Spotlight on Nikki Chester
1. Name: Nikki Chester
2. Hometown: Huntsville, AL by way of Winston-Salem, NC
3. College: B.S. Microbiology; M.A. Non-Profit Organizations; University of Georgia
4. Years at Athens Academy: 7 5. Family: Husband R.J. of 13 years; Children – John, 9 years old 3rd grader; Nicholas, almost 2 6. Memorable high school athletic moment: Winning 6A Volleyball State Championship as a senior with my younger sister as the starting setter! 7. What was the color and model of your 1st car and what do you remember about it?: 1981 Pontiac Fiero, white, it was the smallest car in the world, but it had headlights that flipped up when you turned them on….it was a totally 80’s car! 8. How do you like to spend your free time?: I love being with my family, so that would be high on the list. I also like playing recreational tennis, and I love getting away to our beach house in Ocean Isle. 9. What is your “Special Spartan Moment”?: "I have several special spartan moments athletically. Winning area championships, the blood, sweat and tears of pre-season, especially before air conditioning the Spartan Center, going 4-0 at the TOP TEN playday at Wesleyan last year, and overall, building solid and capable teams each year are memories I will always hold dear.” “Academically, the inaugural year of teaching Evolutionary Genetics was really special last year. From watching our students become proficient at high level molecular biology techniques to teaching modules about DNA and pipetting to the 6th and 2nd graders . . . . all the way to having our first annual liquid nitrogen ice cream party, it was a blast. I am so thankful for the opportunity to explore this new opportunity and the freedom to design such a cool class!" 10. What would you consider to be unique about Athens Academy?: "A couple of things immediately come to mind . . . first, freedom to be who we are, freedom to learn in an unencumbered environment where diversity of ideas is exalted, and freedom to explore the things about which we are passionate. This freedom provides the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual safety needed to truly learn.”…..second, service is central to what we do. There are so many opportunities to serve within the school community in addition to outside of school. I love seeing all of the ways that our school community comes together to help out those around us. " 11. What subject(s) do you teach?: Human Biology, Evolutionary Genetics 12. What do you enjoy about your academic discipline?: I like asking questions. I enjoy the art of observation. I love thinking about life, its diversity, what it is and how it works! I love genetics and how it is changing the face of science. I love helping students see how cool science really is and watching them become passionate about science with me! 13. What sport(s) do you coach?: Varsity Volleyball Head Coach 14. Athlete Quote – Carey Stewart - “Coach Nik has the unique talent of being able to teach both the delicate grace and difficult discipline of the balance of passionately loving the game AND excelling as it through hard work. Not only does her conscientious work lead the varsity team and the volleyball program as a whole to success on the court, but she also inspires every person – student, faculty, parent, or fan – to work everyday at becoming a better person. Her kindness, dedication and genuine care for others make the grind of being a top notch volleyball program possible. Without her love for the game, her team and her job, our team would not be capable of our “jobs” as athletes. Her energy and care for all that she does brings intensity and fun to practice everyday – a staple of a thriving and successful program from top to bottom.”