Clagg takes the reigns at MACA
By CHRISTIAN LEHMAN

Principal Steven Clagg

As the summer winds down and school is once again a part of the daily routine, many new faces appear in the halls of school. One such new face is that of Steven Clagg, the new principal at Mountain Area Christian Academy (MACA).

Clagg brings many years of educational experience to the non-denominational Christian school, which is constructing a new school facility half-way between Blairsville and Blue Ridge, and whose enrollment consists of a large number of students from Union County .

Clagg started with MACA about nine weeks ago in preparation of the school year. He most recently was down in Hamilton County teaching science to fourth graders while he completed his masters' degree in education at Lee University. Before teaching science, Clagg spent five years in administration at the Brunswick Christian Academy in Brunswick. Steven has been happily married for 16 years and has two children, Seth and Abigail.

MACA first opened its doors seven years ago and in that time has brought enrollment up to 186 students in grades K12. According to Clagg, ""the school has a great track record" and "the school board has a

great vision" of what they feel is a well-rounded educational experience. Clagg went on to state "it's just a matter of me molding" the existing programs into a fine piece of education."

The "molding" process consists of more educational opportunities for the students, including Spanish and sign language classes for the elementary and high school students, as well as art classes and physical education available to all students. Anew program is the servanthood program for the high school students. This novel program involves the older students participating in the education of the younger students in

the classroom in addition to community service. Clagg says the mentor program "gets kids to identify with each other." More specifically, the older kids are more likely to socialize with the younger kids, doing little things such as saying hello in the hall.

Clagg believes in a "holistic approach to education." The idea is to produce graduates who are "well-rounded in education, spirit and character." The Staff at MACA have a lot to be excited about as does Clagg who says "this is the best staff I've worked with, the teachers all have big hearts and really care about the students."