Mount Paran Christian School provides the best that education has to offer, aspiring to do better tomorrow than we did today. Whether examining curriculum, competing on the athletic field, or performing on stage, we understand that we must glorify God in all that we do. The result of our relentless effort is evidenced by our graduates each year - seniors who are Christ-centered, learning-focused, community-oriented, and pursuers of excellence. This year’s senior spotlights for the class of 2022 have earned impressive accolades, illustrating what it means to develop servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. This is the second in a five-part series.
WILL DUNCAN, CHRISTIAN LIFE
Church: Mount Paran North Church of God
Favorite Bible Verse: “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT)
Scholarship Offerings To Date: $65,000 (excluding HOPE and Zell) - Presidential Scholarship at Lee University, Centennial Scholarship at Lee University, Lee University Singers Scholarship, LeeU Worship Scholarship
College Acceptances: Lee University, University of Georgia
Activities and Service: Beta Club, Dozier School of the Arts, International Thespian Society, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Tri-M, 11:1 Effect, Jazz Band, Church Band, Chapel Band, Chorus, Drama, Orchestra, Show Choir
“Being Christ-centered means doing everything for the glory of Christ, putting Him first above all else, and seeking to follow the will of God over my own.”
It’s a rare thing for a student to attend one school for the entirety of their formative academic years - to experience one campus with teachers, staff, and friends you have known for 12 years. It’s even more special when that school community is faith-based, daily pouring into a student’s spiritual development. For class of 2022 senior Will Duncan, such an exceptional experience was the norm. Attending MPCS since first grade has changed his life for the better, says Will, in part due to the caring and knowledgeable teachers, the variety of opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom, and the ever-present biblical emphasis.
“I believe that this school has truly set me up for success academically, in the arts, and spiritually,” Will shares. “All my teachers have taught their courses very well, and each one of them were concerned for my well-being.” One such teacher is Mr. David Fitzpatrick, who taught Will AP history courses for two years and served as Will’s advisement leader, providing robust opportunities to discuss current and historical events.
Beyond the classroom, MPCS has offered Will an abundance of opportunities, including a creative outlet for his God-given musical talents with the MPCS chapel band course. Assistant Head of School for Christian Life Mr. Steve Kyle shares, “Over the last four years, Will’s consistent leadership in chapel band has been essential. His strong faith, work ethic, sense of humor, and amazing talent has helped create an environment for God to use chapel band to have an even greater Kingdom impact on the campus of MPCS. He is a glowing example for other students to follow as we continue to fulfill our mission of creating servant-leaders.”
With a love for music, Will also deeply appreciates the directors and conductors who have encouraged his study of drama and music. “I will miss the plays, musicals, and everything in between,” says Will. His favorite memory of his time at MPCS is a recent one: portraying Captain Von Trapp in the high school musical production of The Sound of Music during his senior year. Given the current political climate in Eastern Europe, he says, “I am so grateful that God chose my cast members and me to tell that story, at this time.”
Through it all, Will has maintained an attitude of humble servant-leadership, thinking of others before self. His leadership through the Student Government Association is a testament to serving others. And, Will’s participation in chapel band has developed his faith walk: “It’s demonstrated to me how important it is to maintain a relationship with Christ and how important worship - all of our actions done in the name of God - is,” he shares. “I made a point to participate in chapel band every year,” even though it meant taking fewer academic classes and losing a free block during his senior year.
Will also found his high school Bible classes to have been valuable, offering opportunities to consider his beliefs, dialogue with people at different stages in their faith, and study biblical responses to current events. For Will’s mother, Julie Duncan, it’s the investment of others pouring into her son that have made the biggest impact. She says, “I am thankful for the Godly men who mentored Will throughout his more than four years of on-campus Bible studies and have helped him to discover who he is in Christ through study, prayer, and discipleship.”
As he heads off to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., this fall, Will plans to remain involved in music in some capacity, be it as a church musician or a symphonic orchestra member. He says, “I am excited to see where my God-given passions take me.” He plans to study music business and then move on to law school, with the aim of becoming an intellectual property lawyer. Till then, Will is enjoying every last moment of his twelfth and final year on campus. “I have honestly enjoyed my time at MPCS,” he says. “It has impacted my life in the best way possible.”
Will Duncan Accomplishments:
All State Jazz Band Principle Bassist 2019 and 2022
Bassist for All-National Honor Ensemble - Concert Band
First Chair Bassist for the 2021 All-State Orchestra
Third Chair Bassist for the 2022 All-State Orchestra
Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader in Scouts
Governor’s Honors Program - Jazz Bass Player
Honor Roll
AP Scholar
