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Alumni News

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It's true that GCSS has a long and storied history of excellence in everything that we do, but the very focal point of our mission remains on our students. 

 

Glynn County Schools is proud of every student, current and former, and each of their unique stories. The GCSS Alumni News features graduates from years past giving an update on where they are today and sharing their most cherished GCSS memories. 

 

We'd love to hear what you've been doing since you graduated, where life has taken you and of course, how your years in Glynn County Schools affected your life. 

 

If you'd like to be featured in our Alumni News, please complete the following questions (leave any blank that you don't want to include).

 

We'll post your spotlight when it arrives.

 

We look forward to hearing about all the stories of our GCSS family growing, leading and excelling. 

 

Thank you for making us a #StrongerGlynn

 

OUR GCSS ALUMNI
Mark NewmanYour Name: Mark Newman

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Arco, Reynolds Street, Jane Macon and Glynn Academy. I graduated in 1975.

Where do you live now?
Brunswick, Ga. I also lived in Statesboro (1975-1980) and Thomson, Ga (1981-1982).

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
Attended Georgia Southern 1975-1980, worked for State of Georgia, Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services from 1981-2018.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
Currently retired. Married to Marihelen Thompson Newman since 1981. Our son, Simon, teaches math at Glynn Academy. Our grandchildren attend Glyndale Elementary where we volunteer and serve on the school council. Mark served two terms on the Board of Education and was Chairman for one year, during G-8 and during SACS probation and reinstatement.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
I attended during desegregation and from a student perspective, viewed the transition to desegregation as smooth. Administrators like Buck Crosby, Dave Owens and teaching staff of many races assured that learning opportunities were open to all.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
Sarah Vande Linde, Carol Wages, Edith Tayloe and administrators Buck Croaby and Terrell Davis.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
The closeness that we all shared with one another and the opportunity to advance into accelerated programs when ready.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
An excellent education provided by highly qualified teachers, supported by enthusiastic students and engaged parents can propel everyone to greatness. Our school system has the mindset, skillset and tool set to grow all students to the highest heights. Children and pre ts only need to put forth the greatest effort possible to be successful
David PagaA local product who once served as a Brunswick police officer, Glynn County police officer and with the district attorney’s office is the new chief of the U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
 
David Paga, who graduated from Glynn Academy in 1989 and eventually worked for a little more than three years for local police departments, was sworn in Tuesday as the new chief by U.S. District Court Chief Judge for the Southern District, Randal Hall, during a ceremony in Savannah.
 
Paga now leads a probation office that covers 43 counties in Southeast Georgia. He is the 11th chief of the Southern District office since it opened in Brunswick in 1929 and the first chief to hail from Glynn County since the office’s headquarters moved to Savannah in the 1940s, he said. Paga said it is an honor to serve in the role and to have a positive impact.
 
“I want us to be impactful for the community and to change people or to interrupt their behavior so they don’t victimize someone else,” Paga said.
 
His office of 50 federal probation officers handle the cases of more than 1,000 people who have served their time in federal prison and who are now on supervised release. Paga has been with the U.S. Probation Office 26 years. He wants people to know there is a dedicated group of officers and support staff who want to change lives for the better and to keep communities safe.
 
“Most people don’t even know we exist,” Paga said. “Everyone here is genuinely dedicated to the work that we do. Our outgoing chief has been pivotal in building that atmosphere.”
 
Paga is taking over for Chief Suzanne Mingledorff, whose last day will be Friday. He said the office has three main goals: to interview and supervise people who are on bond after an arrest; to conduct pre-sentence investigations of people who are set to be sentenced in federal court; and to supervise people who have been released from federal prison.
 
Achieving those goals can be challenging, which is why Paga said his officers try to change the behavior of probationers so that they don’t reoffend or interrupt behavior that appears to be sending them down the path to recidivism.
 
“It can be as simple as a conversation with someone about their behavior or as bad as that person going back to jail,” Paga said.
 
