Savannah Christian Preparatory School honored six standout athletes on Friday, April 26, in the Eckberg Center (gymnasium) on the SCPS campus. They celebrated their hard work, dedication, plans in college athletics, and state championships in front of family, classmates, the school community, and friends.
Julia Ronk, Christian Johns, Jaden Miles, Kenry Wall, and Connor Daniel all signed their letters of intent, each reflecting on how their Raider journey prepared them for the future.
Julia Ronk – Thomas University Softball
Savannah Christian's senior catcher, Julia Ronk, is headed to Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia, to play Division II softball. After starting her high school career at Calvary Day, Ronk became a leader behind the plate for SCPS, earning back-to-back First Team All-Region honors and helping her team reach the Elite Eight.
Ronk said her favorite moment was beating the state's No. 1 team in the playoffs. "That game definitely prepared me for the next level because you're always up against the best," she said.
She also credited her family and coaches. "My stepdad coached me since I was five years old. He's never taken summers off, always focusing on helping me reach my goals," Ronk said.
Ronk's goals at Thomas are clear: "I want to shock the people who doubted me and keep a strong GPA in college."
Christian Johns – Wheaton College Football
Christian Johns will take his talents to Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, signing as a punter after averaging 40 yards per punt this season for SCPS. Johns, who also played soccer and kept a high GPA throughout high school, said losing the 2023 state championship was a key moment in his growth.
"That loss taught me that you have to work hard and learn from failures," Johns said.
He thanked his teammates, family, and coaches for shaping him. "They poured into me and made me want to work hard not just for myself, but for them and for God," Johns said.
Johns said his goal at Wheaton is simple: "Be the best player and person I can be — Wheaton is a place that builds you both on the field and in your faith."
Jaden Miles – Stetson University Football
After a standout senior season, Jaden Miles signed to continue his football career at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. A two-year team captain and First Team All-Region linebacker, Miles finished with 68 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Miles said playing in the 2023 state championship game helped prepare him for college. "Even though we lost, it taught me to go harder and keep a chip on my shoulder," he said.
He also praised the SCPS coaches for keeping him accountable. "They were always on me to do things right, even the little things," Miles said.
At Stetson, Miles aims high: "First, get a great education, and then ball out on the field."
Kenry Wall – Reinhardt University Football
Kenry Wall will join Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, after an incredible all-around high school career. Wall, the Region 3A Division I Athlete of the Year, finished his senior season with 1,382 all-purpose yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Wall said the 2023 playoff run was a turning point. "That whole playoff stretch taught me how to overcome adversity and push through tough moments," he said.
He credited his family, coaches, and teammates for molding him. "They taught me things other kids might not have learned — on and off the field," Wall said.
As he moves forward, Wall's goals are to "be a better person, be a better football player, and give it my all when my opportunity comes."
Connor Daniel – Georgia Southern Clay Shooting
Connor Daniel, recognized as one of the leading junior clay shooters in the nation, has committed to Georgia Southern University, where he will be part of the Georgia Southern Clay Target Team. Daniel recently won the GIAA State Championship, setting a new state record with a near-perfect 295/300.
Daniel said winning his first national title at age 16 prepared him for college. "It showed me the pressure, the hard work, and the mindset it takes to win," he said.
He also thanked his parents, teachers, and coaches. "They taught me to always be thankful and to believe in myself, and that's something that will take me far in life," Daniel said.
Looking ahead to college, Daniel said: "I want to keep a high GPA at Georgia Southern and help the team win another national championship."
Daniels and Eamline Haddad – GIAA State Clay Target Champions
Emaline Haddad and Connor Daniels were celebrated on Friday for their victories at the Georgia Independant Athletic Assocaition State Clay Target Championship in November. Both earned high overall honors, topping hundreds of competitors across Georgia and received their state championship rings at the assembly.
Congratulations to these student-athletes. As they say on the Garden City, Georgia Campus, it's always a great day to be a Raider.
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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