MPCS Alumni Program: Welcome Back!

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You’re Always Family... Forever an Eagle

REMEMBER your roots and come back to visit us frequently.

RECONNECT with classmates and teachers from your formative years.

RENEW your relationship with your school by getting involved in one of the many opportunities for alumni.

Our MPCS alumni family continues to grow and do amazing things while following the school's mission of being servant-leaders in the communities in which they live. Learn more about our alumni engagement and partnership opportunities, and check out the news and events pages for up-to-date information on alumni program developments, stories, events, and class reunions.

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The purpose of the MPCS alumni program is to serve both our alumni community and the mission of MPCS. We seek an active, ongoing relationship with our alumni. Our desire is to know you well, to follow your life-story as it unfolds, and to support you in your growth and development as servant-leaders who honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.

Alumni Association Mission

Ways to Get Involved

Opportunities for Engagement

MPCS offers many opportunities for alumni to reconnect, engage, or partner with the school:

Serve on the Alumni Council. (See Alumni Council membership guidelines below and submit an application.)
Partner with MPCS Christian Life in achieving the school's mission by serving on the Alumni Mission Partner (AMP) committee.
Mentor a high school senior by participating in the MPCS goLEAD leadership development program.
Partner with MPCS by participating in the annual Alumni Family Serve Day.
Volunteer by giving school-wide devotions, speak to a club or at chapel, or lead current student in before-school Bible studies.
Become a Class Ambassador, connecting with classmates about alumni engagement opportunities such as annual events or class reunions
Become a Digital ambassador encouraging dialogue on the MPCS Network and alumni social media.
Goodwill ambassadors share the story of the school and support the school in its endeavors to fulfill the school mission
Offer internships to MPCS alumni college students.
Participate in the school's Annual Fund and Georgia GOAL scholarship program.
Participate in the MPCS Alumni Entrepreneurship Symposium.
Support the Alumni Servant Leadership Fund.
Participate in the Alumni Lead Concessions Event in the fall.

Please contact alumni relations if you have questions about how to become more involved with your alma mater, or complete the form below to express interest in these alumni opportunities to give back to MPCS.

Alumni Volunteer Form

Ambassadors

Class Ambassadors communicate and update alumni on all activities and events related to alumni news, including class reunions. Acting as a liaison to the school, Class Ambassadors share information from the Alumni Council with classmates, as well as encourage classmates to participate in alumni-related events, MPCS alumni social media, and the MPCS Network.

Goodwill ambassadors share the story of the school and support the school in its endeavors to fulfill the school mission through engagement events and volunteerism.

Digital Ambassadors are active on the MPCS Network, participating on the network a minimum of four times a month - posting on the event page, "liking" or commenting on others' posts, and encouraging others in the alumni community to join the MPCS Network.

We are seeking Class Ambassadors and Digital Ambassadors!

If you are interested or would like further information on either one of these alumni roles, please contact a member of the alumni council or Alumni Relations Manager John Braswell.

Alumni Mission Partners

Alumni Mission Partners works alongside MPCS Christian Life to assist the school in achieving its mission.

Mary Grace Burton Bennett ‘17
Blake Chaput '18
Madeline Mulkey Daniels ‘12
David Ian ‘11
Kevin Scott '11
Jared Knox ‘17
Allan Malloy ‘92
Samantha McCrabb ‘14
Preston Moore ‘12
Kay Copeland Refvik‘07
Drew Renno ‘13
Matt Smith ‘13
Will Thompson ‘07
Scotty Valiani ‘13
Steve Kyle, Assistant Head of School for Christian Life
Jean Ann Murphy, Assistant Director of Christian Life

Alumni Internships

The Alumni MPCS Internship Program's goal is to place collegiate alumni in an internship in one of the many departments of the school. The program provides opportunities for alumni who would like to partner with the school in gaining valuable hands-on experience relating to the career they are pursuing.

Future internships are possible in these areas:

^{Information Technology}
^Development
^{Human Resources}
^{Administrative Services}
^{Servant-Leadership}
^{Marketing and Communications}
^Finance
^Operations
^{Performing Arts}
^{Athletics Administration, Coaching}
^{Merchandising and Retail}
^Healthcare
^Counseling
^{Summer Programs}
^{Student Teaching, and more.}

The program offers great flexibility and has been successful with our young alumni. Please inquire!