As part of the job, probation officers conduct searches, financial investigations and refer for treatment when necessary, among other things. At times it can be akin to being a counselor, he said. While there are some cases that don’t go as he and the officers had hoped, there are others that have good outcomes when someone never goes back to jail, Paga said.
 
Paga will work primarily out of the Savannah headquarters for the Southern District but will remain a Glynn County resident, he said.
 
“We’re a unit of the U.S. District Court, so we ultimately report to the chief judge of the Southern District,” Paga said.
 
 
Your Name: Morgan Polite

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Brunswick High School Class Of 2015
 
Where do you live now?
Morgan Polite
Brunswick, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
Once graduated in 2015, I started my collegiate career at South Georgia Technical College & graduated in 2017 with an associate’s degree in marketing management and a certification in branding. In 2017, I then transferred to Albany State University where I currently major in logistics and supply chain management. I moved back to Brunswick in 2018, and started a business in 2019 . I opened my Beauty Supply Store here in Brunswick at age 24 (2021) and now at 26-years-old, we are gearing up to open a brand new location here in Brunswick.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
My mother is Karen Polite who graduated from Brunswick High School in 1989. She’s now a realtor for the State of Georgia. I also have a three brothers and two sisters. My hobbies are being with my family and friends, traveling, networking, working on my business, napping and shopping.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
I moved here late in high school; however, the diversity in the school was something that I really liked.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
Ms. Darleen Smith.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
Graduating.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
All of your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.
Stephanie Cooper
Your Name: Stephanie Cooper

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Goodyear Elementary (old), Jane Macon Middle School (old), and Brunswick High School (old).
 
Where do you live now?
Brunswick, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
After graduating from Brunswick High School in 2004, I attended Coastal Georgia Community College (now known as The College of Coastal Georgia). I transferred to Armstrong Atlantic State University in 2006. I graduated with my Bachelor's of Arts (English) in 2009. I came back home and became a long-term substitute teacher which opened into a permanent paraprofessional position. 
 
I went back to school and earned my Master's degree in Public Administration from Troy State University in 2013. In 2013, I transitioned to the front office of Brunswick High School as the front office secretary. I became certified to teach in 2015. I moved to Golden Isles Elementary where I worked as a special education teacher for 5 years before I moved to Glynn Academy where I work currently as an English teacher for tenth grade. I obtained my last degree, my specialist degree, in Instructional Technology and Media Design from the University of West Georgia in 2021.
 
Stephanie Cooper
Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
During the time from 2019-2023, I have co-authored several books and have recently self-published my own books this summer. I have also started a business designing websites and handling advertising needs for startup businesses. I have recently started a podcast as well for a little razzle dazzle.
 
I am a third-generation GCSS employee in my family. My grandmother (maternal), Ronell Johnson, worked in transportation driving school buses. My mother, Regina Cruz, worked as a paraprofessional for 12 years before she moved to the college and worked in the print shop for about 20 years. She came back to the school system and worked in the print shop before retiring in 2018.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
My years in Glynn County Schools affected my life in such a way that I felt I had to come back and pour into my students the same way my teachers did for me and my classmates. I believe as educators, we have to know our "why." The reason we get up so early, the reason we stay late, the reason we keep going back when sometimes we don't feel like our presence makes an impact, it's our "why."
 
My "why" is because if not me, then who? Who is going to see the students who need that extra push in the classroom by showing them the reason why what they are learning is important? I'll do it. I have had so many great educators show me along the way.


Stephanie Cooper
Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
I cannot pinpoint one specific person. Ms. Dugger- Kindergarten, Goodyear; Ms. Latosha Carter- 3rd Grade, Goodyear; Ms. Aldridge; Ms. Sumner; Mrs. Nagene Thomas; Dr. Oatinisha Dawson (7th); Mrs. Dorothy Haywood (8th); Coach Barbara Willis (P.E.), Jane Macon Middle School; Ms. Ingrid Metz (Latin); Mr. Irvin (U.S. History); Ms. Brenda Hunt (Adv. Lit 11); Ms. McNair (Sociology); and Ms. Michelle Drew (Trigonometry-for two weeks she became an assistant principal), Brunswick High School. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
One of my favorite memories of GCSS would have to be the "Friday Night Lights." I had been going to football games since I was a toddler, and as I grew up my perspective shifted. As a kid, it was a place to run through the bleachers and eat a hotdog or some popcorn with my parents.
 
