![Addie Peterson, Class of 2021]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1616513393/gcaramsorg/u0x6zhtfzgtdhmw7acgh/AddiePeterson2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1616513393/gcaramsorg/u0x6zhtfzgtdhmw7acgh/AddiePeterson2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1616513393/gcaramsorg/u0x6zhtfzgtdhmw7acgh/AddiePeterson2.png","width":596}])
"The teachers make themselves available which means that they do truly care about the wellbeing of the students both in and outside the classroom."
How long have you been enrolled at GCA?
I have attended GCA since I was in Kindergarten and I’m proud to have earned the title “Lifer”.
What will you miss most about GCA?
I will miss the life-long friendships I have developed over the past 13 years. I have grown up with my friends and they have had such a huge impact on my life. They have always been there to encourage me, make me laugh, and they always make sure to let me know when I need to slow down. Going to school without them will definitely be a huge change for me.
Was there a GCA teacher or staff member that had a significant impact on your life? How?
The staff member who has had the most significant impact on my life is Mrs. Tracy Rodgers. She was my music teacher in elementary school, and she has been my piano teacher and vocal coach since fifth grade, and I have gotten to work with her as her teacher assistant this year. She has gotten to watch me grow in my love for music, and she is a major reason behind my passion for teaching. She inspires me to work hard, and she gives me opportunities to showcase all my hard work. She has truly inspired me, not only to take on challenges, but to take them head on and do everything I do to the best of my ability. All for the glory of the Lord.
How has GCA helped you grow in your faith and prepared you for the next season in life?
GCA has equipped me with Biblical basics so that I have a firm foundation. Along with that, my teachers have played a significant role in my personal relationship with the Lord. I have been engaged in personal and spiritual conversations with several of my teachers, and they are always pouring biblical principles into the conversation. They make themselves available which means that they do truly care about the wellbeing of the students both in and outside the classroom. They not only want me to thrive in my classes, but they want to see me grow closer to the Lord in my personal relationship with Him.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at GCA?
My favorite memory from GCA was the High School production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. This was my favorite production to be a part of during my time at GCA for two reasons. The first being that the show was absolutely incredible, and the energy and talent exhibited onstage was beyond what I could have imagined. But the second, and I believe more important reason I loved this show so much, was that the cast became like a family to me. We were all constantly encouraging and helping one another and lifting each other up. That family atmosphere is something that cannot be recreated, and I was truly grateful for that experience.
What are your plans after graduation from GCA?
I plan on majoring in the arts at either Lee University or the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University. I want to eventually pursue a career in either music education, or I want to teach full time in a dance studio.