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January 2011
Thornton vs. Thorntonby Justin Brendel, freshman
As cross country has come to a close and track season is nearly here, all Whitefield Academy junior Cameron Thornton can do is train, exercise and stay in shape. After competing in this year’s state championships for cross country, and after training harder than ever, Thornton placed first among nearly 215 runners. His prowess in running cross country and track has allowed him to set many records for Whitefield Academy and the state of Georgia. Thornton has shown the extraordinary ability to achieve his challenging goals, making him a huge success. He has learned a lot about himself by knowing his limits, being able to overcome his weaknesses and pushing himself so that his weaknesses become his strengths. This track season, Thornton plans to set school records in the 400 meters, 800 meters, 1600 meters and 3200 meters as well as setting a state record for the 800m. In addition to competing in the state championships, Thornton is looking forward to simply competing against himself.
Before developing his great talent for track, Thornton strived to become a star football player for the Whitefield Wolfpack. In addition to football and running, he further tested his athletic abilities on the basketball court. However, once Thornton saw his skill for cross country and track, there was no turning back. Since then, Thornton has competed in nearly 70 events ranging from the 400-meter dash to the 5000-meter run. In 2008 when Thornton was an eighth-grader, he earned the title of Junior Olympic Champion for the 800m in the youth age group. He won this race with an impressive time of 1:58.79. Over the summer, Thornton ran a personal record in the 800m at the Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships with an expeditious 1:53.20. This season, he has competed in numerous 5K races where his best time was a respectable 15:44.50, placing eighth in the 5K ASICS Invitational.
On December 7, 2010, the Atlanta Track Club selected Thornton and 23 other high school males for their All-Metro High School Cross Country Team. Despite this great honor, Thornton believes that he is more gifted in track than cross country and claims the 800m run is his “best race” because it is the shortest event in which he regularly competes. Although he is stunningly quick in the 800m, he displays much expertise and confidence at any event or race in which he competes.
Though Thornton’s track and cross country coaches have played monumental roles in his growth and dedication to running, he believes his older brother Trevor has impacted him the most. By helping him prepare for races and attending many of his running events, Trevor stays updated on his impressive times and has taught him many important life lessons and morals.
In two years, Thornton will have to make one of the most important decisions of his life: where he will attend college. Thornton has been interested in schools along the West Coast such as UCLA, Stanford and Oregon as well as most SEC schools. His future plan is to attend college on a running scholarship. He is eagerly awaiting the prospect of running and competing at the college level.
September 2010
Whitefield Student Receives Top Conductor Award
Whitefield Academy drum major John Nunez recently won the prestigious Roger L. Dancz Young Conductor Award. The award, sponsored by the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, was given “in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of conducting and demonstrated excellence in leadership." Nunez, a senior, was chosen from among 130 other drum majors who recently attended the UGA Drum Major Camp. This is his second year as drum major with the Wolfpack Marching Band. A special honor accompanying the award is the opportunity for Nunez to conduct the UGA Redcoat marching band at an upcoming UGA football game.
The Dancz award was established to honor former UGA band director Roger L. Dancz. Under Dancz's leadership, the University of Georgia jazz bands received high acclaim, and the University of Georgia marching bands performed halftime shows at professional football games.
This is not the first time Nunez has been recognized for his outstanding conductor talents. In his first year as the Wolfpack Marching Band drum major, Nunez also received superior ratings at two marching band competitions.
Whitefield Academy drum major John Nunez recently won the prestigious Roger L. Dancz Young Conductor Award. The award, sponsored by the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, was given “in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of conducting and demonstrated excellence in leadership." Nunez, a senior, was chosen from among 130 other drum majors who recently attended the UGA Drum Major Camp. This is his second year as drum major with the Wolfpack Marching Band. A special honor accompanying the award is the opportunity for Nunez to conduct the UGA Redcoat marching band at an upcoming UGA football game.
The Dancz award was established to honor former UGA band director Roger L. Dancz. Under Dancz's leadership, the University of Georgia jazz bands received high acclaim, and the University of Georgia marching bands performed halftime shows at professional football games.
This is not the first time Nunez has been recognized for his outstanding conductor talents. In his first year as the Wolfpack Marching Band drum major, Nunez also received superior ratings at two marching band competitions.
All photography submitted by Whitefield Academy