As a teenager, it became a way of escape from my parents' ever-watchful eye. When I became a senior, every game I attended became encapsulated in my mind to cherish. It's like I knew the games wouldn't be the same for me because I was about to cross over and see it from a different view as an alumnus. So my senior year I went to everything I could because I knew I wouldn't get those moments back. The laughs, the jokes, the family traditions under the "Friday Night Lights" are my fondest memories.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
My message for current GCSS students would be to not look at your present as your final destination. Look at your present as your launching pad. You determine how high and how far you will go.
 
Danny Orlando
Your Name: Danny Orlando

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Glynn Elementary on Mansfield, Glynn Jr. High, and Glynn Academy.

Where do you live now?
Kennesaw, Ga.

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
Fifty-one years ago, I was accepted at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., but after a few weeks I just couldn't do it – homesickness I suppose. I went briefly to Brunswick Jr. College, but found that music paid really well. In 1973, I started playing as a solo musician on the road. I performed in New Orleans and Hammond, La., Georgia, and South Florida. By 1980 or so, I divorced and left the music scene and started to manage large restaurants. In 1985, I remarried and returned to school at Georgia Tech to study Industrial Engineering.
 
Danny Orlando
I graduated in 1991, Cum laude and began work at the US Environmental Protection Agency. Mostly, I worked on climate change, ozone layer issues, and Energy Star. I hiked 300 miles in the Smoky Mountains with two trips being solo winter hikes. In 1992 and 1993, my two sons were born. I divorced in 2000 and remarried in 2005. I retired from the US EPA in 2017 after 26 years and remain married to my wife of 18 years. I have done some travel, but not anything too significant. The only international travel was to Banff, Canada.
 

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I have been married to Martha for 18 years and together we have 4 grown children; a mother of 3 grandchildren, a chef, an Air Force Sergeant, and a maker. We lead contemporary worship for 13 years (2003 - 2016) as vocalists and guitarists. I am a photographer, a chef, and a musician. My wife is a published author (Martha Orlando on Amazon). We have been in the first home I bought since 1991.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
Glynn Academy (3.8 GPA) molded my drive for excellence. My years there helped so much at Georgia Tech even so many years later.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
Mr. Maxwell (Biology) and Ms. Tracy (mathematics).

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
My favorites moments were winning the 10th grade talent show and being #1 on the tennis team.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
School may not seem to be important, but I assure that it is. Give it your best. Study hard. Try to make all A's. Be prepared. Do the work everyday. Be the best version of yourself that you can be. Reach for the stars.
Your Name: Anna-Marie AllenAnne-Marie Allen

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Altama Elementary (Kindergarten-2nd) CB Greer Elementary (3rd-5th) Needwood Middle Glynn Academy (Class of 2019)

Where do you live now?

Jacksonville, Fl.


Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
I attended Valdosta State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. I, now, live and work in Jacksonville as a Registered Behavior Technician working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I met the love of my life, Jason, in college and graduated together. We now live together with our two amazing cats, Zuko and Azula.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
I feel like the education I received throughout my Kindergarten through 12th grade schooling with the GCSS was amazing. I learned more about not only the common core but important life lessons that I use everyday. Things such as treating others equally no matter our differences.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
My favorite teachers would have to have been Mr. Duke (Band Director at GA) and Madame Henry (French at GA). They both taught me wonderful life lessons and skills that honestly got me through college and now everyday life. My favorite principal was Dr. Jim Pulos. He was my principal at NMS and I have never met a man more inspiring than him. Anne-Marie Allen

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
My favorite memory would have to be being in the Glynn Academy Marching Band and playing in not only the Sugar Bowl parade in New Orleans but playing halftime at the Sugar Bowl game.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
Take in the little moments because you never know when you are going to look back and realize that you learned something.
Your Name: Heather Hobbs Gruver

