We are proud to feature individuals from within our community who embody the three core pillars of the Academy’s mission statement: discover, innovate, serve.
POISED TO DISCOVER: Jennifer Hayslip, MDS parent
If you have ever attended a Mount de Sales event, you have probably seen Jennifer Hayslip volunteering in some capacity. What many don’t see are the hours she puts into her design business, and not just her dream-worthy photography. Mrs. Hayslip began attending art workshops in 2007, after a fulfilling event planning business in the ’90s. She enjoys creating mixed media pieces as well as making jewelry and decorative artwork. Mrs. Hayslip now helps others discover their creativity through boutique-style art workshops, which she hosts in her home and around the southeast, including Charleston and Jekyll Island. “They are for ladies who love to craft and make pretty things—jewelry, assemblage, paintings, etc.,” she says. “It is always a fun weekend of creating pieces and forming new friendships, and nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy these ladies have while attending my workshops.” The creations are “over the top in detail and beauty,” allowing budding artists to learn from the best and create one-of-a-kind pieces. You can read more about Mrs. Hayslip and upcoming events here.
CHALLENGED TO INNOVATE: Kari Alderman, MS principal
Good things come to those who wait…and plan. In 2017, Mrs. Kari Alderman, Middle School principal, had the idea to bring virtual reality (VR) stations to campus. With careful planning and aggressive grant writing, the 2018-2019 school year started off with Middle School classes using the headset and computer stations. With VR, educational experiences are not restricted to what students can read in a textbook or experience in a laboratory. Instead, students can swim through a deserted shipwreck, inspect a bleached coral reef, float through space stations, or visit a planet as an astronaut. For secondary schools like Mount de Sales that are continually evaluating how we prepare students for college, the opportunity to virtually see within a human heart; complete a complex human dissection; learn geometry and study architecture in three dimensions; and explore three dimensional models in chemistry, engineering, and biology is exciting.
MOTIVATED TO SERVE: Dr. Ha Van Vo, MDS parent
When Lisa Vo was admitted to Mount de Sales, we added an outstanding new student to the Cavalier family as well as her father, Dr. Ha Van Vo, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Mercer University. Dr. Vo led a group of 67 to Vietnam last summer during Mercer On Mission, an international service learning program through the university. The group was on site 19 days and served more than 1,000 patients who had lost limbs due to infection, harsh working conditions, land mines, and more. Dr. Vo designed and patented the prosthetics that were given to patients. His service will undoubtedly inspire others to contribute to worthwhile causes by using their specialized skills and knowledge to help those in need.
“Discover, Innovate, Serve” is a regular feature of the de Sales Sheet, so please send nominations to ashley.griffin@mountdesales.net.
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Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic school located in Macon, GA, and serves students in Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and other surrounding counties. MDS is sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1876, MDS has served a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.