mpcs ALUMNI

BY MR. JOHN BRASWELL, ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER

2022 DISTIGUISHED ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: Allan Malloy ‘92

Allan Malloy ‘92 earned an undergraduate degree in Christian Education from Lee University and a Master’s degree in Theology from Liberty Theological Seminary and has served 27 years in-full time ministry, most recently as the senior pastor of New Life Church in Canton, Georgia. He is president of the Cherokee County Ministerial Association and supports MPCS by serving on the Alumni Mission Partners committee. Allan has been married to his wife, Kathy, for 26 years, and they have four children and two grandchildren.

An MPCS "lifer," Allan led the chapel worship team during his junior and senior year and often spoke at the chapel services for lower school. Allan said, “I’m very honored and grateful to be considered. Thirteen years as a student, I’ve got MPCS running through my veins!”

Brad Banks ‘90

works with foster child adoptions at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch and has served as a foster parent for two years. “My wife and I have always had a heart for orphans,” Brad said. “We feel that Goshen is exemplary in its approach to the needs of our community.” Additionally, Brad has volunteered for more than 20 years with his church.

Brad Welty ‘90

has been a middle and high school teacher and coach for the past 27 years, serving at Fellowship Christian School, in Roswell, Georgia. He shared, “I love to teach kids God's word and to coach them in a sport they love. I enjoy all the lessons they can learn from sports. I hope I am able to impact the next generation in a positive way and lead them to a relationship with God.”

Angela (Wells) Rodriguez ‘95

is an English language arts teacher at Lambert High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Of her journey, she shared, “At the age of 36, I followed the leading of God and decided to pursue my Masters of Arts in Teaching degree at Liberty University. At age 38, my dream of becoming a certified teacher came true! I am humbled to pour into the lives of young people daily. In return, those young people bless my life beyond measure! As an educator, I am able to help students learn content and also mentor them along the journey of life. I am currently pursuing leadership development courses and positions within my school to help mentor other educators.”

Adam King ‘99 has been a teacher at Mount Paran Christian School for 17 years and is a regular volunteer at Family Serve Day, including this year’s Alumni Family Serve Day at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. He is also a children’s ministry teacher and small group leader at Vertical Life Church. Adam said he volunteers “to invest in the lives of others as others have invested in me.”

Brick Faucette ‘03 is a volunteer baseball coach for the Northside Youth Organization. Of the experience, he said, “I feel the importance of giving back to our youth and shaping their childhood experience with the lessons that were taught to me when I was their age. Serving as a coach to youth sports is extremely important and satisfying to me. Without volunteer coaches, there would be no one to pass on the life lessons, both on and off the field.”

Jonathan Duncan ‘04 is the creative content lead for TMS Global, an international organization where he’s worked for the past seven years. He shared, “I love working for TMS Global because of the value they place on the Kingdom of God, desiring to see Jesus moving in every part of the world. In my role, I oversee all the outward-facing assets of the organization. These include marketing pieces, development materials, projects for our training and mobilization departments, or assets for our missionaries that directly help them do what the Lord has called them to. It’s not always easy but it is incredibly fulfilling to belong to work that matters.” Jonathan also serves on the communications committee for the MPCS Alumni Council.

Devin Phillips ‘04

is a volunteer for both MPCS Alumni Family Serve Day and Night to Shine, an event hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Devin also serves as vice president of the MPCS Alumni Council and is a goLEAD leadership program mentor.

Cristina (Lluberas) Ponsell ‘05

After spending more than six years with the NYC Department of Education as the director of interpretations, Cristina (Lluberas) Ponsell ‘05 is now the associate director of Language Access for NYC Health + Hospitals in New York, New York, where she oversees language access services for patients who prefer a language other than English and patients with a disability that affects their communication or reading (e.g. braille, ASL, CART, etc.). She said, “NYC Health + Hospitals is the nation’s largest municipal health care delivery system dedicated to providing the highest quality health care services to all New Yorkers with compassion, dignity and respect, and regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. I work within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to oversee language access and disability communications. I am the contract manager for 15 different language service vendors who provide different services to NYC Health + Hospitals. There are language access coordinators at each of the hospitals helping to oversee the hospital’s day-to-day language needs. I also assist with planning, implementation, and overseeing trainings for language access, culture awareness, and disability awareness.”

