Featured Alumni: George Freemon '71

"The greatest lesson I learned while at Rabun Gap was that Work, Study, Worship lead to a balanced, happy, productive and successful life. Rabun Gap’s pillars have helped me to be successful in my career, marriage, and relationships. These pillars have remained consistent over the years at Rabun Gap."
 
Mr. George Freemon was a boarding student who graduated from Rabun Gap in 1971. He is originally from Florence, AL, but grew up in Roswell, GA where he currently lives with his wife Colleen, who is a realtor. Now retired, George had a successful career of over 35 years in medical, pharmaceutical and industry supply sales, and distributor account sales management. George’s Christian faith is an incredibly important component of his life; he and his wife are both active members of Northpoint Community Church. Through their church, the couple leads Oasis-divorce care classes in their home.
 
What makes Rabun Gap a special place? 
Rabun Gap is a unique place because of the compassionate teachers, friendships formed with fellow students from around the world, and the wonderful location in the north Georgia mountains.
 
What was the greatest lesson being at Rabun Gap taught you? 
The greatest lesson I learned while at Rabun Gap was that Work, Study, Worship lead to a balanced, happy, productive and successful life. Rabun Gap’s pillars have helped me to be successful in my career, marriage, and relationships. These pillars have remained consistent over the years at Rabun Gap.
 
What's your favorite memory from Rabun Gap? 
My favorite memories of Rabun Gap are from our worship and Bible study classes under pastor and teacher Mr. Jack Beaver, learning about the people and traditions of the mountains through the Foxfire books, and Mr. Elliot Wigington’s English classes. I also have wonderful memories of my houseparents who are two of my favorite people -  Aunt Virginia and Uncle Ernie.
 
You have been a loyal alumnus who has supported the school with volunteer time and with charitable gifts.  What inspires you to give back to Rabun Gap?
I love giving back and being charitable to the school that gave me such a great first-time away from home experience and perspective on life and the world.
 
Your mother was also a devoted supporter of Rabun Gap.  In what ways are the values of Rabun Gap special to your family?
My mother Nan Freemon, one of the first female pharmacists in Georgia and a Presbyterian, passed away in 2011. She was a big fan of Rabun Gap and the Christian principles and pillars that were taught at the School and lived out to the students. I’m hoping to continue to follow in her charitable legacy. 
 
You've been a part of the Rabun Gap family for over 45 years, what is your hope for Rabun Gap's future?  
My hope for the School’s future is that, even with evolving technology, it will never lose sight of its Christian mountain history and heritage and the three pillars of Work, Study, Worship that were adopted as part of its mission statement many years ago.
 
How has faith played a role in your life? Did the Worship pillar at Rabun Gap impact your faith journey?
My Christian faith has always been important to me and it really got started through mandatory worship and Bible Learning classes at the school. In our current world of ever-growing technology, medical and learning advances there is, unfortunately, a declining moral and ethical compass. I personally believe Rabun Gap’s Presbyterian Christian mountain heritage is something to be cherished and expanded on and much needed for the current and future generations. 
 
 
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.