Background:

I spent Kindergarten and then 2nd through 12th grade at the Academy, and I was in the Class of 2001 - an interesting group! I own and lead a financial advisory firm in Alpharetta, GA that was founded by my father-in-law over 30 years ago. My wife, Lauren, homeschools our four children - she is and they are awesome! Our family worships at First Baptist in Alpharetta.

What was your most memorable HHCA experience?

There were many - classmates, teachers, coaches, and events - but a great highlight was playing for Coach Glen Rector and winning the 2001 basketball state championship with my teammates. That was a special team - trust, vulnerability, accountability, fun, and shared vision were all a part of that team. Another fun experience was my mother, Tommie Clemmer, always knowing my grades on tests before I did! She was the kindergarten teacher for around 20 years. My teachers would often be grading tests in the faculty lounge while she was in there. My grades were only news to me.

How did HHCA shape you spiritually?

The Lord brought several key Bible teachers into the Academy over the years to teach and mentor the students. A few of those who must be mentioned are Barb Turner, Glen Rector, Sammy Daghir, and Todd DeVaney. Academics, arts, athletics, and clubs were priorities at the Academy. But, these were properly set within the Truth of the Gospel. We were taught to pursue these areas because they helped reveal our great God.

How did your time at HHCA influence your career path or life?

It's ironic (God's sense of humor) that I work in finance and investments. I enjoyed PE and lunch class the most! But I did learn the value of working for the Lord in whatever area God asks you to serve. My work is with business owners who want to grow their business to be able to give more to the work of building the Kingdom of God. That's exciting! I still don't use the calculus I learned, but I do draw from the invaluable experiences the Lord curated for me during my time at the Academy.

What advice would you give to current students?

Go on an adventure and take a gap year! I was fortunate enough to see several positive examples of others who took a gap year out of high school. I decided to do the same spending a year in Europe at Torchbearer Bible Schools. I lived, studied, and served in the Alps (Schladming, Austria) for the fall semester and on the Mediterranean (Alicante, Spain) for the spring semester. I returned to earn a BA and then an MBA. The gap year was critical for me to see and experience another part of the world while learning and growing personally and spiritually. College is important, but this is an experience that should be presented and emphasized to all high school students.
 

Academics, arts, athletics, and clubs were priorities at the Academy. But, these were properly set within the Truth of the Gospel. We were taught to pursue these areas because they helped reveal our great God.

- Russ Clemmer (Class of 2001)