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Glyndale Elementary, Jane Macon Middle, and Brunswick High School Heather Hobbs Gruver
 
Where do you live now?
Tifton, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
I am currently a 7th grade science teacher in Tift County Schools.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I am married to Charlie and we have an almost 2 year old daughter, Lucy. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with friends and family.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
I am thankful for the years I spent in GCSS. I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it weren’t for the foundation and sense of community I received for so many years.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
There were definitely many educators, Mrs. Brenda Hunt, Dr. K Hall, Coach Bonita Tanner, Coach Ed Jacox just to name a few of the many who had an impact on my life as a whole and who I strive to be as an educator daily.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
My favorite memories were definitely spent in my science classes, from Mrs. Arledge’s class at Jane Macon to Dr. K Hall’s class at BHS. Anytime we were able to dissect during class I found it fun and interesting and now I do the same thing as a 7th grade life science teacher.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
1.Never underestimate who you are;
2. Attitude is everything; and
3. Never miss out on an opportunity to grow your passions or skill set.
Your Name: Amanda Ferra Styn

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Burroughs-Molette Elementary, Risley Middle School, and Glynn AcademyAmanda Styn
 
Where do you live now?
Brunswick, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
GSU Bachelor in Business 2005 (through CGCC) Walden University Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education 2016 (Online)

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I am married to Andrew Styn (2016). I have two sons Zac (21) and Evan (14). My first grandson will be born in February. I love to read and craft.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
I became a teacher.Amanda Styn

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
My favorite teacher was my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sullivan. She is the reason I became a teacher. My first five years of teaching I taught at my elementary school, Burroughs-Molette. I was able to work with her that first year.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
I lost my stepdad a week before my 10th birthday. I was in fourth grade and I remember my two teachers, Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Davis, both came to the funeral.

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
Never give up and work as hard as you can and you can succeed and achieve anything you dream of.
Your Name: Stephanie Powell

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
CB Greer Elementary (K-1st), Altama (2nd-5th), Glynn Middle, Brunswick High Class of 2014Stephanie Powell
 
Where do you live now?
Allenhurst, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
I taught violin for 6 -7 years after graduation. I work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist-Supply Chain for Dollar Tree-Family Dollar. I’m working towards my Bachelor of Science in Business.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I have played violin for 17 years and currently take piano lessons. I help my mother, Deborah McCauley-Craig, with different events for the City of Brunswick.
 
How did your years in Glynn County Schools affect your life?
Throughout the changes in my adolescent years, there was always someone that I could turn to. I could ask them questions, look for help, or just have a good laugh with teachers. Those years also helped shape me as an adult.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
My favorite teacher was Mavis Jaudon. She was always so poised! Seeing that continue as she is leading Burroughs-Molette Elementary as THE PRINCIPAL makes me smile.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time in GCSS?
Favorite memory would have to be in Buffy Jobe’s math class in 7th grade. I was so upset about my dad moving out of Georgia. I was scribbling how much I hated everything. Mrs. Jobe came to my desk when she saw that. She crouched down and wrote “BMJ hearts SSP”. She said to me “Don’t ever let someone else’s actions bring you down. I will always love you”.Stephanie Powell

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
Don’t take your foot off the gas. You can ease it some to slow your pace down, but never do a full break. The teachers are there to help support you. They are leading you on the path to success; it’s up to you take that path and avoid any detours that come up.
Your Name: Janie Williams

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Brunswick High School C/o 2015 Infinite Healthcare Academy C/o 2020Janie Williams
 
Where do you live now?
Brunswick, Ga. 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
Since graduation, I’ve traveled, became a loctician, a certified nursing assistant, and now volunteer through one of my jobs to teach upcoming Certified nursing assistants about safety training in the nursing field.

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I am now a mother of two beautiful babies ages 2 and 7.

Who was your favorite teacher/staff member/principal?
Mrs.Butts, Mrs.Tomlin and Mrs.McDaniel

If you had a message for current GCSS students what would it be?
Get involved. Today is not just another day; it’s a new opportunity, a new chance and a new beginning.