Beau O'Dell ‘06 not only supports MPCS as the president of the Alumni Council, but he also volunteers as a baseball coach for Oregon Park Baseball in Marietta, Georgia. Of the experience, he said, “I love being able to teach the game of baseball as well as helping to influence the kids of the community. It is truly a joy!”

Katie

(Sheffield) Ki ‘07

Brittany (Sigman) Holbrook ’04

“To best reach my community for Christ, to thrive in family discipleship and godly friendships, and to use my gifts and talents for the Kingdom,” is the goal for Brittany (Sigman) Holbrook ’04. “Everywhere I go and with everything I do, I want to point people to Jesus, whether it’s at the kid’s coop, church, volunteering, pumping gas, grocery shopping, or attending a sports events.” Brittany and her husband, Scott, serve at church as coaches for the fourth and fifth grade and middle school ministries, as well as serving on the elder board. The duo is also in training for the teaching team. She shared, “I have a passion to see women connect with their Godgiven calling by hosting online Bible studies.” She is currently working to launch a podcast and website called “The Busy Mamas Club”, thebusymamasclub.com.

is a first-grade teacher for Asian Hope International School in Cambodia. “I am passionate about Christian education and feel called to help raise up leaders for the next generation of God's kingdom in Cambodia,” she said. “Asian Hope International School is a Christian school exclusively for Cambodian children. High-quality education for Khmer children is hard for many families to access. I am excited to be part of an organization that offers hope for the next generation of leaders by providing them with an international standard education in a Christian environment.”

Annie

Snead ‘07

is an advocate for creating community impact with ENT Credit Union, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She supports ENT's efforts to improve people's quality of life. She said, “As someone who has the responsibility of managing a large philanthropy budget for a credit union, I don't take this role lightly. We are facing a pediatric mental health crisis, affordable housing issues, and much more. Reviewing applications and helping allocate dollars to make the greatest impact is a privilege. I'm grateful to be able to do this work for a living, while also volunteering with my time, talent, and treasure." Annie is a board member of Pikes Peak United Way. She supports a number of other nonprofits, including TESSA, Fostering Hope, Fostering Love Rescues, Atlas Prep. Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. “When I worked in television news, I saw just how much need there is," Annie said. "For anyone who gives back, it sometimes feels like you're not making an impact with small steps, when, in fact, that's exactly where change happens! It's through our everyday choices to give an hour. It may seem small at the time, but the ripple effect is huge. The possibilities are endless when you continue to take those small steps.”

DISTIGUISHED ATHLETIC ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: Duncan Evans ‘08

Duncan Evans '08 was selected as the 2023 MPCS Distinguished Athletic Alumnus of the Year, an award given to an MPCS alumnus/alumna who regularly engages or participates in an athletic/sports-related field and who meets or exceeds the established criteria by the MPCS Alumni Council.

Duncan is currently the major league physical therapist for the Detroit Tigers. He was an MPCS "lifer," having participated in sports throughout his time at the school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Georgia College and State University in 2012 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida in 2016. Following graduate school, he completed a Residency in Sports Medicine and a Fellowship in Upper Extremity Athletics. He has been working in Major League Baseball since 2019 and has contributed to books and conferences on throwing mechanics.

Will Thompson ‘07

is the director of ministry advancement for Fellowship of Christian Athletes-East Global Division (Asia). He is also a volunteer for the MPCS Alumni Mission Partner committee. Will shared, “I believe that the vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes is one of the most strategic and influential ways to fulfill the Great Commission among all nations. I am passionate about Jesus and sports, and FCA beautifully values both.

I am thankful to be in a role to be able to influence the nations with potential for Kingdom impact among peoples and places I may never even go. Working with and serving more than 120 leaders in 20+ countries across Asia,… my heart is for the unreached, that in and through the universal language of sports… the Kingdom of God and the Good News of Jesus might spread to make disciples who make disciples of every people group.”