Alumni Internship Policies

Alumni Internship Interest Form

Alumni Internship Application

Alumni Mentors

Mount Paran Christian schools offers the two-year goLEAD program to juniors and seniors. The coursework helps them develop the skills needed to use learned knowledge and practice the skills necessary to lead well among their peers now, tomorrow, and the distant future. Additionally, goLEAD is designed to help students to not only define their core values, but to understand them so that their leadership will be based on a solid foundation that will see them through turbulent and uncertain changes.

The alumni named below have dedicated their time to the goLead program as mentors to our high school seniors providing an excellent testament of support for future servant-leaders.

Michael Browning ’13
Caitlin (Murray) Brunson’11
Julia Vaughn Bullard ’10
Natalie Clinkscales ’08
Ali (Cryan) Connor ’14
Jeb Gordon ’09
Ashton (Duncan) Hilbrands ’08
Jared Knox ’17
Megan Litz ’18
Devin Phillips ’04
Drew Phillips ’05
Savannah Ross ’17
Cole Rothrock ’16
Scotty Valiani ’13
Renee VanHorn ’15
Elise (Wymer) Raeder ’17

Letter From Alumni Relations

Dear MPCS Alumni,

I am thrilled to join the Mount Paran Christian School community as the new Alumni Relations Manager. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, I had the privilege of attending Annapolis Area Christian School for my grade school years, and later, Lee University for my college education. I have experienced first hand the importance of a Christian education and know the benefits that it produces, not only to the students, but parents and families as well. I am beyond honored to take over from John Braswell, who has done a fantastic job developing and bringing the alumni program to where it is today. His dedication and hard work have laid a strong foundation, and I am excited to build upon it. As I start off in this position, my goal is to ensure that as alumni launch from Mount Paran, they never lose their connection to this wonderful community. I am passionate about fostering enduring relationships and creating opportunities for alumni to stay engaged and support each other. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you as we continue to grow and strengthen our alumni network.

Title: Alumni Relations Manager

Education: I attended Annapolis Area Christian School for my grade school years followed by my undergraduate years at Lee University.

Number of Years in Profession: 4 years of technical marketing outreach and client relations. Alumni relations office experience at Lee University as well.

Fun Fact: I love traveling. Some of my favorite places I’ve been are the Bardini Gardens in Florence, Italy, La Libertad in El Salvador, and surfing spots like the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Hawaii, and Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, California.

Connections to MPCS: I have had the incredible pleasure of coaching the boys varsity lacrosse team the last two years and have made some wonderful relationships with Mount Paran faculty.

What Makes You Excited About Working at MPCS: l am excited to become a part of the MPCS family. I have seen how incredible the community is and to be a part of it and able to contribute to it is something I am very excited about.

— Mr. Elijah Hall

Alumni Relations Manager

Contact

Elijah Hall
Alumni Relations Manager
Email: Email Elijah
Phone: (470) 250-0008 EXT: 3923

2,282

Total Alumni

Starting from the MPCS class of 1987 with 24 graduates, last year's class of 2024 consisted of 114 new members inducted into the Alumni Association.

24

Alumni Council Members

Explore more below about the MPCS Alumni Council which is the governing board of our Alumni Association.

1,208

MPCS Network Users

The MPCS Network is the central source for MPCS families and alumni to network together for jobs, vendors, news, and connection opportunities.

57

Alumni Awards

given to MPCS alumni and honorary alumni since 2003.

1,100+

Alumni on Facebook

The Mount Paran Christian School Alumni Association Facebook page is continually growing.

25+

Alumni Children Attending MPCS

Alumni families are enrolling their children at MPCS, desiring the same Christian education for their own children.

35+

Alumni Employees

Many alumni come back home to MPCS to continue their professional careers.

96%

Alumni Council Giving

The Alumni Council is invested in the mission of MPCS through financial support through the Annual Fund.

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MPCS Alumni Association and the Alumni Council

The Alumni Council is divided into the Executive Council and subcommittees, with the association members who serve on the current Alumni Council.

Alumni Council

The Mount Paran Christian School Alumni Council comprises representatives from graduating classes who function as an Executive Council. Non-voting members, such as the Head of School, Chief Development Officer, Assistant Director of Development, and the Alumni Relations Manager, also give input to the direction of the Alumni Council.

