DASHER – In a tradition that goes back to the century-long origins of Georgia Christian School, the Pine Embers Annual is dedicated every year to a deserving member of the Georgia Christian School community for their service, their commitment to the school and their belief in the mission and the vision of its founders and leaders. 

The dedication of the annual is seen as an honor to the recipient, who is usually present at the Georgia Christian School Annual Dedication to receive the honor, according to school officials. 

The yearbook sponsors and school administration have chosen to dedicate the 2017-18 Pine Embers in memory of Paula Jo Carpenter (’81), former lead teacher and alumna, according to school officials. 

Carpenter’s ties to the school go back to 1969, when her parents joined the faculty of Georgia Christian. She attended GCS all 12 years, and graduated from Harding University. 

She came back as a teacher to Georgia Christian in fall 1987, and continued to teach, mostly first grade, until ill health led to her retirement, according to school officials. 

Carpenter was also honored with the annual dedication in 2007-08.  

“Miss Carpenter touched many lives throughout her teaching career, and all of her students carry a part of her knowledge, humor and spirit with them,” according to school officials. “Her loss has been profoundly felt by the Dasher community. A moving tribute to Miss Carpenter was shared from classmates, co-workers and students during annual dedication in her memory.”