by Shiloh Edwards • photography by Rick Gillam

Cross country, volleyball and basketball athletes at American Heritage Academy pride themselves on the lessons they have learned in giving back to their community, whether those efforts are made for a charity, a fellow classmate or a stranger.

In order to earn their varsity letter, Eagles cross country runners are required to participate individually in a charity race.  Runners may choose any charitable race held during the Eagles cross country season, but runners must complete the event by their end-of-season banquet.  In 2007, when one of their teammates developed a rare liver condition known as Budd-Chiari syndrome, fellow Eagles and friends in the community organized Annie’s Run.  This 5K run contributed to the athlete’s medical expenses and brought attention to the significant need for life-saving organ donations.  Last November, the AHA cross country team rallied more than 40 runners to participate in the 26th annual Strong Legs Run at Turner Field, benefiting Children’s Health Care of Atlanta.  

The AHA volleyball team has actively supported another peer.  Juvenile arthritis caused Zachary Jamison to suffer lengthy bouts of pain and movement limitations over the years.  The Eagles volleyball team has supported Jamison and his family in the past couple of years and has raised money for the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation.  The team chose to lend its encouragement and contributions to this worthy cause, recruiting “walkers” and donations for the 5K for which Jamison served as an ambassador.

The AHA basketball players made an effort to slam dunk cancer during basketball season this year.  Not only did they don pink shooting t-shirts and sell pink ornaments in support of breast cancer awareness, but they also wore pink shoelaces.   The t-shirts were sold school-wide and worn at a specific game, creating an ocean of pink.  Visiting team Horizon Christian Academy also showed their support by wearing pink sweatbands and purchasing many concessions, the proceeds of which went to charity.  In total, more than $500 was raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. While the game’s score may not have been in favor of the Eagles, the loss was overshadowed by AHA’s giving spirit.

The thrill of the game, exciting plays, and their win or loss record can be an athlete’s primary focus when it comes to sports, including those who compete for AHA.  However, Eagles coaches work hard to instill compassion, empathy, kindness and understanding among their players and athletes to guide them on and off the court, field or course.   Whether it is collecting monetary donations, cheering from the sidelines, walking or running for a cause, or reaching out to their community, AHA athletes are proud of the many ways they have given back and look forward to continuing their honorable tradition.

AHA Volleyball: A Sisterhood
by Coach Pam Bonitatibus

There is an undeniable bond that exists between teammates and coaches. For the American Heritage Academy Lady Eagles volleyball team, that bond has taken on a deeper meaning. They are a dedicated, responsible, caring and compassionate group of athletes.  They are partners in crime, allies and sometimes, rivals.  AHA senior Jaida Anderson says, "We are like sisters."

While only eight years young and consisting of players ranging from fifth through 12th grade, the Lady Eagles volleyball “family” just completed its fourth year of varsity competition. Led by senior captains Anderson and Erika Dukes, the team finished as runners-up in the 2010 ACCE State Championship, marking their third such victory.  Dukes, also known as "Spinner," led the team in digs and service percentage.  She performs best in high pressure situations, from game saving digs to well-placed serves.  Anderson, or "Ya Ya," will graduate as the all-time leader in aces, assists and kills.  Anderson is known for her ability to cover any spot on the court and finding holes for her famous tips.

AHA volleyball is built on a strong foundation that fosters responsibility, teamwork, academics and a family atmosphere.  Everyone rallies together to support one another and become involved. Whether it’s elementary classes adopting the team to motivate them for games, teachers and administrators cheering on the players, or parents who go above and beyond to support the team, the AHA community is one of support.  In an effort to give back, the Lady Eagles participate in community service projects that they call "Dig Deep Days."  Past community involvement focused on walking to help raising money and awareness in support of Juvenile Arthritis, a disease that has deeply affected a current AHA student.  Next year, the team is looking forward to becoming involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

The 2010-2011 Lady Eagles completed the season, breaking the school record with 24 wins and finishing just short of the state championship.  With a large nucleus of this year’s team returning, next year looks bright for the AHA volleyball program.  The 2011-2012 team will be led by rising seniors Mariah Mathews, Taylor Ernst, Hannah Grice and Kimberly Nikkhoo.  Mathews, the middle hitter, will be relied upon to lead the team in blocks and kills.  Ernst will be taking over as setter and will be looking to break records of her own.  Grice will be depended on as the defensive leader because of her quick feet and reflexes.  Nikkhoo will be needed for her consistent hits and powerful serves.  Rising juniors Annie Timbrook and Hosanna Gutierrez-Ray will be stepping into larger roles and will be relied on heavily to ensure AHA victories.

The sisterhood of the AHA volleyball team creates a sense of pride and love.  While they have their differences, at the end of every practice and game they are there to hug each other, laugh with each other, dry each other’s tears and be their own biggest fans.

Because We Love It
by Coach Shiloh Edwards • photography by Rick Gillam

On the coldest Saturday morning of the season, 30 students, their coaches, parents, friends and teachers awoke at 5:00 a.m. They dressed in layers of their warmest clothing, tied on their shoes and headed into the darkness. While this might sound like a very strange occurrence given the normal habits of teenagers, it is second nature to the cross country team at American Heritage Academy. As runners, early mornings and cold weather are par for the course. This is the dedication and commitment it takes to be a member of the Eagles cross country team.

Coached by Kevin Rein since the program began in 2002, the Eagles have worked hard to build their program into what it is today. The team is small but has a reputation for being competitive. Beginning with a varsity trip to Epworth by the Sea in July, which included two-a-day runs on the beach, the team practiced Monday through Friday and some Saturdays during the hottest afternoons of the summer. The runners are not deterred by rain and have even been known to come in from practice covered in mud. Runners ranging from sixth grade through 12th grade are expected to have goals, keep their grades up and display only the best of sportsmanship. In order for an athlete to earn a varsity letter, he must complete one charity race during the season and be an exemplary model of character, academics and strength.

To provide his athletes with the most exposure and experience possible, Rein gives his runners the opportunity to race in many large events throughout the season.  The varsity team often competes outside of Georgia. Trips to Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana and Florida have helped mold the core of the AHA team. Closer to home, the Eagles competed in Spaulding High School’s Jaguar Invitational, where the varsity girls finished in second place, and the Augusta State Jaguar Invitational, where the varsity boys finished second and the varsity girls took first place. A team favorite of the last six years is the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, to which AHA will return again in 2011.

The Eagles cross country team prides itself on being a family in every sense of the word.  From the fastest runner to the slowest, from the youngest to the oldest, there is no lack of support and there is always someone there to cheer them to the finish. Varsity runners are admired and provide guidance to their middle school peers. Across all age groups and teams, there is a feeling of camaraderie.

AHA cross country has established a winning tradition through impressive displays of drive and unity. In nine years, the varsity boys have won the ACCE state championship four times and have been three-time state runners-up. The varsity girls have been three-time ACCE state runners-up and state champs once.  In addition, the middle school teams have won four ACCE state championships and four NAML state championships, including this year when both the middle school girls and boys teams took first place.

And on that last cold morning of the season, after nerves had settled and layers had been shed, the Eagles left the start line. Proving that hard work, determination, perseverance and heart really do pay off, the varsity boys, varsity girls and junior girls were all rewarded with the title of 2010 ACCE Cross Country State Champion. The Eagles kept a firm grasp on their goals throughout the season. Although the finish line has been crossed for 2010, the athletes take with them this lesson: The sweat, tears, struggles, laughter and smiles are worth it.