Ashton (Duncan) Hilbrands ‘08

serves on the events planning committee for the MPCS Alumni Council. Since 2016, she has also volunteered for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine Event. And, she’s volunteered with the Kyle Pease Foundation since 2021, participating in two to three races per year. Ashton shared, “I have a passion for helping individuals overcome their disabilities that have limited them from enjoying activities that so many people do. Night to Shine allows individuals with various disabilities to enjoy prom, something that everyone fondly remembers from their high school years. It also is a way to spread God’s love to everyone and make sure they know how special and loved they are. The Kyle Pease Foundation has allowed me to share my love of running and competing in races with individuals who utilize a wheelchair. Being able to push-assist these athletes and watch the joy I feel from competing in these races is incredible. It shows people that there are no barriers to enjoying these events that so many take for granted. I think it is so important to give back to the community you live in. I love that I can utilize my skills as a physical therapist to give back to a population so close to my heart in my own backyard.”

“I love educating young hearts and minds,” said Sarah Pulley ’09, a kindergarten teacher for Marietta City Schools at Westside Elementary in Marietta, Georgia. “I know that I’m changing lives in my profession and can model what it means to follow Jesus, even if I can’t openly speak about it in the public school setting. My hope is that my students can see the Lord’s great love through me.”

Allie (Shirley) Spencer ‘10 is the author of a book, To My Single Friends, and expresses gratitude that God has used her story to encourage those in her community. She said, “I believe that those walking through a season of singleness or waiting need to be encouraged to trust in God. I’ve shared my testimony and story about my journey of singleness at several Bible studies and events.”

Caitlin (Murray) Brunson ‘11 is the Marketing Coordinator for Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, which serves boys in foster care. “My work for the foster youth in families at Goshen Valley is more than just a job,” Caitlin said. “These kids deserve to overcome the odds stacked against them, and they deserve to have all the opportunity in the world. Working on the fundraising team allows me to utilize my professional skills to make life better for the 120 kids we serve and their families.” In addition to her professional role, Caitlin is a volunteer for MUST Ministries, supporting their annual golf tournament fundraiser. And, she volunteers as a development mentor for Serenade Heights, an organization that works to help single moms get on their feet and navigate life with young children. “I am so blessed to be able to also share my knowledge and mentor the director of development at this organization. Their work hits close to home,” she said. “Our work at Goshen and the work that Serenade Heights does goes hand in hand, and I know how important their impact is on these single moms. I love dedicating my time, knowledge, and money to this organization.”

Erin Sparks ‘11 is a Campus Missionary and Development Coach for Every Nation Ministries. She has been a missionary for eight years, a job she says she loves because she is training and equipping leaders to live God-honoring lives. She shared, “College students are open to the Gospel. [This ministry] is an open door to reach the nations and disciple the next generation.”

I Believe Others Need To Be Encouraged To Trust In God

Beka Miller ‘12 partners with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, focused on family-centered programs to promote health and unity.

Matt McKenzie ‘13 serves in the United States Army as an ODA Team LeaderSpecial Forces. He also recently became a father to his first child with his wife Logan (Rusk) McKenzie '12.

DISTIGUISHED SERVANT-LEADER ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: Justin Cooley ‘12 and Emily Cooley ‘11

Emily (Kelley) Cooley '11 and Justin Cooley '12 are lifelong servant-leaders. Before serving together in southeast Asia, Justin was a police officer for Cobb county, where he was awarded the "Life Saver Award" for his act of bravery during his service. Emily worked as a Kindergarten teacher in the inclusion classroom, where she was recognized as the "Outstanding New Employee" and the "Rose Wing Teacher of Promise."

They both loved their early careers but felt the Lord pulling on their hear ts to move to a place where His name was not known. They ended up serving as missionaries in Asia with a local church, where Justin would preach and Emily would lead the children’s ministry. They also worked with a local nonprofit in helping to supply items to meet the needs of the people. Today, they have returned to the states, where Justin is now an Associate Pastor at Cobb Vineyard Church.

DISTIGUISHED ARTS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR:

Hannah Muse ‘12

Hannah Muse '12 is this year's recipient of the MACkie Award, an award presented to the MPCS Distinguished Arts Alumna of the Year. Hannah cultivated her love and pursuit of the performing arts at MPCS as an actor, dancer, vocalist, and all-around stage performer. She continued developing her skills through college to prepare for a career in the performing arts. For the past several years, she has been a performer at Dollywood and most recently serves as Dollywood’s Entertainment Production Supervisor.

