Macon, GA. – After four years of dedicated service to the students and families of Tattnall Square Academy Dr. Brenda Shuman-Riley announced her plans to retire after the 2015-2016 school year. In a letter to Tattnall families, Riley wrote:

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“Today, I announced to the faculty and staff my intentions to conclude my time as Head of School at Tattnall Square Academy. To leave such a fine team is not easy, but the decision is cushioned knowing the administrative transition will be smooth. As the new Head of School, Mr. John Hankinson brings years of experience to a role he is more than capable of assuming. I have no doubt the school will continue to thrive under his leadership.

Four years ago, I was asked in my final round of interviews how I would change the perception that Tattnall is just an athletic school. At the time, I thought that was quite a curious question, but I responded with an answer that really hasn’t changed. I wouldn’t try to change an already winning formula, but adapt the formula to impact and expand the reputation to all areas of the school. It is my staunch belief that as a family, we have risen to the challenge that was set before me four years ago. The academic rigor is beyond reproach; just ask our students and graduates. Why else would non-TSA students come to our faculty for tutoring? Watching students expand their horizons through artistic and service options has also been a pleasure, and centering all that we do through spiritual guidance has been a personal blessing.

Someone much wiser than I said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have made a difference that you lived at all.” I hope that can be said of me. It has been an honor to serve the Tattnall family, and while I hope I have made a difference in my time here, I know for certain Tattnall has made a difference in my life. Thank you, and may God bless each of you.”

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“It has truly been our pleasure to work with Dr. Riley over the last four years. We sincerely hope that the next chapter in her life is full of special moments, and we pray that God will grant her many blessings in the future,” stated Tonya McClure, TSA Board of Trustees Chair.

In a letter to Tattnall families, McClure referenced the many accomplishments during Dr. Shuman-Riley’s tenure, “Under her guidance, TSA has grown stronger and become refocused on educating future leaders. Along with the assistance of our world-class faculty and staff, she has bolstered the curriculum to better align with our mission of providing a college-prep education, facilitated the transition of our membership into the GHSA, instituted a school-wide technology strategy to enhance learning opportunities, and most recently led our school to a 10% enrollment growth. While these are just a few of her achievements during her time as a Trojan, she has a long list of accolades and a rich history of changing the lives of students, families, and peers across the state of Georgia. Thanks to her leadership, TSA is better positioned to continue as a leading educational institution successfully producing gifted, Christian ambassadors focused on positively impacting our society.”

The Board of Trustees has requested John Hankinson to serve as the Head of School for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year. During his 20 year span at TSA, Mr. Hankinson has filled a variety of roles encompassing administration, instruction, and coaching. He and his wife Katie have four children who all attend Tattnall. His expertise and credentials, which include a masters in teaching and a specialist degree in educational leadership, offer the opportunity to maintain stability and consistency of the Tattnall Square Academy mission and operations during this transition. “We are thrilled to sponsor one of our own proven leaders, and have every confidence that Mr. Hankinson will guide our organization to many future successes,” stated McClure.