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School History |
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Fullington Academy is located in Pinehurst, Georgia, on highway 41 South. This small town, with a population of a few hundred, hosts the only private academy in Dooly County. Fullington has educated students for over 30 years and it continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities for its students. Its exceptionality is attested by the rigorous standards with which it must comply in order to continue as an academic facility. The Georgia Independent School Association (G.I.S.A.) governs academics and athletics. The G.I.S.A. is the governing body for over one hundred and thirty schools all over the state of Georgia including Fullington Academy. Fullington is accredited with the Georgia Accrediting Commission and undergoes evaluation to hold its status every five years. However, the school is reviewed every year. The school began operations as Fullington Academy in the fall of 1970. There were only two buildings on the campus. The primary building and the high school building were used to educate students in the first through twelfth grades. Mr. C.T. Alexander was the first headmaster. He oversaw a faculty consisting of sixteen members and a student body of 349 pupils. The gymnasium was built during the summer and completed in the Fall of 1970. Wayne Smith, a Fullington Senior in 1970-1971 and class president, drew the Trojan head on the center of the court as the official mascot of the school. The first basketball game was held in January 1971. It marked the beginning of Fullington athletics. Football, baseball, softball, tennis, track, golf, and other events followed quickly. A special dedication honoring Coach Van Heard is in the first Fullington Annual for his dedication and commitment to athletics. Sewell Hall, the fourth building added to the campus, was completed in 1973. It housed grades four through eight due to student class size growth in the early seventies. Mr. Sewell, a Dooly County native, donated the land and a large portion of funding for the construction of the building. The building currently houses grades one through five. The previous Pinehurst Baptist Church was located adjacent to Pinehurst High School; but as church membership increased a new building was necessary. The church moved two streets over and was rebuilt. The church pastorium was not moved and this building was located behind the church. The Dupree family bought the home and it became their private residence until 1982 when it was purchased by Fullington Academy. This building was the fifth to be added and houses the Learning Center. Garden Hall the sixth building on the campus was completed in 1997. It was constructed for a new lunchroom and classroom facility. It serves as the Junior High building. Garden Hall was dedicated to former headmaster, Jerry R. Garden who served as headmaster for twenty-five years. He began the 1974-1975 school year and continued until 2000. Mr. Garden was greatly respected and admired for his faith and allegiance to Fullington. |