SARAH MCCUNE, SALUTATORIAN
Church: Woodstock City Church
Favorite Bible Verse: “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:20-21)
Scholarship Offerings To Date: $354,250 (excluding HOPE and Zell) - University of Miami Presidential Scholarship, University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship, Auburn University Presidential Scholarship, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award Scholarship, Clemson University Academic Scholarship, Beta Club Scholarship, University of Georgia Academic Scholarship
College Acceptances: Auburn University, University of Alabama, Clemson University Honors College, University of Miami, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia Honors College, Wake Forest University
Activities and Service: Beta Club (president), Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Eagle Robotics, Key Club (vice president), Mu Alpha Theta (vice president), National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring Initiative (executive leadership), Spanish National Honor Society, 11:1 Effect, Varsity Swimming State Team, Middle School Swim Team Head Coach, Volunteer (Cobb Street Ministries, Woodstock City Church, Ridenour Adventure Center, Calvary Children’s Home, Vintage242 Church)
“In everything, I have sought to put my best foot forward, seeking not the approval of those around me, but knowing that I am looking instead to glorify God. For, as it says in Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’”
What’s the secret to a great educational experience? According to MPCS class of 2022 Salutatorian Sarah McCune, the answer just might lie within a school’s unique learning environment. With 15 years spent at MPCS, beginning in PreK3, Sarah recognizes the value of learning that extends beyond the classroom to create a community focused on the student and the family, as a whole, rather than focusing solely on student performance within the classroom.
One of the MPCS core values is to be learning focused, which Sarah defines as not only taking advantage of the school’s academic offerings, but also valuing the opportunities that come from a community of believers. “There is something to be learned in conversations and interactions with every member of the community,” she says. “Through conversations with my teachers, especially, I have learned more than what can be taught in the walls of a classroom.”
Indeed, it’s that very same close-knit community that has allowed Sarah to flourish. She has gained an understanding of the idea of Christian leadership, as modeled by both teachers and students alike. “Leading in a Christ-like manner means ensuring that He is the focus of every conversation, every lesson, and every action, whether directly or indirectly,” Sarah shares. “It means adjusting the lens through which we view every opportunity and interaction that we may have.”
Developing a heart for servant-leadership pushes Sarah to look for moments to pour into others or contribute to classroom discussions, rather than viewing opportunities for personal gain. For instance, she shares her varsity State swim team experience with the middle school swim team by serving as their head coach. Such a spirit of generosity will serve Sarah well as she heads to Wake Forest University this fall to pursue a biology major with a minor in Spanish. She hopes to pursue a career as a physician assistant.
As her time at MPCS draws to a close, Sarah encourages underclassmen to take advantage of the opportunities that only MPCS can offer them as early as possible. “I will truly miss the relationships I have and the community that has been built around the school, from my friends to teachers and staff members,” she says. “There are few places that can combine teachers that truly want to help you with educational opportunities that exceed expectations.”
Sarah McCune Accomplishments:
Class of 2022 Salutatorian
AJC Cup Award
Eagle Award for Servant Leadership
Middle School Swim Team Head Coach
AP Scholar
Governor’s Honors Program
Honor Roll