The mission of the Mount Paran Christian School Alumni Association is to partner with and support the mission of Mount Paran Christian School and to foster a spirit of community among the school's alumni.Alumni Council Executive Membership Guidelines
Any MPCS alumnus/alumna interested in serving on the alumni council may submit an application or contact the Alumni Relations Manager or the President of the Executive Council. Any member interested in serving on the Alumni Council must be in good standing with the Alumni Association and must make a commitment to attend a minimum of three of the four quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person) and attend two of the three campus alumni events during the school year. The term for an Alumni Council member is one year, with a renewed commitment for each following year, should the alumnus/alumna choose so. Each year of service begins on July 1 and ends June 30 the following year.

Alumni Council Leadership

The Alumni Council is divided into subcommittees, with association members serving on the current Alumni Council.

Officers

Event Planning

Plans and executes all alumni events during the year.

Caroline Bradford '03
Joshua Brownsworth '14
Nick Caras '12 (Chair)
Endien Freeman '98
Ashton Hilbrands '08
Taylor Kinsey '09
Trey Renno '09
Scott Varner '92
Brittany Varville '11
Rico Washington '15

Communications

Outreach

Alumni Association Membership

Automatic and full membership to the Alumni Association is available to all MPCS graduates, and honorary membership is granted to MPCS students who did not graduate from MPCS but meet the established criteria for honorary membership. Honorary membership may also be granted to any former or current faculty or staff member (non-alumni) who meets the established criteria for honorary membership. When matters of voting are extended to the association, only full members are entitled to vote.

From the President

I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to serve as the alumni council president and to lead in the continuing building of the MPCS alumni program! Its growth over the past several years has been the result of the amazing people that have served on the council and their commitment to growing an exemplary alumni program. We will build on the foundation they have laid and offer even more opportunities for our alumni to jump in and get involved. It’s going to be special watching these things take shape over the next few years! MPCS has had a tremendous impact on all our lives, and I look forward to seeing some alumni simply reconnecting with MPCS, while also seeing other alumni partner with the school in furthering the Kingdom of God in the lives of its students and its alumni.

— Beau O'Dell '06, President
MPCS Alumni Association

A Full-Circle Christian Education

Have you considered sending your own children to your alma mater for a Christ-centered education? Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

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We are so proud of our son as he graduates from college. He has flourished in college and will tackle his career with the same determination. But what is most important is what happens on the inside. We know man looks at the outward appearance, and God looks at the heart. We are grateful for a faithful God and for his time at MPCS. Many good and Godly people poured into our son. Thank you, Mount Paran, and thank you Jesus!

M. and C. Galanos

MPCS Alumni Parents

Alumni Association Awards

The Alumni Council presents four annual alumni awards to distinguished recipients.

Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

The highest honor an MPCS alum can receive is the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award. It is awarded annually and is presented to a most-deserving alum at halftime of the homecoming football game in the fall. Feedback for this award is received from the MPCS Alumni Community, the Alumni Executive Council, and the MPCS Administration. The criteria for this award is based on the following:
An MPCS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year faithfully lives out the mission of Mount Paran Christian School by being a servant leader who Honors God Unapologetically, Loves Others Unconditionally, and Walks in Truth Faithfully.

An MPCS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year demonstrates a lifestyle of integrity, a commitment to Scripture, service to the body of Christ, and is a blessing to others.
An MPCS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year bears fruits of the Spirit in their daily walk: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
An MPCS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year is esteemed by others in their local church, professional workplace, and the MPCS community.
An MPCS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year demonstrates a willingness to give back to MPCS in terms of service, time, and or resources.

The deadline for nominations is early fall. Stay tuned for future opportunities to nominate an alumnus/alumna for the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award.

Distinguished Servant-Leader Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12)

Each year, MPCS recognizes a well-deserving alumnus/alumna who has faithfully carried through with the school’s mission statement. This recognition takes place at the annual Family Serve Chapel each spring.

