THE MPCS NETWORK: HELPING ALUMNI STAY CONNECTED
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS RECIPIENTS
The MPCS Alumni Association presented its annual awards during halftime of the homecoming 2021 football game. Congratulations to this year's recipients: Honorary Alumna of the Year Susan King and Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Beau O'Dell '06. Congratulations to both of these deserving honorees!
Susan King’s relationship with MPCS began in 1984, when she was hired as a teacher. After being at the school for several years, she joined the administrative team and became the school's first admissions director in 1989. From 1989-1992, she served in a variety of positions, including lower school principal and interim headmaster. In 1992, she became headmaster at MPCS, a position she held until 2004, when she placed MPCS into the capable hands of Dr. David Tilley. Her leadership during her 12 years as headmaster was critical in the growth of the school in allowing MPCS to become the school it is today. Mrs. King’s love for MPCS has continued since leaving in 2004. We recognize her for her efforts during her 20 year tenure at MPCS. It is clear that she, like the Biblical Esther, was, placed in her influential position at MPCS “for such a time as this.”
Mrs. King’s leadership was what MPCS needed during the time she was here, and the school is forever grateful for the sacrifices and commitment she made to MPCS during transitional years. When reflecting on her time at MPCS, Mrs. King says:
“Mount Paran Christian School will always hold a special place in my heart. I have many fond memories of working with wonderful students, supportive parents, and incredible teachers and staff, all sharing in the mission of MPCS. God called us to excellence, and together we raised our standards to meet that goal. To God be the glory!”
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Beau O’Dell '06
After graduating from MPCS in 2006, Beau O'Dell attended KSU and then earned a BS degree from Waldorf University in Fire Science Administration in 2013. He served as a Cobb County Fireman for 10 years. A few years ago, he became involved in the insurance business and was promoted to agency owner with Farmers Insurance (O’Dell Agency in Woodstock) in December 2020.
While a student at MPCS, Beau led chapel worship and was involved in student life, participating in the Arts and Athletics. Three years ago, he began serving on the alumni council and is currently the council’s VP and incoming president, beginning July 1, 2022. Beau’s sister, Tara Ellison '02, is an MPCS alumna, and his mother, Terry, worked as a teacher at MPCS for many years.
Beau and his family attend Four Points Church in Acworth. One of his favorite quotes is, "Charisma will take you to high places but character... character will keep you there! Give me Jesus. You can have all this world, just give me Jesus.”
Beau says of his time at MPCS:
“Mount Paran Christian School has played a major role in my life. The mentors and the leadership helped shape me into who I am today. This school was instrumental in building the foundation of my faith. I am so grateful and blessed to have been brought up through the school.”
At this year's Hoopcoming event, MPCS presented the inaugural Distinguished Athletic Alumnus of the Year Award to Taylor Trammell '16. Congratulations, Taylor, on this well-deserved honor!
During his time at MPCS, Taylor Trammell excelled in both football and baseball, earning numerous honors and recognition in both sports. Upon his graduation, Taylor was immediately drafted in the first round by the Cincinnati Reds. Since that time, he has diligently worked his way through the minor league system and was in last year's starting lineup on opening day for the Seattle Mariners. He eventually split last season with the Mariners and their triple AAA affiliate, Tacoma. One of his biggest highlights last season was earning two homeruns in a game against the White Sox.
Taylor shared that it is an honor to receive the Distinguished Athletic Alumnus of the Year Award and that he always tries to use his talents to reflect Christ-like behavior. He says that his time at MPCS was fascinating, and, more than anything, his relationship with Jesus grew substantiality. His favorite part of MPCS was his relationship with the operations team: talking with Mr. Ron, Ms. Sheila, Mr. Tony, or hearing Mr. Warren singing. Taylor says that the most important thing he took always from MPCS was that “how you treat people goes a long way. You never know what people are going through.”
Taylor stated that Baseball Coach Kyle Reese had the greatest impact on him at MPCS: “He is the best coach in GHSA Class A baseball and has been for the past 10 years. His knowledge on the field is remarkable, and he truly cares for each individual on his team.”
ALUMNI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Alumni Internship Program began in January 2021 with the goal to place alumni in college in an internship in one of the many departments of MPCS. There are guidelines and procedures to follow when considering an internship at the school, but the program offers great flexibility and is sure to be a success with young alumni.
Three alumni recently interned at MPCS.
Future interships are possible in the following areas: Information Technology, Development, Human Resources, Administrative Services, Servant-Leadership, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Operations, Performing Arts Administration, Performing Arts Program, Athletic Administration and Coaching, Merchandising and Retail Management, Healthcare, Counseling, Summer Camps, Student Teaching, and more.
The MPCS Alumni Internship Program provides opportunities for alumni would like to partner with the school in gaining valuable hands-on experience within a particular department of the school that relates to the career they are pursuing.
Congratulations to those MPCS alumni who earned exemplary academic achievement at their colleges during the spring and summer of 2021. This list of students recognizes only those who are listed through the Merit Pages Program or those that MPCS has come to learn of from other sources.
MPCS also extends congratulations to those alumni who recently graduated from college.
August Alumni Business of the Month:
Beau O'Dell ’06 owns and operates his own Famer's Insurance agency, the O'Dell Agency, in Woodstock, GA.
September Alumni Business of the Month:
Nick Caras '12 owns and operates his own business, Tails Up, Pup, in Marietta, GA. Tails Up, Pup creates handmade, personalized dog bandanas. They also offer a variety of other dog products, including toys, collars, leashes, and more. Nick also serves on the Alumni Council.
October Alumni Business of the Month:
Juliana Duvall'12 operates her own business, Upbeat Boutique. The business mission is "Showing Go'ds love to others." Juliana shares, "Through my passion for fashion and the Lord, my mission is to provide modest, fun, and trendy fashion, while sharing God's love and giving back 10% of profits to women and children in need that are in our community."
Find out more about alumni businesses on the MPCS Network.
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