MacKenzie (Robinson) Mencias ‘13 volunteers for the Honduras Development Network. “I lived and taught in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for two years,” she shared. “While my husband and I don’t live there anymore, I have a deep love for all of the people I met while there. I am honored to help an organization that helps so many young people in Honduras reach their educational goals through giving and outreach. My husband and I work with Honduras Development Network by aiding in organizing and uploading content to their online education platform, where students are able to access online classes and further their learning when it may not have been accessible otherwise. I also aid in keeping their website and social media updated with alumni stories and ways to give.” Additionally, MacKenzie is on staff at MPCS, where she works as the school’s substitute coordinator.

Kayley Ripley ‘13 is the Wish Coordinator for Make-A-Wish Georgia. “Early in my career, I developed a deep passion for building meaningful relationships and serving with empathy and kindness,” she shared. “As I recently pursued a career change, God made it evident that He was calling me to use my passions to serve local Georgia families at Make-A -Wish Georgia. I have first-hand experience of the impact (and magic) of many wishes, and I am excited to continue the mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In my role as Wish Coordinator, I have the incredible opportunity to walk alongside local Georgia families through their child's medical journey and grant their child's true, heartfelt wish, whether it is a trip to Disney, a new puppy, or a treehouse for their backyard. It has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with local and national partners, as well as develop relationships with our MAWGA families and children. It truly is a dream job!”

Matt Smith ‘13 said, “Since a young age, I have had a very clear calling on my life to serve the church. I currently serve sixth grade through college at First Baptist Church of Alpharetta. I believe God has also called me to lead a church myself one day. That is a goal I am consistently working towards. [I have] a desire to serve the community – not due to my vocation, but instead, is because of Christ’s commandment to us all in Matthew 28. We are all called to go and make disciples.” Matt also serves on the MPCS Alumni Mission Partner committee.

Scotty Valiani ‘13

is the discipleship director for Four Points Church, in Acworth, Georgia. He also serves on the MPCS Alumni Mission Partner committee.

Joshua Brownsworth ‘14

“The church is not a place to just go and listen to a sermon,” declared Joshua Brownsworth. “It is a living body that I should participate in.” Joshua serves by being a greeter twice a month for Stonebridge Church in Kennesaw, Georgia. “Volunteering with my church is a small way of participating in the work of Christ in the body of believers,” he said. Joshua is also a volunteer for the MPCS Alumni Council events planning committee.

Mallory Pettet ‘14

is a high school english teacher at MPCS and volunteers with promRED, an organization focused on creating awareness of and helping to eradicate human trafficking.

Madison (Long) Ailinger ‘15

Sydney Murphy Keller ‘14

Serving young people is how Sydney Murphy Keller ‘14 volunteers her time as a high school youth group leader at her church. “The next generation needs people to love them and provide wisdom,” she shared. “Discipleship is what we are commanded to do!” is a pastor at Christ UMC in Staunton, Virginia. Before she became a full-time pastor about a year ago, Madison worked as a chaplain at Duke and worked or volunteered at five churches before she landed at Christ UMC. “I love the church and have been helping out since I was a child,” she shared. She is also the founder of Shepherd’s House, an emergency church shelter for the homeless. She said, “With the help of some pastor friends, I made an emergency shelter for the homeless because someone died outside the one in our area last year. We realized there are a hundred different reasons people are not allowed in shelters or feel uncomfortable there. So, we made a shelter at the church, and it was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was there almost every evening, and the people are kind and make me a better person. That is my passion right now, but I am also a full-time pastor, where I serve my 500 members. It is an honor to be a vessel for God in this capacity. This is the calling God has put on my life, and I love it. One second, I’m helping a child who’s having a hard time, and the next I’m comforting people in the hospital. My job includes a lot, but the only reason I can do it is because of God. God gives me the confidence and love to do this hard work and do it well.”

Hailey Bednar ‘15

is a volunteer who fundraises by hiking for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina.

Abby Darling ‘15

“Over the course of this year, the Lord has been teaching me about selflessness and giving,” shared Abby Darling.