The criteria for this award are as follows:

Continues to faithfully live out the mission of Mount Paran Christian School by being a servant-leader who honors God, loves others, and walks in Truth
Possesses the heart, head, hands, and habits of a servant- leader (Blanchard and Hodges)
Extraordinarily serves the local community in which he/she lives, whether in a volunteer or paid position
Advances the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ by serving others
Demonstrates integrity in his/her service to others
Lives out the call of Micah 6:8 to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly and faithfully with the God of Jesus Christ

Distinguished Arts Alumnus/Alumna of the Year (MACkie Award)

The "MACkie" Award, so named for the Murray Arts Center (lovingly referred to as “The MAC”), serves as a vehicle to annually honor the people of MPCS who have leveraged their artistic and arts-minded gifts to make a difference in the world, be it locally or afar; vocational or avocational; in front of millions or by oneself in a practice room; sacred or secular. We wish to recognize the power of the arts through MPCS, the lives it changes, and the stories that are told to change the world.

The MACkie award, which is presented each spring during the Spring Social & Supper, is itself a stylized glass-blown figure with arms lifted towards the heavens. The colors within the glass symbolize both Old and New Testament ideals: the blue represents the infallible word of God that exists within each of us from our training, and the green conveys life and resurrection.

The MACkie award represents each of us - we are all like glass, delicate and translucent. With God’s word and redemptive hope embedded within, we emanate His goodness and example from the inside out so that all of our actions become a point of worship to God the Father.

Criteria for nomination and selection are as follows:

An MPCS graduate who participated in MPCS arts programs
Established in the “the real world” of the arts as either a performer, educator, designer, technician, engineer, or other arts-related venture

Distinguished Athletics Alumnus/Alumna of the Year

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Lord Jesus...” (Col. 3:17)

The Distinguished Athletic Alumnus/Alumna of the Year award is presented annually during Hoopcoming, the winter alumni event. This award is given to an alumnus/alumna who is working in a sports/athletic field and meets the criteria:

Continues to faithfully live out the mission of Mount Paran Christian School by honoring God, loving others, and walking in Truth
Successful in his/her chosen profession that relates to athletics (e.g. professional athlete, sports management, coaching, sports medicine, sports broadcasting)
Gives back to the athletic alumni community through student mentorship, speaking engagements, facility enhancements, coach mentoring, or other areas of enhancement
Demonstrates integrity in their given profession

Previous Award Recipients

Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Recipients:
2008 - Matthew Baughman '92
2009 - Ken Horstmann '89
2010 - Laine Slevinski Schmidt '00
2011 - Mike Harden '89
2012 - Josh Smith '03
2013 - Dr. Josh Rice '96
2014 - David Owens '92
2015 - Jeff Jahn '03
2016 - John Souders '89
2017 - Wes Watt '09
2018 - Caroline Bradford '03
2019 - Annie Downs '98
2021 - Beau O'Dell '06
2022 - Allan Malloy '92
2023 - Devin Phillips '04

Honorary Alumni of the Year Recipients:
2006 - Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kelly, Jr.
2007 - Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Paul Walker
2008 - Mr. and Mrs. Joe McDonald
2009 - Mr. and Mrs. Ken Davis
2010 - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sewell
2011 - Mr. and Mrs. Ron Mulkey
2012 - Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hughes
2013 - Ms. Jan Mote
2014 - Dr. and Mrs. Mark Walker
2016 - Mr. and Mrs. Steve Shelton
2018 - Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bethel
2021 - Mrs. Susan King
2023 - Mr. and Mrs. Keith Johnson

Distinguished Athletics Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Recipients:
2021 - Taylor Trammell '16
2023 - Duncan Evans '08

Distinguished Servant-Leader Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Recipients:
2022 - Will Thompson '07
2023 - Justin Cooley '12 and Emily Cooley '11
2024 - Scotty Valiani '13

Distinguished Arts Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Recipients:

2018 - Nathan Screer '10
2019 - Eric Smith '10
2022 - Jared Knox '17
2023 - Hannah Muse '12
2024 - Matt Bennett '06

A group of adults is smiling and clapping as an older woman appears to be receiving an award on stage.

Current Alumni Award Winners

We invite you to read more about our recent honorees for the Alumni Association Awards. Be sure to check the Alumni News and Events page often to view the winners and keep up to date on alumni events and upcoming reunions.

class notes

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MPCS Alumni Program: Welcome Back!

REMEMBER your roots and come back to visit us frequently.

Contact

A Full-Circle Christian Education

Current Alumni Award Winners