THE MPCS NETWORK: HELPING ALUMNI STAY CONNECTED
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS RECIPIENTS
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.
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.”
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.”
Jared Knox ‘17 is a visual artist who was recognized recently as the Best of Cobb Artist for 2022. Jared is also the MPCS MACkie Award recipient, which is the first time that an alumnus chosen for this award works in the visual arts category. Jared’s artwork has been featured in Atlanta’s Voyage Magazine and his work was previously displayed in the dk Art Gallery, which represents the best of today's emerging and established contemporary painters and sculptors.
Jared cultivated his love and pursuit of visual arts while at MPCS and has continued developing his skills to such a degree that his work now hangs in professional galleries and is being collected and commissioned. At MPCS, talent in the arts is a gift given to those who see God’s truth and beauty in the world and express that truth through their work to glorify our creator. Jared exemplifies this ideal: he is a kind and gentle soul whose artistic creations of his perspectives on nature and people show God’s beauty.
Will Thompson ‘07 is the inaugural recipient of the MPCS Alumnus Distinguished Servant-Leader of the Year award.
Will played varsity basketball and baseball at MPCS and then continued to play varsity baseball at Wheaton College, graduating in 2011 with degrees in Spanish and Biblical studies.
His passion for sports ministry and reaching the people of Japan with the Gospel led him to start Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Tokyo (Japan) in 2012. Today, Will serves a dual role in leading the FCA Japan team and as the FCA East Global Division Ministry Advancement Director, with responsibilities across East Asia. Will is currently based in Marietta and working remotely. He is currently serving as an assistant baseball coach for MPC baseball teams and serves on the MPCS Alumni Mission Partners committee.
Will exemplifies the mission of MPCS and possesses the heart of a true servant-leader. In his personal life, work, and ministry, he has advanced the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ by serving others.
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.
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 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.
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