“He has revealed to me how self serving I am when it comes to my time, money, and mind. Over the next few months as I finish up school, I will have more free time than I probably ever will. Therefore, after much thought and prayer, I have decided to use this summer as an opportunity to serve with Blue Skies Ministries. This is an organization that I've known about for a while and am so excited to experience it. Childhood cancer has always been something I've felt strongly about. The goal of this ministry is to raise money for families affected by childhood cancer and provide them a week at the beach. It's a retreat away from the hospital, bills, and the worries of cancer. Most importantly, it’s a week to focus on the supernatural peace, joy, and healing that the Lord provides. As a volunteer, I will be working to make sure these kids and parents have the best beach vacation of their lives.”

Amber Jogie ‘16 has written a book, My Favorite Color. She is the most recent MPCS “Forever an Eagle” spotlight, sharing how her involvement with the MPCS community shaped her into the person she is today.

Mary Grace

(Burton) Bennett ‘17

is a volunteer advocate for the MPCS mission, serving on the Alumni Mission Partners committee. She is also a mentor to high school students through the goLEAD leadership program. And, she volunteers for Stonebridge Church, Compassion International, Military Community Youth Ministries, and the Marietta Azaleas Garden Club. “I aspire to lead by example by giving back to others,” she shared. “The Lord has given me the tools to serve in these communities. It’s not always easy giving of time, money, etc., but I do believe, as believers, we are called to a greater good – to love others. I can love people by supporting these organizations in the name of Christ.”

Trevor Brooks ‘18

After graduating salutatorian of the MPCS class of 2018, Trevor attended the Naval Academy. He is now an air defense control officer for the United States Marines Corps.

Banks Ethridge ‘18 volunteers as a mentor for the MPCS goLEAD leadership program.

David Gray ‘18 is part of the U.S. Military, serving with the United States Air Force. He shares that he loves serving in the military, including the structure it provides and the ability to travel to see new places. David was married last November and started introductory flight training (IFT) in Pueblo, Colorado, this February. In the span of eight weeks, he essentially learned how to fly safely and legally, including 35 flight hours during his training in a DA-20 aircraft to include soloing the plane. After graduating from the program in April, David moved to Del Rio, Texas, to begin undergraduate pilot training (UPT) for the next year and a half. He will fly the T-6, T-1, and T-38 and at the end of his training will graduate with his pilot wings.

Blake Chaput ‘18

After four years serving as a volunteer, Blake Chaput ‘18 joined Kane County Young Life in Illinois as a staff associate. “I feel a deep and dear burden for younger generations,” he said. “Growing up in the world we live in has so many challenges and distractions. I think it’s so easy for a young mind to get lost. I work for Young Life because I believe Jesus has a special place in His heart for young people, and that the truth and love and power of Jesus Christ is what most, if not all, teenagers are searching for, even if they don’t know it yet. I am leading two teams of volunteer leaders as we attempt to build relationships and share Jesus with high schoolers at Geneva high school and Batavia high school, both large public schools.” In addition to his role with Young Life, Blake is also a volunteer for MPCS through the Alumni Mission Partners committee.

Megan spends her Sunday mornings playing violin at Roswell Street Baptist Church. “Using my musical talent through playing in church is important to me and hopefully will bless someone else,” Megan shared. She also serves on the outreach committee of the MPCS Alumni Council and is a mentor for the goLEAD leadership program.

Nathaniel Raeder ‘18

During his four years at the Naval Academy, Nathaniel Raeder volunteered by serving as FCA co-president and on the worship team at the Naval Academy. He said, “I've loved my time at the Naval Academy. Each day here, I am surrounded by great men and women who inspire me to be better and who have helped me grow closer to the man that I believe the Lord has created me to be. The nature of the Academy, and the military in general, also allows us to try and give some of what we've learned from those who have gone before us to those who are coming after us, giving us ample opportunity to impact lives and influence others on the daily. Navy FCA has been one of the biggest blessings in my time here, and I can't speak enough on how our FCA director has impacted my walk with Christ.” Upon his graduation, Nate will be a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Suzy Buehler ‘19 is the events coordinator and Hand in Hand Buddy coordinator for First Presbyterian Church of Augusta. She also volunteers with high school juniors.

Emily Roberts ‘20

Hannah Cantwell ‘20 volunteers with Young Life at Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia, as a Young Life Leader.