*reflections on the retirement of Mrs. Peggy Warner by Meg Jones Fligg (CKS '85) 

There isn't a loom in CKS principal Peggy Warner's office.  No needles or thread either. That's odd because Peggy is a master at her craft.  In fact, she's spent the last 20+ years weaving together a tapestry that illustrates what happens when faith, academics and service are intertwined in a student's life. 

According to Peggy, the common thread has always been a shared Catholic faith.  She draws strength from each school mass where the power of 500+ students joined in prayer cannot be ignored.  And, she is proud to see so many students raise their hands during the homily to answer one of Fr. Frank's "tricky questions."  She has seen both joy and sorrow in her years as a teacher, vice principal and principal at CKS.  Faith has been a constant companion.       

Tapestries are not woven overnight.  The last two decades have been full of change at CKS.  Peggy has been involved in it all, including three different carpool formats.  The expansion of CKS in the early 1990's stands out.  The project added new classrooms, an administrative office, a reception area and the second story breezeway.  Peggy cannot forget the amazing experience brought to the table by parents and former parents who met weekly throughout the extended project, devoting weekends to the effort. 

Arriving at CKS' doorstep as a long-term substitute teacher in April, 1983, Peggy was thrilled with her third grade students and classroom at the top of the school.  She was less than thrilled at the lack of air conditioning and remembers the excitement that rippled through the school when ceiling fans were installed in 1984.  The school finally came of age a few years later when, with Monsignor Kenny's blessing, a zoned air conditioning system was installed.    

Air conditioning wasn't the only upgrade over the years.  Like time, technology marched on and chalkboards gave way to smart boards and typewriters turned into laptops under Peggy's watch.  Made possible through Parent Volunteer Association and School Auction proceeds, CKS students and teachers have flourished with smart boards, information software and data management systems, not to mention improved communication through e-mail and voicemail.  

Peggy knows that a school's personality comes from its people...not technology. Teachers who are alumni, past parents and those drawn to the school by its reputation and values make up the team who lead, administer, teach and care for the school's Kindergartners through eighth graders.  She is both humbled and inspired by this group every time she walks the school halls and freely acknowledges that surrounding herself with these caring and smart people has made the difference in her more than 20 years.   

Above all, her heart is full of gratitude for the administrative "family" who has grown with her.  She is quick to say, "In the twenty plus years we've worked together, we've become like family, sharing more than 500 kids."  And, with CKS parents constantly sharing their professional expertise, Peggy quickly confirms that continuous school improvement was, and is, a communal effort.

 As Peggy reflects on her time at CKS, the picture on the tapestry she has woven over the years emerges.  It is both beautiful and unique.  And, there is no doubt that St. Marguerite d'Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns who started Christ the King School, is smiling. 

Andrew Boshinski (CKS '04)
Andrew graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio on May 20, 2012.  He is back in the Atlanta area as he interviews for engineering jobs.  As a pitcher for the Case Western baseball team, Andrew earned his fourth varsity letter this season.  He was on the mound in 56 career appearances, 23 games started and with 133 strikeouts. 

Emma Ucinski (CKS '08)
Emma has signed to play basketball for Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina next year.  As a member of the St. Pius X basketball team, Emma's list of accomplishments was impressive, including All-Region and All-State Honors in 2011.  Her senior season she averaged an amazing 40% from the 3-point line.  The SPX team was Region 5 Champion and made it to the Elite 8 in 2011, and remained undefeated in their region in 2012.

Matt Bell, John Quirk, Connor Stewart (CKS '08)
Matt, John, Connor and the other members of the Marist Golf Team  captured the AAAA championship on the Johns Creek Course in Augusta in May, edging out the field of talented teams by one stroke.  Pictured here are the seniors on the team and their coaches.  John is holding the trophy with Matt and Connor to the right.  Also a member of the team, younger brother Joe Quirk (CKS '09) hopes to continue their winning ways next season.  

Rafael Garcia (CKS '10)
Rafael reached the rank of Eagle Scout and was honored during a court of honor ceremony in May.  Rafael was active in Cub Scout Pack 165 at the Cathedral before joining Troop 74 at St. Philip's as an 11-yr-old.  He was the troop's Senior Patrol Leader in 2009-10 and is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.  In addition to his scout work, Rafael is an honor student at St. Pius X, where he has been a member of the water polo, basketball and track & field teams.   He is pictured here with some of the adult leaders of the troop.   

Nicolas Prada-Rey (CKS '14)
 Nicolas, a sixth grader at Sutton Middle School, scored straight "A's" this year.  He was awarded High Honors and  received seven additional awards for his efforts.  

Marist Awards
A number of CKS Alums received department awards during Marist's Academic Awards and Senior Honors Assembly:

We want them!  Let us know how we can better serve our alumni.

Camille Naughton, Director of Development & Alumni Relations 

ccnaughton@christking.org