Bailey Abel is a graduating senior who has truly excelled during her attendance at MPCS. A fourth-year student, Bailey has displayed stellar academic excellence by earning a GPA of 4.0+ all while balancing a tremendously busy extracurricular schedule as well. Bailey has played the clarinet in marching band and clarinet and tenor saxophone in jazz band for all four years of high school in addition to being recognized as an AP Scholar, playing the oboe in the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra for two years, being an active member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, Junior Classic League, BETA Club, a PMI Mentor, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Co-President of the Paleontology Club and the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. She has received the Presidential Gold Service Award, a marching band Peter Award (twice), and achieved Headmaster’s Honor Roll for all four years. Her parents express that after a K-8 Catholic school experience, they were searching for a Christian High School that excelled at both academics and the arts. Her parents comment, “Not only is Bailey an exceptional academic student, she is also an accomplished musician with a passion for the arts. Since starting at Mount Paran, she has increased her musical capabilities by learning new instruments.” Her parents highlight her achievement of joining the Georgia Youth Symphony as a result of her growth at Mount Paran.
Bailey shares that her favorite teachers are Mr. Flood and Mrs. Eller. She expresses that both of these educators have been amazing teachers for her and have each taught her values that she will never forget. She says that Mr. Flood has taught her the importance of music and how important it is that she continues to embrace music throughout her life. Mrs. Eller has taught her to love ancient Roman culture and history. Bailey says that both teachers have been extremely inspirational and influential to her. Bailey says that her favorite memory is of a band competition that was affected because of the rain during her first year in marching band as a freshman. She shares that many members of the marching band fell in the mud (including her), but that it was a bonding experience she will not soon forget!
Bailey says, “While at MPCS, I have discovered how much I love biology. During my four years here, several teachers have helped me to be a better student, leader, and further develop my Christianity.” As a result, Bailey plans to major in biology in college with the career goal of becoming a biological researcher. She has applied to Clemson, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, UC-Berkeley, UC-San Diego, and the University of Florida. In addition, she has received scholarships from Clemson University, Purdue University, and a private scholarship through her credit union. Bailey is planning to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology starting summer semester where she will figure out the path to excellence just as she has done so intentionally at MPCS. She will be continuing to participate in the arts by joining the Yellow Jacket Marching Band this fall.
