DASHER — On Monday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m., the Board of Directors, dignitaries, administrators, teachers, staff, students, alumni, and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Jeffords Family High School Building at Georgia Christian School. Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore kicked off the festivities with enthusiasm, setting a lively tone for the event. The new 17,000-square-foot facility was designed by Architect Bruce Smith of Studio 8, and representatives from S.C. Barker Construction Company were also present to celebrate the milestone.

Dr. Brad Lawson, President of GCS, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the school’s rich history. Founded in 1914 as Dasher Bible School, the institution has long been committed to Christian education. Dr. Lawson emphasized the school’s mission, stating, “Georgia Christian School will provide a Christian foundation that promotes a passion for learning.” He continued, “This is just a part of our mission statement, but it is evident everywhere in the design of this new building.”

GCS Chairman of the Board Austin Plyler introduced his classmate, Dustin Jeffords, and spoke about Mr. Jeffords’s unwavering positivity and championship spirit. He recalled a moment from high school when Mr. Jeffords, with no prior experience, decided on a whim to compete in the shot put track and field event. They traveled to the competition that same day, and Jeffords won first place, a testament to his determination and competitive nature.

Representing the Jeffords family, Dustin Jeffords shared heartfelt remarks, reflecting on his time at GCS and expressing his family’s enthusiasm about contributing to the school’s future. The Board of Directors and the Jeffords family participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, with Dustin, his wife Camille, his parents Robert and Teresa Jeffords (both former faculty and staff), his sister Kailynn Grow, her husband Tyler, and their children in attendance.

Chairman Austin Plyler spoke again, reaffirming the board’s commitment to the project. He also expressed gratitude to the GCS family—alumni, current students, parents, grandparents, and friends of the school—for their continued support in advancing the mission of Christian education.

As part of the celebration, a special reception and tour for donors was held on Sunday afternoon, followed by a dinner and devotional on Sunday night for the Class of 2025, the first senior class to attend school in the Jeffords Family High School Building.